But first to get us in the right mindset…

3 New Habits I am Keeping in 2025

#1 Morning Walks 

I used to be wistful about living a slower pace of life, and imagined myself in the Provence or the English countryside. One day, I asked myself what I could begin doing to make myself feel that I was leading that life RIGHT NOW. What would I be doing differently there from my life in Brooklyn? 

The answer for me was spending time in nature. Enter: the daily morning walk.  

I took stock of what I had right under my nose, McGolrick Park, and started embarking on daily walks. This got me outside early in the morning, getting my early dose of sunlight to kick the day off on the right foot. This was especially important to me as I don’t get a lot of natural light in my apartment. Once I reached the park, I would sit and read and journal (see habits #2 and #3 below).  

I don’t do this as much now that it’s gotten colder, but I do head out of my apartment into my local coffee shop and use this as my wintery space for daily reflection.

#2 Journaling 

Writing is my form of meditation, I’ve learned this year. I’ve tried guided and unguided meditations, and ultimately the thing that has worked and stuck with me is journaling. I write down quotes I like. I ruminate. I think, I dream, I capture moments in time. It took a while to get here, but now it’s one of my favorite daily habits. I have gone back to writing in a physical journal when I can, but I also create a yearly Google Doc to capture my thoughts when I’m on the go.

#3 Daily Reading

This past January, I discovered my mom’s copy of Journey to the Heart. After looking through that day’s meditation and sifting through the pages, I immediately went and ordered one for myself. These are short, poignant life lessons, reminders, and messages for the soul. There is one entry per day, which I like to read this in the mornings (before my journaling). So many times, the message is exactly what I needed to hear at that point in time.  

I cannot wait to go through another 365 days re-reading this book and seeing which messages resonate with me this time around.  

5 Things I Want to Do More of in 2025

#1 Be Present & Spend Time with Loved Ones

The lessons I’m reading, hearing, and experiencing over and over again point to this:  

• Enjoying the Present Moment 

• Connections & Community 

 Let’s not wait until it’s too late to learn this lesson too.  

Nobody lies on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time working, had a bigger house, not taken risks, or not followed their heart.  

My goal for 2025 if to continue being more present, and prioritizing the things that matter.

#2 Digital & Dopamine Detox 

I recently made my phone into a “modern dumb phone” (check out this video here), and am taking other next steps to take back control of my time, attention, and focus. Here are some simple, actionable steps you can take to improve your focus (“Rich in Productivity”). 

This podcast episode really highlighted to me my addiction to being busy.

#3 Say ‘No’ More 

It’s taken a while to realize that I cannot and should not do everything. Taking on a new task or project comes at the expense of something else. This has also become an important learning as I’ve moved to being self-employed. The words ‘perfectionist’ and ‘people pleaser’ are ones I used to identify with. Embracing the power of “No” more is a paradigm shift for me.

I’ve been enjoying Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - here is an excerpt that resonated with me: 

#4 Daily Movement

I’ve set up an accountability partnership with my best friend to do 5 minutes of exercise at least 5x/week. The goal is to make this a habit that is small and achievable, even on the busiest of days. And if it’s more than 5 minutes, win! This is also helping me work on my identity, because the two most powerful words we tell ourselves are “I am.” I am an active person. I am someone who works out each day.

If you’ve read James Clear’s Atomic Habits - you will recognize some of these tools for building new habits and creating lasting change.

#5 Support Local Businesses and Artists & Embrace Old Things 

There’s something really special about inviting a handmade or pre-loved piece into your home. I’m entering my “make it feel like it’s been here forever” era and loving the blend of old and new. You can see this play out in my latest favorite interiors show to watch: For the Love of Kitchens (obsessed!).

I am thrilled to have discovered the work of new artists this past year via the Starling Club community (founded by Jamie Beck) and good ol’ Instagram. I have also recently discovered these gorgeous collections of antiques, which I love, love love! The curated nature of these collection drops is helping to ease my way into procuring older pieces, and is a bit dangerous and addicting, ha!

Small businesses make me so happy, which I will continue to highlighting here in future newsletters.

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 Unless otherwise credited, all photography is original :)