25 things to embrace in 2025

Here is a concept to think about today, "If you want 2025 to be good, make it that way". I read that and thought what a great blog post. The article included some suggestions, I picked out the ones I liked, added some of my own and developed a list. Here are 25 thoughts that may help guide you to make 2025 one of your best years.    

1. Stop panicking, just let things happen. If you are someone who likes to panic this will be very difficult for you to do. I think what this is really saying is, let go of control. I have come to realize once I try to control a situation, the situation controls me. It takes on a life of its own, and before long I have lost all control of what I want.    

2. Do what you want to do. Go for it, learn a new language, change careers, go on that trip. Your worst enemy is hesitation. This is paramount in retirement, one simply never knows what is around the corner, so do it while you can. As we age, we tend to talk ourselves out of things. Maybe this is the time to talk ourselves into things. 

3. Be bold and confident, it is time to stop caring what others think of you. Be yourself, be loud, be bold and confident. Be uniquely you. I am hoping that I am not the only one that is not real clear on what my "uniquely you" may be.   

4. Nothing lasts forever; it will become a memory in time. It doesn't matter if it a good or bad situation, it will eventually be a distant memory.  

5. Live with no regrets. Make amends, learn from your mistakes and don't leave anything behind. What a perfect time to start "new". 

6. Money isn't as important as you think it is. I am writing about money over and above our basic needs. Money is a huge consideration when entering retirement. In the end it doesn't matter, you can't buy happiness or health. Enjoy your money.

7. Cherish the people in your life. Make sure they know how you feel about them. This is not only about family, but the people that have impacted your life. "Reach out" is the best thing anyone can do for others, especially if they are struggling.

8. Don't take tomorrow for granted. Life is unpredictable. Treat each new day as a blessing and a new start. 

9. Slow down and take things in stride. Things will fall into place - just let life unfold as it meant to.  

10. Enjoy every moment. The good ole days are happening and will eventually be a memory.

11. Accept that aging is difficult. Getting old is not meant to be easy. The reality is that you start to worry about health, who you will lose in your life, being lonely and the inability to turn back time. 

12. Don't rush love. Wait for the right person and the right person will find you.

13. Keep your sense of humor. Don't take things so seriously, laugh and have fun. We all need someone in our lives that can make us laugh so hard our laugh muscles hurt. 

14. Don't let your insecurities control you. We are our own worst critics. No one can criticize us like we can criticize ourselves. We make sure we are well aware of our own errors, but we never take the time to pat ourselves on the back when we do something amazing. 

15. Think of your life as one big movie. Think about the people and things that are in your movie. Would it be "R" rated, a thriller, a mystery, a love story or a documentary. 

16. Talk to strangers. The more you get out there and have random conversations with strangers the more you open up your world and learn from them. Opportunities will open up the more you talk. In the last year I have joined three new communities of people. I have to say my world has opened up so much just getting to know all the new people, what they believe in and how they choose to live. Their stories have inspired me so much.  

17. Don't be afraid of failing. Fear of failure is paralyzing. Holding back will cause you regret. It is amazing how people want you to be successful and they will help you become a success.  

18. Be patient, things probably won't unfold like you thought. Things will happen when they are meant to. Another favorite line of mine, "God gives you what you need, not what you want". I wish it was the other way around, but it isn't for a reason.  

19. Tie up loose ends. Having your paperwork in order is important at any age. We know our children aren't going to value our things like we value them. Maybe it is the year to deal with "the things". 

20. As long as you are alive it is never too late. Every day is a new beginning filled with endless opportunities. 

21. Do everything with determination. This is me; I seem to do everything in a big way. I have had some successes because of it, I have also had some epic fails.

22. Be your own best friend. If you aren't okay with your own company, try to find something you enjoy doing with yourself. 

23. Find a way to find a way. Nothing is impossible, just sleep on it before acting. Google search is at our fingertips, and we can certainly start there to find a solution. I am never good with feeling hopeless. 

24. Do things that make you proud and influence others. To have someone say "I liked what you said or did" is being influential. Let's face it, we have all been influenced by someone to get to the proud moments we have had. Acknowledging those people is a tribute to them.     

25. Don't put things off. The more you put things off the more they will never happen. 

Today, is the start of a new year. There are no promises it is going to be a good year. Some of you already know the year ahead will have challenges and difficult times that are out of your control. I hope you find the strength and courage that you will need to deal with them.  

After reading the list, would it be possible for you to embrace five of the twenty-five? We are responsible for our own happiness, peace of mind and contentment with our life. I hope today is the start of a wonderful 2025.