It’s basically 2026, Hello… I blinked and it was over. This year has been crazy but in the best way! I went on a ski trip to Montana with a bunch of strangers (my favorite lore drop), finished my first year of college, lived in Italy, started a blog with my best friend, started my first internship, and made lots of new friends along the way. Overall this year has taught me that I frequently underestimate my abilities, from navigating a foreign country alone to sharing my writing on this blog. Those were things that would have freaked me out if you told me this a year ago. For this post, I thought it would be fitting to share my new years ins and outs. These are resolutions that are more obtainable than I usually set and goals that will keep me motivated throughout this year:
Ins:
Reading one book a month
I started to really get back into it while I was traveling. I want to set a goal to use this time to explore more genres and learn more about the world around me. I have gotten into a good habit, especially during my winter break, of reading when I have downtime. I am really wanting to dive into some classics and historical fiction. Reading has been something that I look forward to in my days, therefore I challenge myself to read one book a month. Below are some book recommendations and books that I got for Christmas just in case you want to read along with me!
Books in my queue:
Journaling daily
Each year I keep a journal starting from the first of the year till it is filled up. On the first page I always put my intentions for the year. This habit that I have created all those years ago have really shown my personal progress that I have made. It’s fun to look back and see how I have changed and what goals I have achieved. This year I am challenging myself to journal each night. One way I am going to do this is by giving myself journal prompts. On the second page of my journal I am going to write prompts that I can answer if I feel like I have nothing to journal about. That way I can’t make the excuse ‘I have nothing to say’. Below I have shared with you some of the prompts that I have put in my journal this year. Also, if you are new to journaling check out my post on “How to Get into Journaling: A Beginner’s Guide”

Taking more writing opportunities
This year I have jumped into an internship as a writing tutor for my college. This experience has shown me that I am a stronger writer than I think I am. With this new found confidence I have been building, I have convinced myself that I am ready to tap into my full journalistic abilities. I have been talking to colleagues and they have convinced me that I should start on the school newspaper. After thinking about this more, I am ready to gain some more experience in the journalism world and build a portfolio for myself. I am hoping that this was going to strengthen my confidence and abilities in writing while exploring what I really want to do after college. I also want to explore more internships over the summer months and take every opportunity that comes to me. Watch out world, Hattie is coming!
Cooking
After taking my ‘Wine and Food Pairing’ cooking class in Italy, I have appreciated cooking more. Though finding the time can be hard during school, it always makes me feel accomplished when I put something in my body that I was proud to make. I am such a picky eater but even making chicken and rice is more effort to me than box mac and cheese. I want to be able to dip my toes in the water with a more mature taste. I am not expecting myself to be amazing at first, I am just wanting to not burn or mess up the dishes I make. Having more knowledge in the kitchen is only going to help me in the future.
Outs:
High screentimes
Recently I have been trying to stay below 4 hours on my phone each day. I get more distracted on my phone than I do on any other device. Something that has been helping is prioritizing my school work and hobbies. Making sure that I am not procrastinating things with the distraction of my phone is something that I want to leave in the past. Keeping my screentime intentional so I have the ability to be productive in my days is something I want to bring into the new year.
Buying things out of want not need
I need to become more aware of my spending and create better habits of saving. With moving into an apartment in June and paying for rent each month, I need to be more conscious of my spending. I want to keep myself motivated to save. I would love to travel when I am done with college and see the world, but that comes at a big price. I might need more guidance because after Italy I had about $5 to my name… when in Rome I guess.
Releasing a “good enough” mindset
I want to be whole heartedly proud of everything that I create this year. From small paintings to my blog posts. I want to know that I am putting my best effort into everything I do. I am releasing my “good enough” mindset in 2025 and bringing in my most present self.
Living in my sweats
This year I want to advance my wardrobe into more than just sweats. I have been putting more effort into my outfit choices this past semester but I really want to develop my own style that I can wear everyday. Again that comes with a price. I might need to refresh my brain with “5 Essential Tips for a Wardrobe Makeover” by Krys.
Though making resolutions is fun, sticking to them is the whole point. This year you guys can keep me accountable on my goals. I am granting permission to text me if you catch me slacking. I hope everyone can go into this new year with some new intentions that will reset your mind, even if it only lasts for a month. Leave a comment on what your resolutions are and if you have any suggestions for my new adventures. Cheers to getting old!
♡ Hattie











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