Hello Cool-Girls ! As the new year is fast approaching, I’ve been reflecting on 2024. It’s been a year of highlights and challenges, filled with harsh but valuable lessons. I wanted to share with you my 2025 Ins and Outs from the past year.
1. 2025 Ins and Outs: The Ins
A. Putting your needs before people’s desires
That is probably the biggest challenge a retired people-pleaser may face. People-pleasers are taught from an early age that their needs are secondary. They are taught that they must please others at the expense of their own well-being. Once an adult, it can be really challenging because it’s not just our parents that we encounter; there are millions of people who want you to prioritize their desires over your needs. And you can guess it, it’s not sustainable and can even threatens your emotional well-being. In 2025, we acknowledge our needs and set boundaries.
B. Communicating your needs, boundaries
No one is a mind reader. We all have unique needs, so in 2025, let’s stop stonewalling and clearly communicate our needs in relationships. Your friend or partner may not even know what’s wrong.
C. Pursuing your dreams
“Life is short”, you probably heard this sentence a million of times and I am not telling you to throw away everything but to remember that our time is limited. If you have a dream plan for it.
D. Apologize when you are wrong
I see way too many people struggling to just say sorry. No, it is not going to make you weak or take away from your personality. We are all human and make mistakes. So if you hurt someone or did something wrong, just own it and apologize for it. It will show you are self-aware, capable of vulnerability, and the other person will respect you more.
E. Choose to heal
I know 2025 is the year of healing. We can’t move forward without letting go of the past, and healing is the key. Book that first therapy, EMDR, or holistic session…
D. Giving random compliments to strangers
Well, I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I think the world is becoming increasingly individualistic and harsh. We see this in our daily lives, with people less inclined to interact. Given everything happening in the world, it’s understandable. Recently, a stranger complimented my outfit, which brightened my day. It wasn’t a big deal, but their kindness infected me for the rest of the day. In 2025, let’s spread good vibes and compliments.
E. Slow Burn relationships
What are slow burn relationships? They’re about the art of getting to know someone before turning the relationship romantic. It’s about resisting the urge for immediate closeness and intimacy to find a partner who truly suits you. In recent years, we’ve been quick to jump into romantic relationships because we all crave these connections. However, this often doesn’t lead to long-term commitment. We fall for the fantasy of what we project onto the other, rather than recognizing them for who they truly are. How can you embrace a slow burn relationship? Don’t rush, there’s no train to catch. Avoid getting physical too early, communicate your needs, observe if their actions align with their words, ask the right questions, and be observant.
2. 2025 Ins and Outs: The Outs
A. Giving Energy to trolls
Trolls are one of the biggest wastes of energy, spewing hateful comments, provocations, and bad vibes. Don’t fall for their tactics; they know exactly what they’re doing. The best course of action is to ignore and block them, and redirect your energy towards yourself.
B. Neglecting your health
Neglecting your health is like procrastination: the more you postpone, the worse the consequences. In our twenties, we often take our strong bodies for granted, thinking we can eat junk food, skip annual check-ups, and face no consequences. Unfortunately, your body will remember these years of neglect. So, book your dentist appointment and go get your lab work done.
C. Using cookware made with toxic materials
We are increasingly aware of the dangers of toxic cookware, but we don’t yet fully understand the long-term health consequences. So, please ditch your non-stick pans, plastic food containers, and plastic utensils. These are considered endocrine disruptors that can leach into your food and subsequently your body.
D. Diet Culture
I’m deeply concerned about the recent resurgence of unrealistic beauty standards on social media, often accompanied by dangerous advice targeted at young people. Please stop! Our bodies are not trends. Diets often do more harm than good. We’re all tired of people constantly promoting new body standards and causing insecurities. The perfect body is yours.
E. Spam Calls
Okay, this is random, but seriously? Why do I get 5 random calls a day? Shouldn’t spam calls be illegal by now?
F. Fast Fashion
If you can afford to buy clothes weekly, it’s likely at the expense of exploited workers. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry globally, contributing to 8% of all carbon emissions and 20% of all global wastewater.
