I went to the grocery store over the weekend and was quite pleased to see how mainstream the (well-deserved) healthy halo of cottage cheese has become: all the shelves were sold out! Fortunately, we keep several containers in our fridge, so I am not going without it. Like cottage cheese has become a newly loved source of protein, according to social media, the trendy alternative to New Year’s resolutions this year is a list of “ins” and “outs.” In other words, identify what you would like more (and conversely less) of in 2025. I have decided to join in.
In:
- Reading books: 25 minutes a day in 2025 is reasonable.
- A bedtime routine: The older I get, the more challenging it is for me to “just fall asleep.” I want to set myself up for a good night’s sleep.
- Photo books: I have such great memories captured through photos on my phone. I want to (finally) create photo books to commemorate and share them.
- Sunscreen: It’s not that hard to put some on my face. Just do it, daily.
- Strength training: I added traditional weightlifting back to my workouts in the last part of 2024. It is the most efficient and effective way for me to maintain muscle mass. It’s good for longevity and health, yes, and also, I work out hard and admittedly want my body composition to reflect it.
Out:
- Bedtime scrolling: Several years ago, I deleted social media off my phone, but admittedly, I’ve filled the gap with unnecessary news, online shopping (mostly browsing), and other nonproductive bedtime procrastination. This is not the fulfilling sort of ‘me time’ and I know it!
- Fear of missing out (or FOMO): I made the decision to skip a holiday party this year that I previously found draining. I was proud to recognize that I was happier missing it and want to continue to consciously use my time and energy.
- Stuff: I’ve kept clothes I don’t wear and items we don’t use because “they’re in perfectly good condition” or “could come in handy someday.” I need to remind myself they are not spare parts on the farm. I want to donate them.
- Doubt: Being bold and true to myself regardless of what others may think is always the best route.
- Frustration: I am constantly overstimulated — short on time and generally falling short of the high expectations I set for myself. I want to feel more at peace with the things that seem like challenges today and not let the little things snowball. One day, I will miss them.
It seems like we were just starting 2024 but in reality, here we are a full year later. The days are long, but the years are short. Tomorrow is yet another consecutive snow day here. Our whole house has pent-up energy, and I’m currently wearing noise-canceling headphones while the boys play football in the living room and I try to somewhat focus at the dining room table. These are the happy golden days; I know I’m living them. I want to make the best of them.
The author grew up on a Florida dairy farm, obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida and has spent her career in dairy processing. She now serves as business development manager for North America with Bunge. Erin and her husband live in St. Louis, Mo., with their three children. Her personal mantra is “Be Bold.”
