My 3 things I did with gusto in 2025

At the start of 2025 I read an article that said to do three or four things with gusto instead of trying to do a bunch of things and end up with all of them not successful. I have always thought of myself as a gusto kind of person. I am all-in when it comes to an idea about lifestyle or organizing an event. At the start of the year, way back in January, I started writing this post. I felt it would be perfect for an end of the year blog. I added a bit from time to time, and when I was ready to finish it, I thought this is not gusto, this is a mess. The meaning of gusto is "enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation". That definition was not even close to what I had written. I wanted to stay true to myself and finish what I started, which meant I needed to rethink this post and do considerable rewriting. So, as lame as it is, here is my gusto. What you are about to read is 3 subtle changes I have made throughout the year, not with gusto but with appreciation.  

                         

1. Allow myself to express my opinion:

I am sure this is of a surprise since I post a blog twice a week, steeped with my opinion. It is easy to write an opinion; it is another thing to express it in a discussion. I have noticed that I am voicing my opinion more. I used to think it was easier to say nothing, if I felt I didn't have the knowledge to support what was being discussed. There are strong topics out there, politics would probably be at the top of the list. Most people have already formed an opinion on politics and clearly there is no changing their minds. I listen to the news more and try to keep myself informed. I rely on "knowledge is power" when I take on a political or worldly conversation. I have noticed that I take on discussions that I never would have before. It seems the person that talks the loudest and longest feels like the winner of the conversation. I have rules for myself when in a discussion. Always keep it respectful or get out of the conversation. Start by saying, "I don't know a whole lot about this, but here are my thoughts". I always use the word "I" when speaking, that is the least confrontational. 

                                

2. Believe in myself:

I have a good understanding of what I can and cannot do. In reflection, believing in myself was probably what I did with the most enthusiasm. I think it all started in February when I was planning a trip to Vancouver. I had to get from the airport to a B&B downtown. For some reason this whole process took on a life of its own. I am not new to travel or getting around in a city, but it seemed that Vancouver was intimidating me. There always seems to be a rush or a sense of hectic in an airport that can get me going. I made a plan to take my time, get in line for a taxi, put it in the hands of the driver and enjoy the drive. Once I envisioned all of this happening, it was went exactly as I planned. I had the instructions on my phone as to how to get into the B&B. It seemed complicated and it was. My new way of believing in myself is to not get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time, it was a process, but I did find myself inside the building and after several text messages I was inside the condo. I realized I was dialed into this whole process, calmly believing in myself and it worked! This served me well, as I embarked on other travel events throughout the year.

In order to believe in myself, I have to believe I can do anything with the help of google. I decided I was going to change an electrical outlet in my kitchen. Since it was 18 years old, I took the reciprocal to Canadian tire to get the replacement. The assistants at CT have incredible technology to make the conversion to what is now available. I got the replacement outlet, and I was on my way home. So began the google lesson on how to change an outlet. I got the outlet all wired up with considerable ease. For some reason I could not get the reset button to set. I had to get out my rolodex of people. I called a gym friend who once owned an electrical company. Bless his heart he came over. He rewired it and took a massive screwdriver to the reset button and boom it was working. I was so close to making it happen. I have never had a desire to be an electrician, but now that I think I can do anything, I will take it on again if I have to. I'm not going to rewire the place or put in a light fixture, just outlets!

3. Adjust my way of thinking:

I think of myself as a fixer and a problem solver. I actually enjoy problem solving. I rely on my line, "once you make a decision, stick with it, don't change your mind". Indecision is one of the best energy suckers there is known to man. I don't get caught up in the "what if". The what if may happen and that means you deal with it then, not while you are making a decision. Keep you focus on deciding. My adjustment is that I have come to realize, I can't fix everything. There are times when fixing a problem means you end up in a deeper situation. So here is another Faye line I chose to live by, "if you don't know what to do, do nothing". You have to let it go and things will work out the way they are meant to. When I start to spiral, I use my pat line, "once you start to control the situation the situation controls you".   

It seems we are capable of doing physical things with gusto. It is easy to make a list and get it done with energy and enthusiasm. I find when you need to change your thought process or be more focused on a personality trait, it is not as easy to take it on with gusto. I am truly an "all-in" kind of person, I do nothing in a small way. When things turn out just as I planned, amazing. When things don't go as planned, it is a colossal gusto mess like non other. I would describe myself as an enthusiastic person, which means gusto. So, at the start of 2025 when I thought of doing 3 things with gusto, I being a gusto person thought, this will be easy. At the end of the year, I have decided it wasn't as easy as I thought. I am pleased to have reflected on changes that are now just part of who I am. Just so you know, I'm not doing this in 2026. It has been a year in the making, but I did finish what I started, whole-heartedly!