We’re here, friends: the last stretch.
(Cue in explosive expletives, shouted internally.)
Truth be told, it feels like somebody splashed cold water at me. The end of the year is nearing. “Where’d all the time go?” asks Dr. Dog (and me).
My mind is a question machine, spitting one every minute at 140km per hour. They include not only “What have I done?” but also, and more pointedly, “What have I not done?” There’s also “Did I really just let the year pass by?” and “What was the point of goal-setting in the new year?” Is it the same for you?
I haven’t climbed my way out of burnout. There is an urge to leave everything behind and lock myself up in a tower until I’m sure I’ve ripped off the claws of capitalism mental and emotional fatigue. It will remain a prospect, however. A dream. Till then, I will clothe myself with words from my mother: “Time waits for no man.” It’s not an Adelaida original, but she did say it often when I was a teen wont to procrastinate. I’m taking her word and this route: Conquer burnout while trying to accomplish personal goals.
I don’t think anyone would fault me for not thriving though. We’re all like the meme of the dog trying to keep it together while the world around him burns. “This is fine,” we tell ourselves over and over, hoping it will stick, willing it to be true. Existing and surviving are already a feat. When getting up in the morning is a challenge, I’ll take getting out the door or, in my case, getting in front of my work desk, as a win.
Still, I refuse to have regrets over unfinished business and untapped potential in this year 2025. So here’s what I’m doing to lock in — not because I want to achieve something but just so I can tell myself that I tried. Am I working on myself and these things so future me can thank me? No. I’m doing these so that present me can find pockets of sanity and clarity. This is the busiest season at my day job. Yes, there’s Mt. Everest on my plate. But these are for me. Here’s what I have on the list.
Write one short story per month
I have two active (er, dormant?) stories in the works. My husband and I have been planning a week-long getaway somewhere up north just to write and think and pause (and eat). That’s still mostly a wish though. I still have to confirm whether or not I can take a vacation during Spring Racing Carnival season. So I’m committing to working on these stories (and two more!) no matter where I am. I’ve never been good at fiction, but I want to challenge myself.
Write one essay per week
Here! Or for myself. I just want to start writing “seriously” again. (Not that I don’t do that for work, of course. But you know?) The mindset shift back to writing instead of marketing has slowly started but I fear it’s escaping again. The only way to make sure it sticks is to write more and often. There’s so much noise on the internet and I often feel like I have nothing to say (and that I just don’t want to add to the clatter), but I want to practice. I want to write. I will write.
Finish one course per month
There’s a certification waiting for me — if only I devote time to actually learning and finishing the course. I’ll earn that certificate, I swear, and get more. If I don’t find other suitable courses, I’ll make something — a new painting, a new crochet project, anything.
Do a 20- or 30-minute exercise/movement sequence per day
Things are sadly not feeling good. And by things, I mean some parts of my body. I have let myself go, or so they say. But that’s a story for another day. Right here, right now, I’m focused on moving more. I can’t look too far into the future yet but I do want to live more and longer.
Finish reading one book per month
I’ve finished the Hunger Games trilogy and the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I’ve also, finally (after two years), read through Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett. I’ve crossed out Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous on my to-read list too. Six books in a year isn’t impressive, but it’s still better than zero. I’m currently reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman and have also started on The Woman Who Had Two Navels. (Yes, I read two or several books at a time. It’s just like watching different TV shows.) I’ll be happy to complete 10 books by the end of 2025!
Sleep in at least 9 hours one day per week
Sleep — the good kind — has been elusive. I never feel refreshed when I wake up. The lack of sleep contributes to the sluggishness and mood changes. I’ve tried taking naps in the afternoon, after work, but even those are hard to come by. It doesn’t mean I won’t try though.
Increase time away from my phone
I’ve downloaded an app called Opal. It blocks most social media apps on my phone (others I’ve left unblocked because I don’t use them that much anyway; the biggest culprits for my short attention span are Tiktok and Instagram). You can download it here if you wanna give it a try. Based on its report last week, I’m claiming back 1 year of my life from my phone. That’s not enough though. So I’ll try my best to put the device down and focus on more productive, meaningful activities… like the one below.
Go on a picnic or be in nature once a month
We bought a picnic mat sometime last year with the intention of using it often. There’s a lake near where we live. Man-made, but still a calming body of water. I don’t remember how many times we’ve actually gone on a picnic since we got the mat, but I’m sure I won’t need two hands to count.
We also live in a really good, picturesque, nature-filled village and we’ve just not been going out and enjoying it. That has to change. For health and sanity.
I’m tempted to add more, but these are more realistically achievable. Will this make me, as our daughter and her peers say, crash out? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see. For accountability, I’ll share monthly reports. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates, and wish me luck, cross your fingers for me, send messages of support!