2025: New Experiences, Not Resolutions
Why Following Your Curiosity Beats Chasing Resolutions
Happy New Year!
Don’t worry, I’m not here to hit you with one of those “New Year, New You” clichés. I’m over it and maybe you are too? Instead, I want to share an idea that feels way more exciting than resolutions: new experiences.
Rather than setting strict goals or ticking off a list of promises and then having your self worth dive into the crapper by February because you didn’t do what you said you were going to do, what if you followed your curiosity instead? What if you tried things you’ve been thinking about for a while or the ones that pop unbidden into your head encouraging that part of you that says, “why the heck not?”
It’s only the beginning of January, but I’ve already had a couple of new experiences this year that have sparked so much joy and possibility for 2025.
A Train Adventure Across the Nullarbor Plain
Technically I ended 2024 and then kicked off 2025 by sleeping in a sleeper car on a train (a first for me!). I have slept on long distance trains before but only in a regular seat that kinda’ sorta’ lies back which I do not recommend!! This was a deluxe experience made even more delightful by an unexpected upgrade for the second half of the trip! Unlimited Bollinger? If you insist ;-)
Whilst on the train we crossed the Nullarbor Plain - another first. Think “null” as in nothing and “arbor” as in tree and you’ll get the sense of this sprawling, flat, semi-arid area in southern Australia. It actually does have trees and shrubs and is hauntingly beautiful.
Check one of my photos taken through the dusty train window
Over the entire trip the skies were simply stunning, so open and vast with some amazing cloud formations
Dusting Off an Old Keyboard
AKA, hopefully tickling the ivories
Another new experience I’m planning for this year is learning to play the piano. Well, technically, an old electronic keyboard that’s been sitting in my garage for over 15 years - but it’s basically the same thing, right?
This keyboard belonged to my kid (a gift from their uncle when they were about 10), and it’s been gathering dust off and on ever since. Now I’m thinking I’ll give it a shot and all I have to decide is if I dive into YouTube tutorials or find a local teacher. Luckily we have no neighbours so if, I mean when I suck, only the dog and cat will suffer - the hubby will just pop out his hearing aids.
Is this the year I finally learn how to play? Stay tuned (hahahaha, pun intended)
A Long-Overdue Visit to the UK
In 2025, I’ll also be traveling back to the UK for the first time in over 20 years. It’s been so long that it’s going to feel like an entirely new experience. Hopefully the journey from Australia won’t kill me; first flight 14 hours 35 minutes - second flight a mere blip at 7 hours and 55 minutes. Piece of cake, right?! Other than the travel I am very excited about this trip, I get to hang out with both my oldest and youngest seesters and see bunch of other family members!
Convincing Myself I’m a Gardener
Okay, this one’s a little ambitious, but hear me out: I’m going to attempt some light landscape design this year. I’ve been dreaming about creating an “outdoor room” from an old chicken coop that’s between my house and my studio. Nothing too flash and probably a bit funky. Will I suddenly become a landscape gardening pro? Yeah, no, but of course having a go is what it’s all about and even though I know it’ll be hard work (the weeds are fierce this year) it’ll also be fun.
Launching a Podcast
And the biggest new experience for me this year? The launching of the Threads & Bones podcast! In line with what I faff on about here at The Vibrancy Society, the podcast is all about creativity - whether we think we have it, what we think about it, what others think about it, what inspires it, what sustains it, and how we can infuse more of it into our lives.
If you’re a subscriber to The Vibrancy Society, don’t worry—you won’t automatically get bombarded with the podcast episodes (unless of course you want to be). Threads & Bones is a section here on my Subsatck and I turned off the automatic subscription for it so you should be good.
However, would I love it if you subscribed? Of course! If you want to here's your guide:
You can also subscribe on Apple or Spotify.
The trailer’s already up. It’s three minutes long but if that’s too much of a commitment go ahead and up that playback speed. I won’t judge; I do it all, and I mean all, the time.
So, the first official episode of Threads & Bones, exploring creativity drops next week on the 16th, and I’ll be honest:
I’m terrified.
But I’m also thrilled.
Don’t you just love the frisson of equal parts scary and exciting that heightens with new experiences? (gulp)
Resolutions vs. Habits
Now, I know I said we weren’t going to talk about resolutions, but let’s touch on habits for a second. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve written about this before - three years ago now.
Changing a habit means creating a new neural groove in your brain that’s stronger than the old one. Research says it takes at least 66 days of repetition to form a new habit. So if you’re working on something, give yourself grace - it’s not going to happen overnight.
For the full read, here you go:
Unleashing the Power of Compounding Habits For Lasting Transformation
Compounding Ourselves For the Better
What New Experiences Are You Excited About?
So, here’s my challenge for you: I’m not sure if anyone still makes resolutions but if you do, instead think about what new experiences you’d like to have this year. What excites you? What sparks your curiosity?
Will it be something big, like planning a trip, or something small, like trying a new hobby or even a new restaurant? Even though I’ve planned more than enough things to keep me occupied I’m leaving space for the random or unexpected options to arise.
After you’ve followed your curiosity and made a bit of a list, send it to me (if you’re reading this via email) or leave it in the comments (if you’re on the Substack App)
Here’s a good recipe for 2025: Adventure + Creativity + Discovery = Vibrancy!
Doesn’t that sounds yummy?
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thanks for reading.
Be Well,
xBec
P.S. Earlybird pricing for April’s Hunter Valley Women’s Yoga & Pilates Retreat expires Feb 7th. This is another new experience for me!
