There’s something quietly magical about this time of year. The days are slowly stretching out again, the pale pink of winter sunrises brushes the sky, and the crisp blue overhead feels almost like a fresh canvas. It’s the sort of morning that nudges you to pause, breathe, and think about the year ahead — not in a panicked “let’s fix everything” way, but in a gentle, reflective way. This year, I’m taking a moment to think about finance, health, and minimalism, and how I want to step into the new year without overcomplicating things.
For context, I’m in the 10–50K phase, which, honestly, makes this kind of reflection all the more satisfying. Money is in growth mode right now — there’s little I can do to force change, and I’m learning that sometimes the best move is to simply enjoy life while the numbers quietly do their work.
Looking Back to Look Forward
Last year was a mosaic of milestones and simple pleasures. We traveled — Japan’s cherry blossoms and bustling streets still linger in my mind — and celebrated everyday victories, like the first year in our home and the little one’s first steps into nursery life. It was a year of firsts, of moments that seemed small but felt monumental when viewed through the lens of memory.
And then there were the little joys that somehow make life feel richer: an afternoon sharing drinks with friends, a decadent rose hot chocolate that felt like liquid velvet, the fizz of an Inca Cola enjoyed in the sun. I realise now that these moments, however fleeting, are the things that make reflection feel alive rather than like a to-do list.
Mini-list: Moments that felt like little wins this year
- Watching our daughter’s awe at a Christmas tree or the twinkle of fairy lights
- Quiet mornings with a hot drink and the pink sunrise outside
- Cooking something delicious for the family and seeing everyone genuinely enjoy it
- Sneaking in spontaneous walks and laughing at nothing in particular
Looking back helps me see that reflection isn’t just about what went wrong or what could be fixed — it’s about recognising the beauty in the ordinary, and letting that guide the next steps.
Finance: Three Months In, Staying the Course
Three months ago, I began a “no-touch” challenge for my finances. The goal was simple: don’t meddle. Don’t tweak. Don’t micro-manage. It sounds restrictive, but it has been surprisingly freeing. I still think about the numbers — who doesn’t? — but the practice has taught me to let go of control and trust the system I put in place.
The New Year has always been a time to reset finances, stretching back to antiquity. Ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year with promises to repay debts, while Romans offered sacrifices to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions, to ensure a fresh start. It’s comforting to think that, across centuries, people have used this moment not just to plan, but to pause and consider what kind of year they want to step into.
Reflecting now, I feel a quiet pride in what I’ve accomplished: the discipline, the patience, and the knowledge that sometimes, doing nothing is exactly the right move.
Health: Moving, Cooking, and Joyful Energy
For me, health isn’t about rigid routines or punishing gym sessions — it’s about moving more, eating well, and finding joy in everyday energy. Casual activity with the little one — running around the park, climbing playgrounds, spontaneous dancing in the kitchen — has become my way of building strength while having fun.
Cooking is one of my true happy activities. There’s something meditative about chopping vegetables, smelling herbs, and tasting as you go. This coming year, I want more veg-rich meals, more dinners that feel nourishing and full of colour. And of course, shared meals — those moments when everyone sits around the table and smiles over something simple and delicious — are perhaps the richest health investment of all.
Mini-list: Simple ways to bring more joy into daily meals
- Experiment with one new vegetable each week
- Make cooking a shared activity with your partner or little one
- Let meals be imperfect, but full of laughter and conversation
- Celebrate the small ritual of setting the table beautifully, even on a Tuesday
Cooking and movement together are more than habits; they’re small acts of mindfulness, joy, and connection.
Minimalism: Holding Space and Letting Life Breathe
Minimalism has been a companion for nearly ten years now, and the lessons continue. It isn’t about empty shelves or Spartan routines — it’s about clarity, gentle reminders, and holding space for what matters. Podcasts inspire me, reminding me that less really can be more, but the biggest teacher has been simply paying attention to my priorities: family, joy, curiosity, and time spent fully alive.
This year, minimalism is about resisting overbuying, especially for the little one, and remembering that every new possession carries invisible weight — in time, attention, and energy. There’s also a light-hearted element: keeping it simple doesn’t mean boring. The occasional playful indulgence — a new board game to share with my partner, for example — can bring immense delight without tipping the scales.
Family and Connection: Adventures and Board Games
Connection is at the heart of everything. Board games on quiet evenings, planning holidays to Norway, France, or Devon, and small adventures in our own city remind me that life’s richness isn’t measured in possessions or schedules, but in shared laughter and time spent noticing each other.
Watching the world through my daughter’s eyes adds layers of magic: a streetlamp feels monumental, a Christmas tree glowing with lights seems enchanted. These observations are a gentle reminder that seasonal wonder is always around us if we just slow down enough to notice.
Seasonal Observations and the Spirit of the New Year
The New Year carries a quiet gravity, a subtle invitation to pause and look forward while honouring the past. The lengthening days and shifting light feel symbolic, a reminder that change is slow, inevitable, and often beautiful. Observing the winter sky, the pink sunrises, the crisp blue afternoons, I feel both grounded and curious about the possibilities ahead.
Mindfulness at this time isn’t about perfection — it’s about noticing. Noticing the warmth of a mug in your hands, the sparkle of a tree, the gentle rhythm of family life. It’s about letting curiosity guide the next steps, rather than pressure or expectation.
Gentle Questions for the Road
As the days grow longer and the new year stretches ahead, I like to leave a few reflective questions for myself — and maybe, for you too:
- What small moments this season are you noticing that might otherwise go unseen?
- How can you gently let certain areas of your life grow while enjoying the process?
- Which rituals, meals, or small joys do you want to carry into the new year?
It’s less about resolutions and more about curiosity. Less about grand declarations, more about noticing what truly makes life feel alive. This year, I’m aiming to move more, cook more, laugh more, and appreciate the subtle magic in every shared meal, every sunrise, and every board game played with someone I love.