Embrace the New Year

OK, so you made it through the holidays – opened your gifts, returned some items, put away the decorations and are now settling into embrace 2025. Whether you sleep in (have breakfast in bed!!) or wake up early, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the new year. 2024 was certainly a challenging year for many, but you can start 2025 off on the right foot by making the most of it. It will take some planning, and effort on your part, but I know you’ll enjoy this checklist. Thanks to gardenary.com, and supercook.com for the info. Enjoy!

1. Host a party – nothing fancy, unless that’s your thing, but just pick a date, gather up some food and drinks, and invite friends and/or neighbors over. Pick a new beverage to try, and some fun food that’s effortless (pizza, Chinese or just something delivered). Add a new group game, put on some tunes, and have a blast.
2. Plant something – there are so many sites you can visit to get a jump on spring plantings – here’s a fun site to get you going. Baby them until there ready for planting, and get the kids or grandkids involved too.
3. Visit a local museum or symphony – I’m blessed to live in NE Ohio, with amazing museums and music just a click away. Pick a day and head out, Treat you and your others to lunch or dinner, and sock up the local fare.
4. Early Morning Walks – I’m an early bird by nature, and love to get up and get out. I love watching the sun come up and being down by the water. Treat yourself to some new walking shoes and pants, layer up and head out.
5. Clean your closets – if you are like me, your closet (and garage) can use some love. Ditch all of your “might need it) items. Take EVERYTHING out and be dutiful in getting rid of those things you just don’t need (This one really applies to me!!). Make piles, and then when done, swing by your local church or Goodwill Store and drop them off. When you come home, you’ll feel good, and then get to enjoy clean closets and a sparking new garage. Next weekend, do the shed! (and then the pantry).
6. Cook with what you have – open the fridge and pantry, notice what you have on hand, and then hit the internet for a new recipe. Supercook is a blast – just type in items, and it will find recipes to match – explore and try it!  Jackie calls these my take on FUSIONS!!
7. Try a new workout – it’s the year to add some new stretches and exercises to your routines. Pick a body part you want to improve, and find some exercises specific to that area – with the holidays over, we could all work to lose a few lbs.
8. Cozy up with a new book (or commit to finishing the ones you started) – it’s so easy to find a book – amazon, search, pick and read. Make sure you have a comfy go to spot in the house, a good over the shoulder light, and if you can start a fire,  If you are an audio file person, download a new book, and head out for a walk. I promise you’ll feel better with your personal quiet time.
9. Volunteer – sounds easy, but with our crazy lifestyles, it’s tough. Check what’s needed at the local church, senior center or community house. You’ll be surprised how many organizations need you
10. Make time to pray – no matter your affiliation, reflection and prayer will fill you with graces. Wash away the things that made ’24 a challenge and start anew. 

BONUS: Do nothing. Set aside some time to “do nothing” – no plan, meeting, task, or project. Let you imagine flow, and if you see something that needs attention, go for it. You can check it off the list (didn’t even know it was on there) and smile.