7 things for 2025
Yes, it's a listicle. No, it's not about New Year's resolutions. Inspired by Victoria Bencsik's writing prompts.
When I worked as a journalist for Vogue, there was always this talk about how people love lists and numbers. “5 books to read this Summer”, “(Whatever shade of brown or burgundy was trending that season): 7 pieces to invest in”, “10 moments that shaped pop culture this year”, “18 movies to watch this Christmas”. The list goes on. From legacy media to Substack, Instagram and TikTok, the listicle (I love this word) is an oddly satisfying format that scratches that annoying itch in your brain, offering a moment of temporary bliss where you can shut off your grey matter for a while. It’s science, baby! It’s also our average 47 seconds attention span on any screen, but who’s counting.
Anyway. This year, there were two things I particularly loved: following
and her beautiful lists on Instagram, and using the cards from this Self Love Game as writing prompts. There is so much beauty in keeping this kind of writing, in letting yourself expand from a question, in doing something your teenage self used to love so much—that is, keeping multiple diaries full of poems, memories, and nonsense, locked away in a box for no one to see.
Nowadays, I have a hard time committing to a daily journal. Strangely enough, I think it has a lot to do with my need for constant perfection in everything I do. I’ll overthink the pen I’m using. If I’m writing in a straight line. Not too much to the left, not too much to the right. If my handwriting looks beautiful, neat, aesthetically pleasing. But it’s one of my biggest intentions for the year to come—to keep an imperfect journal. And since I’m trying to hold space for this practice, I thought it made sense to start early. So here are my 7 things for 2025, inspired by Victoria Bencsik's writing prompts, originally written in my faithful black notebook, and lovingly typed here 💌
10 things I like about myself
Kind
Empathetic
Knowledgeable about pop culture (it’s so much fun)
Resilient
Funny
Self-aware
Vulnerable
Observant
Caring
Sensitive
In 2025
Taking more notes (extra points if they’re handwritten)
Writing letters
Keeping a notebook with good things that happen everyday
Baking
Moving your body for health + longevity
Phone outside the bedroom
Family heirlooms
Butter (salted) + bread (warm, lightly toasted)
Hobbies that require you to use your hands
No social media before 9AM and after 9PM
Crosswords
Learning + asking more questions
Confidence
Aging
Giving out compliments
Out 2025
Holding grudges
Trending audios (show me your music taste instead!)
Lack of balance
Treating women’s bodies like trends (I’m so done with this kind of bullshit)
Perfectionism (why are we striving for it in the first place?)
Being rude
Talking during movies + concerts
Postponing things that are important to you + waiting for the “right” moment to do them
Ignoring people and their efforts
Assumptions
Relying on the Internet to tell you what to like, wear, or do (just go outside and figure it out yourself)
Overpriced clothes that are made of plastic
Lack of critical thinking and nuance
Doubting your worth
Overcomplicating (your health, your relationships, your life)
2025 affirmations
Write + read everyday. No matter how good the words are. No matter how many pages you can squeeze in. Just write + read everyday.
Keep a small notebook and pen with you at all times.
Reach out, send that message, compliment them. If it feels right, it probably is right (not applicable to toxic, draining relationships—let those go).
Happiness and contentment can be found in everyday, ordinary things. Notice them, be grateful for them.
Don’t downplay yourself and your worth. Celebrate yourself more. Trust yourself more.
Ask questions. Learn new things. Talk to strangers. This will help you grow and evolve in ways that nothing else can.
Daily angels are
Strangers who smile at you when you look their way
People who support your passions + feel excited for you
“This made me think of you” texts
Fresh flowers
Long hugs
Spending time with people you love + who love you back
A really good pastry + coffee
Taking yourself on a date
Dogs
Summer dresses
Writing
My happy fridge is
Anything from my grandparent’s garden
Raspberries
Cucumber
Feta cheese
Olives
Tzatziki
Tomatoes
Tony’s Milk Caramel Sea Salt chocolate
Homemade jam
Eggs
Greek yoghurt
Salted butter
Oat milk
Orange wine
I invest in myself by
Being honest and vulnerable
Writing + reading
Playing the New York Times games
Eating good food without feeling guilty
Pilates + walking
Drinking more water
Cleaning my house + lighting a candle
Surrounding myself with good, intelligent, kind-hearted people
Keeping an open mind
Getting dresses
Going to the beach when it’s cold but sunny (my favorite beach days)
Holiday season boundaries
(But valid for any other season of the year)
It’s ok and also very normal if you’re not overflowing with joy all the time. The end of the year can be hard and overwhelming, especially when you’re struggling with your mental health. Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel without any guilt or shame, but don’t forget to appreciate how beautiful it is to be present, to have a full table, to spend time with your loved ones.
Get off social media. Avoid comparing your year and your accomplishments. Your worth is not reflected in any highlight reel.
Don’t get trapped in the whole “new year, new me” discourse. Don’t feel like you need to set resolutions for the next 12 months. Instead, keep what made you happy, adjust what didn’t, and focus on simpler intentions. You’re already whole and more than enough as you are.
Notice the space and time you give to people and things that constantly make you feel like shit. It’s ok to let go of them and keep moving in peace.
Love and respect yourself to speak up, to say no, to be honest and authentic, especially when you feel like someone is crossing a line. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish or any less kind.
P.s. This newsletter was originally scheduled for January 2, but in the spirit of not postponing things you love, I decided to send it out December 30 at 11:11. A silly little nod to all the 111’s I saw this year. I have a total of 7 screenshots of 11:11 on my phone, but this is a great one I think.
Subscribe to Nobody is Reading This for more personal essays, pop culture newsletters, and small interviews with insanely interesting, beautiful and very talented people.
Other things about yourself: good listener! Smart! 💖 adorei esta news ☀️