2025 Ins and Outs

Jumping on the bandwagon

Roadtripping along Highway 50 in Nevada—The Loneliest Road in America.

I know I know—everyone and their brother has done an Ins and Outs list, but I’ll admit that I’ve had a lot of fun reading them. It’s fun to see each person’s perspective on the trend. I jumped on the bandwagon to include a few things that I’ve been thinking about for this year.

In

• Using your library card. Did you know there’s a place you can get books, ebooks, audio books, movies, music, magazines, and more all for free? I ask that a bit sarcastically, because of course you know—but do you use it? I’m a library fan girl and find myself there on a weekly basis. Libraries are an incredible resource for communities, and I find that many people I talk to aren’t taking advantage of them. Some libraries even have home items like bakeware or wall art that you can check out. Next time you need something, see if the library has it.

• Chatting with your neighbors. I’ve been feeling a lack of community in my life recently. Between the Covid years, working (and not working) from home, and busy schedules, it’s been hard to cultivate as much community as I’d like to have in my life. One easy way to feel connected is looking left and right out your own front door. Last week, I made granola and shared it with with three neighbors near us. I took the opportunity to hand deliver it and catch up with people. They all invited me in, and I took them up on it for a few minutes to hear about their lives. I spent that week feeling happier and better connected, and I promised myself I would make excuses to visit my neighbors more often.

• Roadtripping. It seems like every other Instagram post is a glamorous trip to Spain or the Maldives. While I’m very on board with all of that, let’s take a minute to remember our humble friend The Roadtrip. I’ll admit, I wasn’t the biggest roadtrip fan when I was younger. Over the years, I’ve grown to love the whimsy of overpacking the car (hard to do on a plane) and setting out for adventure whether near or far. Will we eat at a five-star restaurant or a gas station along the way? Time will tell…and that’s part of the fun.

Out

• Feeling guilty for enjoying life’s pleasures. I’ve always hated the term “guilty pleasures.” Why should I feel guilty about something I love? Years ago, I read a quote by Danielle LaPorte that said, “There is no guilt in my pleasures.” It stopped me in my tracks. I had never related to something more and immediately adopted the saying into my life. Stop feeling guilty for the things that bring you joy.

• Giving more than you’re getting. You know those friendships where you’re always the one reaching out to check in or make plans? I’m not talking about the normal ebbs and flows of life but, rather, the consistent trend of you doing all the work in a relationship. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past couple of years, it’s that friendships don’t always last forever—even long-term friendships. If I feel someone’s not reciprocating after a few times, I’ll mentally walk away (which is damn hard to do sometimes). This is also a good reminder to myself to foster the great friendships in my life so I don’t have to ask myself the dreaded question… “am I the asshole?” (AITA)

• Consuming more than creating. Did I add this one purely as a reminder to myself? Maybe. I’m guilty of reading all the Substacks and scrolling all the Instagram posts but forgetting to leave time to let my creative juices flow. 2025 is the year for getting my hands dirty (both literally and figuratively) with writing, art, cooking, gardening, and whatever else I dream up. Who’s with me?

What resonates with you? I’d love to know what’s on your list.