Little Things That Spark Joy
Hey 2024, HNY! Here are 10 small things that make me feel better when I feel like a hot mess!
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Hello and happy new year, love Niya fam! It’s that time of year again, folks. Now that January is upon us, many people will be joining new gyms, starting new projects, maybe giving dry January a go and laying down their vices in the name of ✨self-improvement✨. I’m not really one to set NYE resolutions since most of them seem to only last for a hot second, but I remain a fan of goal-setting nonetheless.
Setting goals are just as much of an acknowledgment of vulnerability as it is a hope for self-improvement.
I learned a lot about myself this past year, especially within the past few months leading up to the start of 2024. Although my 2023 was filled with lots of love and joy, I also experienced a lot of change — which, BTW I totally underestimated. Hindsight is 2020, I guess.
Regardless of the change that I’ve experienced, I know that the Holidays and New Years can be very difficult for most people to navigate. To help, I’ve created a list of little things that make me feel better (you know, for when I feel like a hot mess).
Spending quality time with my family
Reading — right now, I’m reading Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Here are a few other things I’ve enjoyed reading recently:
Creative Rest > Smashing Goals via the Hyphen (the entire article is only available for paid subscribers, but there is a lengthy pre-read for free & non subscribers before the paywall)
The Friendship Dip via Culture Study. I am newly subscribed to Culture Study — I think her essays are really interesting and informative.
Taking long walks (PS: a “long walk” from a native LA girly like me is 30 minutes).
Watering my houseplants
Taking pics of my dog sleeping
Sunday resets
Everything showers
Listening to my favorite podcasts: Crime Junkie, Diary of a CEO, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, TED Talks Daily
Re-setting my monthly & weekly magnetic fridge calendar
Discovering new binge-worthy shows: The Boys, Atlanta, and re-watching old ones: Sex & The City, Class of ‘09, Insecure