Things I’m Not Taking Into 2025
As the year comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the habits, routines, and mindsets I’ve carried with me over the past year. Growth requires us to let go of what no longer serves us, and as I step into 2025, I’m focusing on my 2025 resolutions. From rethinking how I season food to deepening my connections with loved ones, here are the five things I’m choosing to release and what’s new for 2025 as I work on making this year better.
1. Over-seasoning Food with Too Many Pre-Mixed Seasonings
This first item may come as a random surprise, but it is nevertheless important. One thing I’m leaving behind is the overuse of pre-mixed seasonings. While these blends can be convenient, they often contain high levels of sodium and other additives, making it hard to control the salt intake in my meals. Cooking should be about balance and intention, and over-seasoning masks the natural flavors of the ingredients. Plus, the extra salt and additives will certainly wreak havoc and put me a step closer to heart disease and diabetes. These two chronic diseases run in my family, and both can be prevented with an intentional and diligent approach.
What I’m Doing Instead: I’m focusing on building flavor from scratch. Stocking individual spices and herbs like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin allows me to create custom blends tailored to my taste—without the hidden salt. Plus, controlling the seasoning ensures my meals are healthier and more vibrant, not to mention tailor made to my liking. Add to a reusable seasoning shaker, and the rest will be history!
Why It Matters: Overuse of sodium (salt) can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, but beyond that, I’ve learned that intentional seasoning brings a mindful approach to cooking—a step toward making this year better and savoring the process of creating nourishing meals. It’s much easier than you think, and my DIY all-purpose seasoning recipe is living proof.
DIY All Purpose Seasoning: In a reusable jar or shaker, mix 1/4 cup salt (fine), 1/4 cup garlic powder, 2 tablespoons each of paprika and black pepper. Adjust with other seasonings to suit your taste (e.g., cumin, cayenne, oregano, etc.). Mix well, and use to season chicken or other meats, or vegetables.
2. Last Year’s Skincare Routine
Our skin is constantly changing, and as we age, our skincare routines should evolve too. The routine that worked for me last year is no longer cutting it, and it needs an upgrade. As part of my 2025 resolutions, first, I’m analyzing my skin to decide what it needs; second, deciding which products or methods allow me to best address those needs; and third, talking with my dermatologist to confirm my plan makes sense. I’m also becoming more aware of the importance of regular skin exams to monitor moles and irregularities, even for those of us with deeply melanated skin.
What I’m Doing Instead:
- Updating My Routine: I’m consulting with a dermatologist to reassess my skin’s needs. Adding products with active ingredients like retinol or peptides for anti-aging, and incorporating heavier moisturizers for hydration, are my priorities.
- Daily Sunscreen: Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Regardless of skin color or tone, UV protection is essential to prevent sun damage and maintain healthy skin in the long-term.
- Annual Skin Exams: Scheduling a yearly visit with a dermatologist ensures early detection of potential issues. Skin health is for everyone, every skin tone and every skin type, and taking this step is a great way to honor my body.
Why It Matters: Skin is our largest organ and reflects how we care for ourselves. Adjusting my routine and committing to annual checkups aligns with my goal of prioritizing wellness and making this year better. Plus, there’s the added aesthetic bonus of gorgeous, glowing skin.
3. Prioritizing Others’ Comfort Over My Own Self-Care
In 2024, I often put others’ needs above my own. Whether it was saying yes to things I didn’t want to do or prioritizing others’ comfort over my well-being, I found myself drained and sometimes resentful. This year, I’m choosing a different path with my 2025 resolutions.
What I’m Doing Instead:
- Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no without guilt is a skill I’m cultivating. My time and energy are precious, and I’m giving myself permission to protect them.
- Prioritizing Myself No Matter What: Stretching is one of my personal self-care activities and, as long as it’s done tastefully and in the ‘right’ spaces, I plan to stretch whenever I get a chance – even in a quiet corner while waiting for my kid to finish his sports practice. (…but not in the checkout line at Target…)
- Scheduling Self-Care: Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book or a spa day, I’m making self-care non-negotiable. When I’m well-rested and fulfilled, I’m better equipped to show up for others. My non-negotiable is an annual spa trip for my birthday. I usually book only a massage then I spend at least an hour in the spa’s relaxation room with a favorite magazine or book. Most of my year is planned around my birthday spa day.
Why It Matters: Self-care is not selfish. Prioritizing my needs ensures I can be present and intentional in the relationships and commitments that matter most. Living a balanced lifestyle and focusing on what’s new for 2025 means finding harmony between giving to others and giving to myself.
4. Being Too Hard on Myself
For too long, I’ve measured my success against the achievements of others. This comparison trap often left me feeling inadequate and stuck. In 2025, I’m embracing a mindset of grace, focusing on taking life one step at a time.
What I’m Doing Instead:
- Celebrating Small Wins: Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. I’m learning to celebrate these moments instead of dismissing them.
- Practicing Self-Compassion: When things don’t go as planned, I’m choosing to be kind to myself. Mistakes are part of growth, not failures.
- Reframing Goals: My goals are now rooted in what’s meaningful to me, not based on someone else’s timeline. By focusing on my unique path, I’m creating a fulfilling life that reflects my values.
Why It Matters: Life isn’t a race. Giving myself grace and celebrating my progress helps me stay grounded and present, allowing me to truly savor life and all its ups and downs as I work on making this year better.
5. Ignoring the Life Stories of the Elders in My Life
One of my biggest realizations this year was how much wisdom is lost when we don’t take the time to listen to the elders in our lives. Their stories, experiences, and lessons are invaluable, yet I’ve often let these opportunities slip by. Now is the time to start asking questions and preserving legacy.
What I’m Doing Instead:
- Asking Questions: I’m intentionally setting aside time to sit with elders and ask about their childhoods, major life events, and the lessons they want to pass down.
- Recording Memories: Whether through journaling or voice recordings, I’m capturing these stories so they can be shared with future generations.
- Showing Gratitude: Simply expressing gratitude for their presence and wisdom is a way to honor their lives and contributions.
Why It Matters: These stories are a connection to our past and a guide for our future. By valuing and preserving their wisdom, I’m deepening my relationships and ensuring that the lessons of their lives are not forgotten. This is one of my most meaningful 2025 resolutions.
Moving Forward Into 2025
As I step into the new year, I’m excited to embrace these changes. Leaving behind habits that no longer serve me and adopting new ones that align with my 2025 resolutions is how I’m making this year better.
One focal point for this blog is to celebrate a unique lifestyle, sharing areas that can benefit others. Thank you for joining the mailing list and following on social media so that you can be part of the movement.
I hope these reflections inspire you to consider what you’re ready to release and what’s new for 2025. Let’s make this year one of growth, grace, and connection.
What are you letting go of this year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Stay seasoned,
Shauna
