Hello and Happy New Year!
In past years, I have spent the slower days of the last week of the year reflecting and looking over old resolutions. This year, 2025 caught me by surprise. Even though I have *technically* been off work more days than not over the last week, I am in the middle of hiring a new music director (and restructuring the whole job!) and I’m on call for pastoral emergencies (of which there are a few) so it hasn’t been relaxing.
I’m feeling a little unreflective. Almost annoyed by the thought of reflecting. But also agitated at the idea of ignoring it. I have barely written anything that isn’t a sermon, a policy, or a job description in the last 10 months. I am frustrated by this, but also recognize I have only so much inspiration and time to dedicate to the process.
Plus, of course, there are all the anxieties and griefs of living in a world where mass violence and mass apathy complicate and burden any chance at joy.
Since turning 36, I am really feeling my age. Feeling that I may, in fact, be middle aged, at least by the definition of a generation ago. I know I’m still *young* by today’s standards, especially in the mainline church, but I am no longer feeling the same need for identity formation and self-actualization that propelled me toward consistent blogging over the past twelve years of Style Wise.
Still, I miss the old days where blogging meant a chance at authentic relationships and nuanced conversation. Where we weren’t so ruled by algorithms and AI and the loudest, shiniest, sell-outiest voices.
It was nice to open up WordPress, write something down, and feel that it meant something. I’m still haunted by the satisfaction of that brief, sweet moment in time when the internet was our oyster, and anything was possible and we idealistically believed everyone was valuable and we weren’t jaded enough yet to categorize everyone into distinct, ideological camps.
Due to massive updates to search algorithms and the rise of AI results (many of which are inaccurate!), the blog is basically dead. The internet is no longer a democracy. It’s just a capitalist hellscape.
Nevertheless, we persist.
With all that rambling out of the way, I thought I would take some time to look at my 2024 resolutions and list my 2025 goals, if only to look back at them next year.
Last year, I had 5 goals: get a job, keep reading for fun, spend more time outdoors, take up jogging, and cherish friendships and relationships.
I got a new job by early February (praise the Lord!) and Daniel and I moved to Austin. I really love my no-longer-new job, though it is a lot of work and has taken a long time to settle into. I have a lot of hope for the church, and the people I minister with and to give me hope for humanity. They remind me why it’s important to spend time in the world and in the neighborhood – they give me a sense of belonging and the drive to make living better and more equitable.
I kept reading, but it kind of fell off after a couple of duds. I do much better with short stories. I have spent more time outdoors. Not as much as I would like, but I went kayaking and plan to do more of that soon! Also went to Barton Springs pool, which was very refreshing during summer heat.
It is laughable that I kept jogging on the list since I had just fallen on my face while walking. I am still recovering from that incident. The nerve damage spasms/pain get worse when my allergies are acting up. But it was cool that I had no headaches for, like, 4 months because I couldn’t feel my forehead. I took a few Irish Dance classes earlier in the fall, which was great for building ankle strength, but I just couldn’t keep up with it. I’m currently thinking through alternatives for fun activities.
I am definitely cherishing my friendships and relationships, all the more because we moved again. I miss so many people in so many places. Grateful that we were able to travel to visit family in Florida and stay with longtime friends in Minneapolis! We have also been able to check in with some of the Houston crew.
5 Goals for 2025
Without further ado, here are my 5 Goals for 2025, submitted without commentary:
1 | Join a choir or musical group. No excuses. Make it work.
2 | Go outside more. Kayak, walk around the lake, take a hike, etc.
3 | Go on a 15-year anniversary trip (out of the country).
4 | Rest when it’s time to rest. Rest meaningfully. Stop making non-urgent things urgent.
5 | Prioritize time for friends and making new friends. Just say yes to activities that bring silliness and joy.
As far as sustainability and ethics goals, I have a few: 1. continue to build a fun, personal, and quality work wardrobe, 2. sign up for composting (finally), 3. eat more at home.
Ok, I have to admit, a little reflection felt good. How are you feeling about life, the world, reflection, a new year, etc.?
2 Comments
Reflection does feel good! I was all ready to plow right into 2025 without stopping, but at the last second decided to put pen to paper and jot down thoughts. I hope this sense of clarity stays with us through the year!
Thanks for your comment and for still blogging in this weird, dispersed social media landscape. Happy New Year!