“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Seneca
The start of a new year feels like standing on the shore, watching the horizon stretch endlessly. It’s a moment filled with quiet hope, an invitation to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities ahead. As I sit here at my freshly cleaned desk, the scent of honey lemon water fills the air, and the soft hum of morning whispers promises of untold stories. This space, bathed in the glow of my lamp, feels like the perfect sanctuary to reflect, dream, and begin anew.
What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” – T.S. Eliot
As I step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on the habits that shape my days. The ones I choose to keep are like well-loved paths, familiar and comforting, while those I discard make space for growth and renewal. Here’s a glimpse of the practices and moments I’m inviting into my life this year:
2025 INS:
Immersing in More and More Books:
Books are my portals to other worlds, my lifeboats in stormy seas. Recently, I found myself absorbed in Sally Rooney's 'Intermezzo,' a story so intimate and raw it felt like an unfiltered snapshot of the complexities of human connection. Its understated beauty and quiet moments lingered with me, sparking reflections on the nuances of relationships and the spaces we create for others in our lives. Stories like these remind me that reading isn’t just an escape—it’s a way to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Beyond that, annotating Rooney's delicate prose or revisiting subtle, poignant scenes adds layers of meaning to the experience. Whether it’s a provocative essay or a tender collection of poems, every page this year is an opportunity to explore and connect on a deeper level. This year, I’m not just reading—I’m savoring, annotating, and letting their words echo in my thoughts. Whether it’s a classic novel, a provocative essay, or a tender collection of poems, every page is a chance to explore ideas and emotions that broaden my horizon. This year, it’s about immersing myself in an ocean of words—novels that whisk me away to imaginary lands, essays that challenge my perspectives, and poetry that paints emotions I didn’t know I had. Every page is an invitation to live a thousand lives and see the world through countless eyes.
Less Caffeine, More Soulful Food:
The jittery buzz of too much caffeine is no match for the warmth of a home-cooked meal. I’m trading extra cups of coffee for bowls of soup that hug you from the inside, roasted vegetables caramelized to perfection, and stews simmering with love. These meals are more than sustenance; they’re tiny celebrations of life’s simpler pleasures.
Going Out or Sitting in the Garden for a Bit:
There’s a quiet magic in stepping outside—even if it’s just to the garden or balcony. One evening in late spring, I sat surrounded by blooming lavender, the air fragrant with its calming scent. The golden hour bathed everything in a warm glow, and the gentle rustling of leaves felt like nature’s whispering embrace. It was a moment of clarity, a reminder of how deeply grounding these small outdoor escapes can be. Breathing in fresh air, feeling the sun's warmth, or simply observing the flutter of a butterfly—it all offers a profound sense of connection to the living world. A breath of fresh air, the golden touch of sunlight, the rustle of leaves—these small encounters with nature feel like gentle reminders to pause and reconnect with the living world.
Rest as Rebellion:
In a culture that idolizes the grind, choosing rest feels almost defiant. Before embracing rest, I often found myself on the brink of burnout—endless tasks leaving me drained and uninspired. Then, one afternoon last summer, I gave in to a guilt-free nap. I woke to the golden hour light spilling through my window, feeling a sense of renewal and peace I hadn’t known in weeks. That nap was a turning point. A mid-afternoon pause, a morning spent lounging without guilt, or even an evening of stargazing—they’re not laziness but intentional acts of self-preservation and quiet rebellion against a culture that demands constant motion.
Focusing on My Master’s Study:
This year, my master’s program becomes my creative playground and intellectual battleground. Juggling research papers, deep-dive readings, and thought-provoking lectures is as demanding as it is exhilarating. It’s a journey of growth, one where every challenge pushes me closer to becoming the thinker I aspire to be.
Voice Notes Over Texts:
There’s something uniquely intimate about a voice note—the cadence of a friend’s laughter, the way their voice dips and rises with emotion. Unlike a text, it feels personal, like a tiny piece of them tucked away in your pocket. It’s connection, unfiltered and real.
Unplugged Morning Walks:
Mornings are quieter when the world isn’t streaming through earbuds. On these unplugged walks, the crunch of gravel underfoot, the rustle of the wind, and the occasional birdcall become a meditative soundtrack. They’re moments to let my mind wander, untethered and free.
Cooking at Home:
Cooking at home is where art and nourishment meet. I still remember the joy of crafting a warm butternut squash soup on a chilly evening—the comforting aroma of roasted squash mingling with sage and nutmeg. The act of chopping, stirring, and tasting felt meditative, grounding me in the moment. These moments of creativity in the kitchen are my way of showing love—to myself and those who share the table. It’s about embracing the simple, tactile joys of preparing meals, where every ingredient plays its part in something both nourishing and beautiful.
Curating Mental Health and Skin Care:
Mental health and skincare are my twin pillars of self-care. Whether it’s scribbling thoughts into a journal, meditating to quiet my mind, or indulging in a luxurious face mask, these rituals are acts of kindness toward myself. They remind me that tending to the inside and outside are equally important in staying whole.
2025 OUTS:
Sleeping Past Midnight (Most Nights):
Midnight has its allure, with its hushed stillness and stolen-time feel. But my body whispers otherwise. This year, sleep isn’t just rest; it’s a commitment to my health and sanity—a sacred gift to myself.
“Doomscrolling” Before Bed:
X feeds and Instagram reels are poor substitutes for peace of mind. Instead, I’ve started ending my nights with rituals that nurture calm: a warm cup of chamomile tea to soothe my senses, a chapter from a favorite book to inspire dreams, or even journaling by candlelight to untangle the day’s thoughts. These routines aren’t just about replacing a bad habit; they’re about creating sacred moments of transition into rest, reclaiming my evenings for peace and renewal.
Pretending Not to Care:
Caring is brave. It’s powerful. I’m shedding the mask of nonchalance and stepping into the vulnerability of passion—of saying “I love this,” or “This matters to me.” Because apathy is easy, but caring is transformative.
Holding Onto Things That Drain Me:
Be it clutter, toxic relationships, or outdated dreams, this year is about releasing what weighs me down. Lightness is my mantra—a deliberate choice to let go and create space for what truly energizes me.
Buying Into Trends for the Sake of It:
Not every fad needs my attention, and not everything has to be curated to fit an aesthetic. Sometimes, a thing is just a thing—and that simplicity is enough.
Overthinking Every Decision:
The labyrinth of “what-ifs” has held me captive for too long. This year, I’m embracing the art of leaping—trusting my instincts and letting go of the need for a perfect plan.
Being Glued to My Phone:
The world beyond the screen is vast and vibrant. I’m putting down my phone more often to savor unfiltered sunsets, spontaneous conversations, and the serendipity of the offline world.
Perfectionism as a Crutch:
Perfectionism isn’t armor; it’s a cage. It’s time to swap flawless for authentic, to accept imperfection as part of the beauty of being human.
Impulse Buying Things I Don’t Need:
A moment of hesitation at the checkout line is my new rule of thumb. If it doesn’t bring me joy or serve a purpose, it’s staying on the shelf. After all, peace of mind is far more valuable than a fleeting bargain.
2025 Resolutions:
More Mindful:
Mindfulness is my anchor. Whether it’s savoring each sip of tea, noticing the rhythm of my breath, or simply being present in a conversation, I’m choosing to embrace life moment by moment.
Less Hard on Myself:
Mistakes are part of the journey, not the end of it. This year, I’m choosing grace over guilt, treating myself with the same kindness I extend to others.
Building Boundaries:
Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re bridges to a healthier me. Saying no to what drains me and yes to what fills me up is the ultimate act of self-respect.
Focusing on My Health:
As someone with chronic asthma, health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. From managing my triggers to prioritizing regular check-ups, this resolution is a commitment to my well-being.
More Water, Very Simple and Demure:
Water is life’s simplest gift. This year, I’m reminding myself that even the smallest acts—like staying hydrated—can make the biggest difference.
More Physical Notes, Less Typed and iPads:
There’s a tactile joy in pen and paper that no screen can replicate. From handwritten letters to bullet journals, I’m reclaiming the analog world, one note at a time.
As the light of the day softens and the quiet of evening settles in, I find myself reflecting on the quiet power of beginnings. The resolutions I’ve set are like gentle ripples spreading outward, small but purposeful, shaping the year ahead. With each step, I hope to weave a life that feels intentional and filled with grace. Here’s to 2025—a year that unfolds gently, like a story waiting to be written, full of subtle beauty and infinite possibilities.
Love,
Mukta<3
A little song from me to you all, enjoy!
Love thisss saving asap