I’ve never been a fan of “New Year’s Resolutions.” For me, that long list of unreachable and unrealistic goals has been a recipe for failure. And I’m really good at beating myself up when I don’t accomplish the things I had high hopes for.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve decided to cut myself some slack. Try not to add too many anxiety causing things onto my already overflowing plate of expectations for myself. This is oftentimes easier said than done.

A few years ago I decided to choose one or two words to work on for the year. Some of those have been, “be the LIGHT,” “serve,” “forgive,” “let go,” “move forward,” “have fun,” “don’t worry,” and “relax.” I briefly thought about “simplify” once, but then laughed and chose a different word. I don’t think that word will ever be part of my vocabulary. 😊

My goal for 2025 is to “have courage.” Last year I tried some things that took a lot of courage, and ya know what? Scary as that was for me, I ended up having a blast! I made some new lifelong friends in places I never expected I would go in the world. I want to accomplish more of those types of things this year. I want to pursue my passions, and say yes more than I say no.

Over the past couple weeks I’ve been gathering quotes, and affirmations to help me stay positive, lessen the anxiety level, serve others, and enjoy life doing the things that make me happy . . . which I’m still trying to figure out as well!

As we work to build ourselves into the people we want to be, it’s important to surround ourselves with those who cheer us on, build us up, love us warts and all, support us even when we fall, and love us for who we are.

In return, we can do the same for them!

Pay the goodness forward! These are all things that create LIGHT!

I’m sharing some great quotes and affirmations I’ve found, and hope you find hope and LIGHT in the year to come from them.

The challenge this week is to give yourself some grace. Choose one or two things that are challenging, yet attainable and manageable to work on in the year to come.