RESOLUTIONS, SHENANIGANS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. LET'S GO 2025!

A new year always feels like a fresh start, a blank page waiting to be filled with dreams, goals, and possibilities. For me, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year, acknowledge the lessons learned, and set intentions for the journey ahead. This year, I’ve decided to embrace growth and positive change by setting a series of resolutions that align with the person I aspire to be. Some are small habits I want to nurture, while others are bigger goals that challenge me to step out of my comfort zone. As I share these resolutions, I hope to inspire you to reflect on your own aspirations and take a step toward the life you envision. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, I don’t judge), and let’s dive into my quirky, chaotic, and hopefully achievable plan for 2025. Let’s go! 

Read More

In 2024, I discovered how transformative reading can be. The more I read, the better I became not just in terms of knowledge but also in perspective. I noticed myself being less judgmental and more positive about life. Of course, life gets busy, and there are days when it feels impossible to squeeze in time to read but again, reading is a choice and this year, I’m learning to prioritize it. I’ve also shifted my reading preferences, moving from sci-fi to motivational books, and I couldn’t be happier. These books have offered lessons that resonate deeply with my experiences. I even bought a new bookshelf. Now, it’s packed with books that make me think, grow, and laugh. Some of them are so impactful, that I’ve already read them twice! I might just need a bigger shelf soon.

 

Drink More

Water is the key to a healthy body, a clear mind, and a better life, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Back in the day, I drank a lot but it wasn't water. It was sugary, calorie-packed drinks that left me grumpy and more prone to getting sick. But those days are behind me now. Currently, plain water is my go-to. It's boring but brilliant. Literally my ride-or-die drink, anytime, anywhere. It’s a habit I’ve been working on since 2023, and two years later, I’m feeling better than ever. But here's the thing, I don’t always get my daily water intake right. Last year, I bought this giant, fancy tumbler to keep me motivated, 1.5 liters of pure water bliss! Except, it ended up chilling on the kitchen shelf, completely unused. Classic me. Not this year, though. 2025 is the year of the tumbler comeback. I’m determined to actually use it and crush my water goals!

 

Speak More

Believe it or not, I’m all in on vlogging. There’s something magical about watching people live their lives, from their jobs to relationships, family drama to quiet moments. It’s not about seeking attention, it’s about creating something I can look back on when I’m older. Time isn’t forever, and I want to cherish every single moment, every laugh, every memory, every person who’s walked in and out of my life. Vlogging feels like a noble act to me. I’ve got to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of talking to the camera. I’d much rather have a real conversation with a real person. But I’ve figured that putting it on camera makes me appreciate the conversation even more. It’s like capturing the essence of a moment, making me reflect on it in a deeper way. I may not have the best equipment yet, but I’ll start with what I’ve got. As time passes, I’ll evolve, grow, and get better at it.

  

Write More

I’m pretty sure it’s no secret how much I love writing. That’s why I have a blog. For me, blogging isn’t just a hobby, it’s an outlet, a platform, and a way to share bits and pieces of my life with the world. While it might seem like a hassle to some, for me, it’s a release. Writing helps me express my thoughts, my goals, and the direction I’m heading in. I don’t always reveal the details of how I plan to get there, but I make it clear where I want to end up. We can only plan and hope, but with enough determination, nothing stands in our way unless it’s part of a bigger plan. Life has been hectic, and I’ve got a lot going on, but writing is always a priority. It never feels like a burden, it’s something I genuinely enjoy. This year, I’m excited to write more about my evolving perspective on life – as an adult, a married woman, a part-time student, and a daughter with aging parents. With my 20s quickly coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how these years have shaped me and where I’m headed as I approach 30.

 

Learn More

Education has always been my cornerstone in life. It’s the ultimate power move. You can never go wrong with seeking knowledge. The more you learn, the sharper your mind becomes. The higher you climb, the broader your perspective grows. It’s the secret sauce to success. Plain and simple. Like it or not, the system won’t change for you, so you’ve got to play by its rules and that’s just the way it works. I wrapped up my Bachelor’s degree in 2020 and jumped straight into the working world. But within a year, I felt stuck. Sure, I had career goals, but I wanted something that felt like mine, a win I could really own. So, in 2021, I dove into a Master’s program and proudly walked away with that degree in 2023. After taking a much-needed break (hello, post-grad recovery), I leveled up again, starting a PhD in 2025. When that acceptance came through, I was floating. Proud? Yes. Grateful? Beyond. Overwhelmed? Absolutely. It felt like the perfect gift not just for me, but for my husband, parents, and family, who have supported me every step of the way. Now, I’m in my first semester, and I couldn’t be happier. The grind is real, but so is the glow-up. This is my moment, and I’m making it count.

 

Cook More

Cooking has officially become my thing. From Western dishes to fusion creations, salads to snacks, I’ve surprised myself with how much I’ve improved. There’s nothing better than seeing people enjoy my food, especially my husband. Knowing all the sweat (literally), onion-induced tears and fiery stove moments paid off is the best feeling ever. This year, I’m stepping up my game, aiming to cook more so my husband can take homemade lunches to work. Recently, I hosted my first-ever New Year’s party, serving Aglio Olio for starters and corn pudding for dessert. It was a hit! I nailed the seasoning, nothing too spicy, salty, or sweet, and everything was perfectly cooked on the first try. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? 100%. Having people over to check out my home (and, of course, meet my cat, Lily) was so much fun. It’s also great motivation to keep the house neat and organized. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like coming back to a tidy space, it’s an instant mood booster and makes me so happy.

Reflect More

As I get older, I’ve come to realize how crucial empathy is. It humbles you down, lowers your ego, and makes you truly understand what others might be going through. I may lead an average life but I still have food on my table, water to drink, clothes to wear, and shoes to walk on, I have plenty to be thankful for. Too often, when we see someone struggling, we rush to judgment instead of helping. We complain daily, fixate on what we don’t have, and overlook the blessings in front of us. That’s human nature. But this year, I want to be different. I want to stop judging without knowing someone’s story. Honestly, I’m no one to judge. I’m just as imperfect as the next person. Taking the time to reflect on my own mistakes is what keeps me grounded. It’s a reminder that understanding and kindness are far more powerful than criticism. This year, I chose empathy.

 

Exercise More

Fitness and I have had quite a rollercoaster relationship. The math is simple, stay active, stay healthy but let’s be real, following through isn’t always easy. Back in 2023, just before my wedding, I was on fire. Running, hitting the gym, watching my diet, it was all about getting into shape for the big day, and I nailed it. I felt confident, proud, and honestly, pretty unstoppable. Then life happened. Work took over, routines unraveled, and my once-active lifestyle fell apart. I stopped exercising regularly, swapped healthy habits for late-night snacking, and let’s just say my fitness game is fizzled out. My body isn’t in terrible shape, but it’s far from where I want it to be, and that realization stings. This year, though, it’s all about redemption. I’m ready to sweat again. My work schedule is 9 to 6, and by the time I’m home at 6:30, the plan is to squeeze in at least half an hour of gym time and another half an hour on the running track. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good. All I need now is a solid dose of determination, and then I'm good to go.

 

Organised More

I’m not exactly what you’d call “organized.” In fact, I’m probably the most chaotic person you’ll meet. Just take a peek at my table, and you’ll understand the vibe. It’s messy, it’s cluttered, and honestly, it’s been my personality for as long as I can remember. But I’ve been dying to change this habit. I want to be that person who’s got their life together, whose desk isn’t a battlefield, and whose room doesn’t look like a tornado just passed through. So, this year, I’m making it happen. I’m turning “chaos me” into “neat me.” My work desk, bedroom, and all the spaces I touch are going to be tidy and organized. Yes, it sounds ambitious maybe even a little over-the-top but that’s what resolutions are for, right? Go big or go home, and I’m going big on this one!

 

Pray Together More

Since getting married, my husband and I have made it a point to pray together at least once a day. We usually choose Isya’ from the five daily prayers, and it’s become such a cherished part of our routine. There’s something incredibly special about those moments, not just the love I feel, but the deep sense of calm and peace that comes with it. The way my husband leads the prayer melts my heart every time. It brings me closer to him, strengthens our bond, and makes me wish he could be mine forever. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but that’s honestly how it feels. Recently, I shared with him how much these moments mean to me, and we decided to increase our prayers together from once to twice a day. I couldn’t be happier! I genuinely look forward to every prayer we share. Our cat, Lily, never misses a chance to join us as our adorable little observer. She’s such a sweetheart!

 

Read Quran More

I genuinely believe that the key to a happy marriage lies in doing things together. One of the greatest blessings of marriage, to me, is having someone who guides you not just in everyday life but also mentally, physically, and spiritually. This year, I’m making it a priority to read the Quran at least once a week. Yes, life can get busy, and there are days when finding the time feels impossible, but isn’t it a bit ungrateful to chase the blessings we’ve been given while ignoring the One who gave them to us? I’m not trying to appear overly pious. I just want to deepen my connection with my faith and go beyond being a practicing Muslim. My goal is to lead a life that’s truly blessed for myself and my family, and I believe there’s no better way to achieve that than by fulfilling my responsibilities to the One.

 

Procrastinate Less

I’ll admit it, I’m a serious procrastinator. I lose focus way too easily and spend way too much time with my phone. Whenever there’s work to do, I somehow end up scrolling endlessly or watching videos instead of getting things done. It’s not like I’m proud of it. In fact, it’s been driving me nuts! I’ve tried tackling this habit since last year, and while I’ve made some progress, it’s nowhere near enough to make me stop. So, in 2025, I’m making this a priority. No more excuses. It’s time to level up, ditch the distractions, and take control of my time!

 

Finally, as I step into this new year, my resolutions are more than just goals, they are a reflection of who I want to become and the life I want to build. While the journey won't always be smooth, I am committed to embracing progress over perfection, celebrating small wins, and learning from setbacks. To anyone reading this, I hope you’re inspired to set your own resolutions, big or small. Remember, every step forward counts. Let’s make this year filled with growth, gratitude, and meaningful change. We can do this!