Do you ever see those videos that are like, “Here’s everything I wish I knew in my twenties”? Well, here are the random tidbits I picked up in 2025 that might be helpful for someone else.
Eat more beans
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but beans are so in right now. There are the obvious benefits, such as being high in fiber and protein, but they also appear to be great at regulating blood sugar and hormones. And not only are they super cheap, but also SO versatile. My current fixation is butter beans with lemon, ricotta, and kale, maybe with a little toast.
Pick your battles
2025 was one of those years that happened to me. I wasn’t particularly proactive in going after what I wanted; I mostly went with the flow and dealt with things as they came.
As someone who feels everything way too deeply, it’s hard for me not to focus on every little thing. I struggle to ignore things I believe are wrong, even when engaging with them costs me a lot of time and energy. Somewhere along the way, that turned into people-pleasing and peace-keeping instead of goal-chasing.
Few things from the 2025 vision board happened (oops). In 2026, I want to be more intentional. I want to pick my battles more carefully and actually make things happen, rather than waiting for life to decide for me.
Mantra: be kind, but with spine
Nurture your body in small ways
I came across an image on Pinterest that really stuck with me because of how cute and simple it was. Prioritizing sleep, diet, exercise, social life, and mental health can feel so overwhelming when you look at it all at once. But breaking it down into small, manageable habits makes it feel possible.
It’s things like waiting 15 minutes before looking at my phone in the morning, or not drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Tiny shifts, with good intentions.
Seriously, chill on the screen time.
Ho’oponopono Prayer
Dealing with difficult people and situations can cause a lot of inner turmoil. Recently, one of my friends shared the Ho’oponopono prayer with me as a way to keep my peace, and it was simply too beautiful not to share, and will absolutely be coming with me in the new year.
Hoʻoponopono is a traditional Hawaiian spiritual practice for forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing, meaning “to make it right”. It involves taking total responsibility for one’s experiences by releasing negative emotions and memories through confession, repentance, and forgiveness, often by repeating the four phrases: “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” and “I love you”. This process aims to correct imbalances within oneself and in relationships with others, ancestors, and the divine. (straight from Google AI response).
Mantra: what’s the best that could happen
The importance of creative expression
If you’re reading this, then it’s likely you know I have a blog. The thought of painting or drawing has always been very captivating to me; however, I do not possess the skill for it. I’d like to further dive into other creative outlets in the coming year. Having an output separate from work is really important to me.
I obviously enjoy writing. However, this past year I’ve found a lot of joy in organizing and decorating my apartment. Inspired originally by Feng Shui, I started to make small changes in my home. Focusing on different areas of my space encouraged me to focus on different aspects of my life – framing postcards that bring me joy, getting creative with my storage, and highlighting memories I’d love to recreate.
It’s so easy to get wrapped in work – eat – sleep – repeat, but a little creative outlet goes a long way. And isn’t that what life is all about?
Your Turn
What tidbits are you carrying into next year — and what are you done carrying?
Shut Up Madi 