2025: The Year of Resilience

"New Year, New You" isn't what we need right now

2024 was A Lot™ and the last thing any of us need is another generic feaux inspo resolutions post. What we actually need? A game plan for building resilience. Not just surviving, but becoming stronger, more capable, and ready for whatever 2025 throws our way.

I've mapped out my own plans across four areas that feel especially crucial: nurturing our minds and relationships, strengthening our bodies (spoiler: it's not about getting smaller), reclaiming our digital lives, and securing our financial foundation. Consider this less of a resolution list and more of a gentle blueprint for navigating these wild times (gestures wildly around the space).

Personal Growth & Connections

First up: feeding our minds and hearts.

I'm done with the endless scroll of hot takes and rage bait. Instead, I'm going back to basics: actual books. Not for the sake of hitting some arbitrary reading goal, but to carve out space for deeper thinking and sustained focus – something we could all use more of these days.

My strategy is simple but intentional. This year, my local library – a magical spot nestled in the redwoods – will become my second home. When I do buy books, I'm supporting indie bookstores instead of feeding the Amazon beast. I'm returning to comfort reads that feel like old friends (I've got three that never fail me), while also diving into authors who really get it, like Gabor Maté on trauma and healing, and John Amaechi on identity and growth.

Building resilience isn't a solo sport. This past year taught me that personal growth multiplies when we build strong communities around us. Here's how I'm showing up:

I'm focusing on building connections that go beyond surface-level social media interactions. That means creating safe spaces for real talk and mutual support, whether through shared locations or interests. Most importantly, I'm sharing my journey and inviting others to join me as I upskill and grow.

Because let's face it – it’s not just what we know, but how we show up for each other.

Physical Health

The following will not be a weight loss sermon. I'm proposing something entirely different: Ladies, 2025 is the year we all strive to get strong AF.

When you're a woman, the script is constantly get smaller, lighter, thinner. So let's flip it. My 6'6" causasian husband jokes, that though he may not exactly blend in most of the world, he's exceptionally hard to kidnap.

So it got me thinking - I'd like to be harder to push around.

The truth is, building strength isn't just about aesthetics or even health (though your muscles, bones, and hormones will thank you). It's about taking up space unapologetically. Making time to go the gym. To be in the weight room, to use the squat rack.

Instead of making you bulky, building strength makes you a badass. Have heavy groceries? No problem. Moving the couch? Easy. Harder to kidnap? Absolutely.

Seeing more women in the weight room fills me with so much quiet joy. Even this introvert makes it a point to share eye contact and a knowing nod. I see you. We're done minimizing ourselves.

Not ready for the weight room? That's perfectly ok. Prioritize moving your body in ways that make you feel strong and capable. Maybe that's a daily walk (bonus points for multitasking with a true crime podcast), a dance class (bonus points for community and connection), or whatever movement brings you joy.

Move toward strength.

Digital Health: Reclaiming Our Online Lives

Speaking of taking up space and protecting ourselves - let's talk about our digital lives. They need some serious boundaries in 2025. Not just because doom-scrolling is exhausting (it is), but because our online presence has real-world implications for our safety and wellbeing.

I'm done with the rage bait and endless discourse. My feeds are getting a complete overhaul – give me all the cat videos, actually helpful food videos, and stories about people making the world better. My mental health deserves at least that much.

But the bigger shift? I'm implementing a Tech Sabbath every Sunday. No screens, no notifications, just being present with my people and the physical world around me. If creativity strikes, it'll be pen and paper. Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.

Now for the serious stuff: digital privacy. As someone who cares about women's safety online, I'm taking this more seriously than ever. Here's what that looks like for me:

• I'm switching to Signal for private conversations (sorry Apple, but iMessage isn't quite cutting it)

• All my DMs are set to disappearing mode (nobody needs a permanent record of our emoji reactions)

• I've switched to Arc browser for better privacy protection

• A reliable VPN is non-negotiable (I use NordVPN, but I'm seriously considering Proton VPN)

And ladies, let's talk about health tracking. Those apps collecting data about our bodies? In a post-Roe world, we need to be especially vigiliant about what we share and where we share it. If you must track your cycle, consider EU-based apps like Clue, or better yet, go old school with pen and paper. Some things don't need to live in the cloud.

The internet isn't going anywhere, but we can be smarter about how we use it. It's about creating digital spaces that serve us, not drain us – and protecting ourselves while we're at it.

Financial Health

Just as we're setting digital boundaries, we need to fortify our financial ones. 2025 is looking expensive for everyone, and prices aren't getting friendlier. Time to get strategic with our $$$.

If you've been eyeing essential purchases - especially tech or appliances - consider making those moves sooner rather than later. And ladies, let's be extra practical here: stock up on medications, especially contraceptives. (Yes, I'm saying this in every section because it matters that much.)

When you do need to buy things, get creative. I've found absolute gems on Facebook Marketplace, especially for clothes. It's wild what people in your area are selling for a fraction of retail price. And remember how we talked about supporting indie bookstores? That goes for all local businesses. Keeping money in your community isn't just good karma – it's good economics.

It's also the time to take a look at your subscriptions. The ones hiding in your monthly statements. The little bits add up. Cancel the ones you don't use. Put that money toward paying down debt or building an emergency fund instead. If you've got those two covered, invest. You get to play the game - and benefit - , too.

If you can't do that or spend conscientiously, then beef up on financial literacy.

Let's talk about the unsexy but crucial foundation of financial resilience: documentation. Your social security card, birth certificate, and passport aren't just papers – they're your freedom kit, your backup plan, your ticket to opportunities. If your passport is approaching expiration, start the renewal process now. Not next month. Now.

And if you've been sitting on a business idea or thinking about ways to diversify your income? 2025 might be your year. Having multiple income streams isn't just smart – it's increasingly necessary. Start small if you need to, but start.

I know it reads as a lot. You don't need to tackle it all at once. Pick what resonates most right now. Maybe it's finally claiming your turn at the squat rack. Maybe it's taking control of your digital privacy. Maybe it's building that emergency fund. Start there.

Find your momentum.

Here's to getting stronger together in 2025

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