New Year, New You: Realistic Resolutions

Posted on December 27, 2024December 27, 2024 by gigis ramblings

The start of a new year brings the promise of fresh beginnings. It’s the perfect time to set resolutions, but let’s be honest—life gets busy. Sticking to grand goals can feel impossible when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. That’s why realistic resolutions are the way to go. They’re attainable, flexible, and can still make a big impact. Here are some ideas to help you kick off the year with achievable goals.

Prioritize Self-Care (Without Overhauling Your Routine)

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day or hours at the gym. It can be as simple as drinking more water, setting aside 10 minutes for deep breathing, or reading a chapter of a book before bed. Small, consistent acts of self-care can make a world of difference.

Get Moving—Your Way

You don’t need to commit to a daily two-hour workout. Instead, find ways to move that fit your lifestyle. Take the stairs, park farther from the store, or do a quick stretch session in the morning. Movement isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

Declutter One Space at a Time

A tidy space can do wonders for your mental clarity, but decluttering your entire home feels daunting. Start small. Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one corner each week. Over time, those small victories will add up to a more organized space.

Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is a game-changer. It helps shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Keep a journal and jot down one thing you’re grateful for each day. Too busy for that? Take a mental note instead—the impact is just as powerful.

Image by Cindy from Pixabay

Plan Your Meals, But Keep It Simple

Meal planning can save time, money, and stress. Start by planning just a few meals each week. Choose recipes that are quick and simple. Pre-chopping veggies or prepping ingredients the night before can also make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Strengthen Connections with Loved Ones

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to lose touch with friends and family. Set a realistic goal to reconnect. Maybe it’s a monthly phone call, a quick coffee date, or even sending a thoughtful text. Little gestures go a long way.

Image by Bob Dmyt from Pixabay

Learn Something New—Bit by Bit

Always wanted to learn a new skill or hobby? Make it happen this year, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Dedicate 10 minutes a day to your new interest. Whether it’s knitting, cooking, or learning a language, small steps lead to big results.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Time

Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential for your well-being. Protect your time by setting boundaries. Prioritize what truly matters and don’t feel guilty about declining commitments that don’t align with your goals.

Image by NeShea Jenifer from Pixabay

Celebrate Small Wins

Resolutions don’t have to be all-or-nothing. Celebrate every small win along the way. Finished that book you’ve been meaning to read? Give yourself a pat on the back. Made it through a week of meal planning? Treat yourself to a night off cooking.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Life is unpredictable, and resolutions won’t always go as planned. That’s okay. Focus on progress, not perfection. Each small step you take is a step toward a better you.

Wrapping It Up

Realistic resolutions are about creating a better life without adding extra stress. They fit into your existing routine and make positive changes feel manageable. This year, give yourself grace, aim for progress, and celebrate every step forward. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and realistic new year!

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

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Why You Should Create a Vision Board for 2025

Posted on December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 by gigis ramblings

My personal 2025 Vision Board created with Canva

As we step into a new year, there’s something magical about imagining all that lies ahead. For me, creating a vision board has been a tradition I have been doing for about 10 years now. Whether it’s a physical board or a digital one, it’s not just an artsy activity—it’s a way to set my intentions, visualize my goals, and hold myself accountable.

If you’ve never made a vision board, 2025 might just be the perfect year to start. Here’s why it’s such a powerful practice and how it can help you achieve your goals while adding a little fun to the process.

A Tangible Reminder of Your Goals

We all have dreams, but it’s easy to lose focus in the hustle of daily life. A vision board—whether hanging in your office or saved as your phone wallpaper—keeps your goals front and center. Every time you see it, you’re reminded of what you’re working toward—like paying off that car, upgrading to that new truck, or planning those long-dreamed-of travel adventures.

Keeps You Accountable

For years, I’ve included both realistic goals and a big dream or two on my vision board. This mix keeps me motivated and grounded. For instance, I’ve added paying off my car and saving for home upgrades or moving to the country to my 2025 board, alongside aspirations for new travel destinations and my vain desire for dental implants. By having these goals visualized, I’m reminded to take steps toward them, even on days when motivation runs low.

Inspires Creativity and Positivity

Making a vision board isn’t just productive—it’s fun! You can choose to create a physical board with magazines, glue, and scissors, or go the digital route using tools like Canva. I’ve started using Canva to create my boards, and it’s a game-changer. You can quickly drag and drop images, quotes, and text to design something inspiring and personal.

If you’re not sure where to start, I even created a Canva template you can download and simply add your own pics to make the process easier. Whether physical or digital, each piece of your board reflects a unique part of your vision and serves as a daily source of inspiration.

Helps You Manifest

Call it visualization, manifestation, or just setting a clear intention—whatever term resonates with you, there’s power in focusing on your dreams. A vision board acts like a magnet for positivity, helping you align your thoughts and actions toward making your goals a reality.

How to Create Your Vision Board

Creating a vision board is simple, but the process can be deeply personal and meaningful. Here’s how to get started:

Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in 2025. Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to dream big.
Decide on Physical or Digital: Choose whether you want to create a physical board, a digital one, or both.
Gather Inspiration: For a physical board, gather magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board. For a digital board, use tools like Canva to find images and templates.
Create Your Vision Board: Arrange your images, quotes, and symbols to represent your goals. If you’re using Canva, simply drag and drop your elements into a design.
Display Your Vision Board: For physical boards, hang them where you’ll see them daily. For digital boards, set them as your phone or desktop background.

Why Not Give It a Try?

Whether you’re dreaming of personal growth, professional success, or simply more moments of joy, a vision board can be your guide. There’s no right or wrong way to create one—it’s all about what resonates with you.

For me, my 2025 board features the same staples as always: financial freedom, travel dreams, blessings over my marriage and business, and that ever-elusive Blue Ford Raptor! With both a physical board and a digital version saved on my phone, I’m ready to stay focused wherever I go.

Whatever your dreams are, seeing them on a vision board might just be the push you need to make them happen. So, grab those scissors, open Canva, and make this the year your vision truly comes to life!