The sun is setting on 2024, and it’s time to think about the new year.  After political tension, hurricanes, economic woes, and infighting in the country, we have an opportunity to make 2025 better.  We will never have that much control over Mother Nature, but we do have control over our plans and focus in the new year.  We the people, of the country of the United States, need to come together and work together toward some common goals.  There are many things we can do in the new year to make our lives better, no matter what happens with politics or the economy. 

First, let’s stop buying stuff we don’t need.  There is so much marketing these days is to convince us to buy things we don’t need.  As I wandered the stores for the little shopping I did at Christmas time, I couldn’t help but think that the stores are part of the increase in storage facilities.  We need a place to manage all our stuff.  I love to look at older homes and I’m always surprised to realize how much our focus has changed to stuff.  There was generally little storage in older homes because they didn’t have the stuff that we do today.   I can look around my house and I know I’m guilty.  I have so much stuff I have but don’t use or need, but I thought I did in the moment.  Take a year and buy what you need.  Put the rest in a bank account and enjoy the  peace of mind of building your savings and not your credit card debt.

Next, take better care of yourself.  Self-care is so important but often it is not the focus.  Think about the last time you put your phone down and took a little time to just enjoy the moment.  If you are asked to remember the last thing you did for yourself, would you have an answer?  When I talk about self-care, I don’t mean being ready for a selfie.  I’m talking about taking care of your soul, your happiness, and your ability to feel safe.  Take some time and take good care of yourself.  Be happy with who you are, without makeup.  Be happy with who you are because you genuinely care about others.  Be happy with who you are because you work hard.  Just know that your self-care will be important in the new year as you work on your happiness.

The last thing for today is to live within your means.  As I read articles recently, so many people are in debt, with credit card debt or loans that make it hard to save money every month.   Many people are thousands of dollars in debt without the income to manage it.  As the costs have increased, so has spending and that spending often ended up on credit cards.  It seems to be the American way, but that spending and that debt puts our happiness at risk.  For this next year, find a way to live within a budget, and that budget needs to include putting money away every month in savings.  Never forget to pay yourself too.  It’s good self-care.

2025 doesn’t have to be a bad year.  You can work on some simple goals to improve your life and your happiness.  Take steps to care for yourself, lower your debt, and increase your savings account.  Don’t worry about stuff, focus on your self-care.  There are so many things that you can do to improve your life that don’t cost money.  Make this year the year you try them.  At the end of the year, you may surprise yourself by how good you feel.  It’s all part of being happy, for life.