A Fresh Start: Embracing Growth and Balance in 2025
- Kimberly Permaci
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 21
It’s been a while since I last wrote a blog. I’ve been offline mostly in the past few days. My weekdays have been about eight hours of work, a part-time job, and I just started doing some exercise at the gym and doing some Pilates at home. I aim to do these activities at least three times a week. Everyone emphasizes how good it feels to get your body moving and I can attest to that! You just have to start and practice self-discipline for your own sake! I’ve also been pushing myself to do the laundry during the weekdays – literal hand washing; what a goal!
During weekends, I make sure to spend time with my loved ones —family, friends, and churchmates. It feels like my weekdays are focused on working out my mind and body, while my weekends are dedicated to my soul and spirit. Isn’t that amazing to have a balanced life? Although maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging with so much on your plate, I think we can do it as long as you have that genuine intention to keep yourself sound and healthy.
It’s fun to think about how I desire to keep blogging as a hobby but with my personality of not documenting the things I do. I rarely take photos and don't take notes of the things I do daily. Not to mention how forgetful I am, literally. I tend to enjoy the present until the end of the day, having no photos or documents on my phone. But the greatest thing about it is the essence of living in the present. Anyhow, I still want to keep memories. LOL
As we start 2025, I know everyone hopes for a better life ahead. Some of us might have many goals in mind but struggle to put them into action. With that in mind, I thought I’d share some of the things I’d like to do, which might inspire you to pursue your own goals as well. This year, let’s not be too hard on ourselves. Instead, let’s take things at our own pace—slowly but surely. Remember, improving by just 1% daily is better than not improving at all.
Here are the things I’d like to work on this year:
Body Work-out (Gym, Pilates, Stretching, Walking/Running)
I’m looking to do Pilates at home three times a week together with a 15-minute stretching. I’ve been following the Move with Nicole’s 30 MIN FULL BODY WORKOUT || At-Home Beginner Pilates (No Equipment) and Mady Morrison’s 15 Min. Full Body Stretch | Daily Routine for Flexibility, Mobility & Relaxation | DAY 7. I love this kind of body workout since I can do it at home using only a yoga mat. Nicole’s beginner body workout is getting a bit easy for me, so I’m planning to push for another level that is more challenging this time. I’ll continue to combine the 15-minute stretch after the workout as it feels so, so good! You might want to try it too! You may also try Emi Wong’s full body/cardio workout.
Going to the gym, running, walking – I’d like to do it anytime in a week, as a bonding with a friend or my loved ones. Maybe on Saturdays. I love to walk/run on coastal road. You’ll enjoy your walk with the sea, roadway, and the mountain view.
Eat clean, Learn cooking
It’s such a great tip and you can save more by cooking at home. This way, you can plan what to eat and prepare a meal that is healthy, wholesome, and unprocessed. It’s good that we can easily access new recipes on social media and can spark creativity in the kitchen which I also find therapeutic. The goal is to eat diverse range of healthy foods such as fruits and veggies, prebiotics, and more protein.
Hobbies (Blogging, Learning Crochet, Improve speaking, Reading)
I want to spare some time to enrich my hobbies and personal growth. I’d like to express my thoughts through blogging, and learn the art of crochet – finishing a project feels so satisfying. I also want to improve my speaking skills because honestly, I often struggle to express my thoughts verbally. I’ll plan more ways to enhance these skills, and reading is one of the best ways to expand my knowledge and imagination. A special thanks to my sis kiwaii for inspiring me to explore more things like taking hobbies. You’re my favorite person.
Spend less (Work out at home more, hand wash my clothes once a week, limit eating outside, avoid online fees)
I’d like to work on spending less by making mindful changes to my habits. I plan to work out at home more instead of paying for a gym, hand wash my clothes once a week to save on laundry costs, limit eating out, and avoid unnecessary online fees such as banking fees, payment processing fees, convenience fees, etc. For example, I pay my credit card bills on Maya for zero fees, limit transactions when fees apply, paying bills on time, and avoid out of network ATM withdrawals. These small adjustments will help me save money while maintaining a practical and sustainable lifestyle.
Save Money
There’s so much I want to say about this, but I believe sharing these popular quotes about saving money will inspire us even more.
"Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving" - Warren Buffett
"Never spend your money before you have it" - Thomas Jefferson
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants" – Epictetus
"He who buys what he does not need, steals from himself" - Swedish Proverb
"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Try new things/Go to new places
I’d like to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. As a cautious person, I won’t promise to take on risky challenges, but I’m open to exploring anything new that is also beneficial for me. Whether experiencing different hobby, tasting new foods, visiting unfamiliar places, I aim to embrace opportunities that broaden my perspective and create memorable adventures.
Document Moments
Time flies so fast, and I want to preserve memories and cherish the little things in life. I’m not a photographer or a videographer, but I aim to capture meaningful experiences and milestones, allowing me to look back on the life I’ve lived with gratitude and joy.
Remind yourself. Every small step we take matters. Let’s approach this year with positivity, self-discipline, and gratitude. Here’s to making 2025 a year of growth, balance, and meaningful moments!
How about you? What are some goals you’re planning to work on this year? You might also have any favorite money-saving hacks. What’s one new thing you’d like to try this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
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This is so inspiring. More blogs pa please.