A Slower, More Intentional Year

This year, I’m not making resolutions.

I’m choosing intention.

For me, intention feels quieter, more honest, and far more sustainable. It’s about living thoughtfully, slowing down, and making choices that truly support the life I want to live. My word for the year is live intentionally, and my personal reminder is simple but challenging: do the hard things.

One of the ways I’m practicing intention is through more conscious shopping. I want to be more mindful of what I bring into my home and my closet, choosing thrifted, secondhand, and pre-loved pieces whenever possible. Buying less, choosing better, and appreciating what already exists feels both grounding and responsible.

I’m also making space for reading again. My intention is one book a month, and if I can manage two, even better. I’m keeping this goal realistic and pressure-free. Reading should feel like nourishment, not another task to check off.

This year, I’m simplifying my approach to self-care. I’m doing my own hair and nails and allowing my hair to grow healthier without constant bleaching, while giving my nails a break from gels and chemicals. At this stage of life, I value my time, comfort, and flexibility more than sitting for hours in a salon or being tied to a schedule that no longer serves me. The cost, the chemicals, and the commitment simply don’t align with how I want to live.

I’m also intentionally consuming less media. Less television, less social media. It’s far too easy to lose entire days binge-watching shows or endlessly scrolling, and I’ve realized that kind of consumption leaves me feeling drained rather than fulfilled. I want to be more present in my own life.

Finally, I’m committing to learning something new. This year, I’m learning needlepoint and stepping outside my comfort zone by playing golf with my husband. Growth often asks us to try things we don’t feel immediately good at, and I want to say yes to shared experiences and new skills, even when they’re challenging.

This year isn’t about perfection or rigid rules. It’s about presence, intention, and choosing a life that feels meaningful and aligned. Living intentionally, and doing the hard things, because those are often the ones that lead to the most beautiful and fulfilling life.