New Year, New Horizons: The power of a Fresh start!

My life has been a rollercoaster since 2016. There were moments when I felt like I was barely hanging on a thread. I was watching everything around me fall apart and for a moment it felt like I was to blame. I hit rock bottom more times than I can remember, times I realized those were who were supposed to have my back and felt alone...then saw who stayed with me this whole time. In moments like these, it made me realize how far I have come on my journey, and how much self-discovery I have learned over the years. The loss of betrayal came with new strength and determination. It reshaped my thinking about the meaning of trust, friends, and family. So I'm going to make it happen this year.

For years, saying “This is going to be my year- felt like a hidden curse setting me up for failure and disappointment. Life always found a way to throw unpredictable challenges that became harder to face and more draining to deal with. But this year my mother gave me a new perspective, helping me shift my mindset with a simple phrase:” This year is going to be about productivity”. It resonated with me and now it’s this year's motto. I have a long list of accomplishments I would like to achieve and I am going to make it truly count.

Recently, I got myself a monthly planner to track my accomplishments this year. It’s a great way to keep myself focused and hold myself accountable for my progress. I’ll be honest - I struggle with holding myself accountable, especially when it comes to tasks, goals and wishlists. I often find myself putting it off until late that day, for example, I didn’t even make my 2025 goals until 8 pm on December 31st. I have thought about it but I never follow through about it. So I grabbed some tools to help keep me on track.

Alright, lets take a break from the backstory- let's get to the good stuff! Here are the six goals that I would love to accomplish this year!

Goal Number 1 Save up for a vacation

Usually, whenever my family and I go somewhere it’s for a reason- To support a friend or run an errand but we never really had the chance to relax or explore while travelling.

This year I’m making it my goal to save enough money for a vacation with my family. I want it to be an exciting trip. Just for us-no responsibilities or obligations, It’s all for pure enjoyment and an opportunity to make memories. I plan on booking a week-long holiday during the summer where we can visit places like an aquarium, try new restaurants and explore new sights!

It may not sound like much to others but for my family? I know we’ll have an amazing time. That’s all I want for us

Goal Number 2 Earn My Driver's Liscense.

I’m already halfway there on this goal. My goal for this year is a car, I been putting it off mostly because I have been focusing on my education and life has been distracting me a bit. Or I just don’t have the energy to keep up with all the work.

But this year for keeping up with my goal and making it about productivity. I’m determined to complete my online course to make my dream a reality. I do have an idea of what car I am looking for. However, I am reminding myself to think about the present and not the future.

My best friend and I have been talking about road trips, and my family likes to joke around about waking me up at 2 AM for a drive around or a spontaneous adventure. I know I won’t be able to do any of that until I finish my online course.

So this year I’m pushing myself to get my driver's license. It’ll make life easier for my friends, my family and myself.

Goal Number 3 Get a start on my career.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m currently enrolled in a program to break into the IT industry (Information Technology). I’ll admit it does feel overwhelming sometimes learning about the computer operating systems, how to work with Linux and how to troubleshoot problems. However this program is helping me develop the skills I need to enter a new field.

I remind myself I choose this path because it challenges my mind, making me think outside the box. As much as it is exhausting I do feel a sense of satisfaction. Five years ago, I never thought I would have what t takes to get here but now? I am proud how far I came to get here.

Goal Number 4 Make new friends

I will admit, I am an introvert. I don’t usually attend events or social gatherings. I have a limited social battery and I tend to drain out of battery easily. Because of this I never expanded my social circle.

But after everything that’s happened since 2016, the drama and the trauma combined I noticed that I feel a tad isolated and I would love to have more people to connect to.

Don’t get me wrong I do have friends! I love them dearly, but I been thinking maybe a few more connections wouldn’t be so bad. It would give me more people to talk to and to get myself out there more.

Goal number 5 take care of my mental health.

This is something I consider essential to everyone here in 2025. Mental Health. I noticed that I had been feeling completely drained and wondered if all my hard work was even worth it. Like do I quit the program? Would it make a difference if I kept going?

I always joke about my trauma and make light of it…but recently I’ve noticed people reacting with concern: Like “Are you okay?” or “You…went through that?” and “Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve helped you out”...Yeah this was my wake up call to take the time to focus on my mental health.

I tried to take steps, like buying yarn, getting a journal, having my favourite snacks and playing some video games. Here’s the twist. Not once did I ever use them to relax. Do you know what my motto is? It’s about productivity! So it’s time to change that and take care of myself.

Goal Number 6...Get my cats back

As I mentioned from the beginning, life’s been a rollercoaster. I had two cats that I love dearly and my family did too. One cat favours my sibling and the other, well she loves everyone. I do remember she and I had a close bond…she’s special to me. It’s almost been a year since I last held her. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see or hold her until I get a permanent home. It feels so close yet it feels so far away.

I’ll admit I haven’t been the same without her. I missed the days when she woke me up at 2 in the morning because that was the time of her Zoomies. Or how she would hear my alarm in the morning and rush over to greet me and wake me up. At night she would crawl in bed to snuggle me…

I miss her a lot. My hope for 2025 is that we’ll be reunited. I just hope she still remembers me. Because I love her dearly

So, that is all my goals for the year 2025! Shifting my mindset to “This year is about productivity!”. I am eager to work hard and make it happen. I hope you enjoy reading about them. I’d love to know what is on YOUR goal list this year? Feel free to drop a comment on my story. I can’t wait to read them and I’ll cheer you on in the background!

Happy New Year!!