Author: Susie Nelson | Owner of The Cycling Yogi
Some of my best thinking happens on walks here in Hawaii. There’s something about throwing on a random Spotify playlist—maybe some Taylor Swift, a little Elton John, and a sprinkle of AC/DC (yes, I have range)—that gets my brain firing. This morning, it was all about resolutions.
Now, let me be clear: I hate resolutions. Half of me thinks they’re stupid, and the other half—the toddler part of me—hates being told “no.” Some of you might remember my ill-fated attempt to swear off chocolate? Only for my husband to catch me knuckle-deep in a jar of Nutella two days later, muttering something like; “this isn’t chocolate.”
My superpower is justifying anything.
Anyway, back to this morning’s walk. Something about the air here makes me think bigger! I believe I could become a better person if I just lived in Hawaii full-time. Wake up, walk every day, magically turn into a zen goddess. I’d be grounded. Centered. You know, like the kind who pays her bills on time. A girl can dream.
So, resolutions. I started thinking about what I actually want for 2025. I don’t need to “become a better person,” (I mean…duh!! And, spoiler: we’re all already doing our best), but I do want to be more present. More grounded. More connected. Less of a stress mess. I want to enjoy life. Give myself a break. Take some time off. I want to stop trying to control every little detail and trust the process – whatever “the process” even is.
Let the magic happen.
I also want to pick my “word of the year.” Last year’s word was “Rise” (or was it “Purpose,”…”Thrive”? …who’s counting? No judgement.). This year? I’m still noodling on it, but it’s coming (and will clearly STICK and carry me through until this time next year!!!) But maybe that’s part of the process, too—taking a moment to reflect instead of rushing ahead.
And here’s where you come in: What’s your take on resolutions? Love them? Hate them? Ignore them entirely? Or maybe you’re a “word of the year” person like me. Whatever it is, I’d love to hear about it.
I think the reason I feel compelled to write this is because the start of a new year feels heavy with “shoulds.” But instead of aiming for perfection, maybe we just aim for connection. With ourselves, with others, with whatever drives us.
Here’s to finding our footing, wherever we are. And here’s to 2025. Let’s kick some ass.
Oh, and side note: I’ve discovered “Talking-to-text”. it is wild. I’m either the next great novelist or just someone who finds herself far too hilarious. Either way, you’re welcome for this masterpiece of nonsense..
