My eldest daughter has blossomed into a voracious reader—she devours books faster than I can keep our library holds and bookstore visits stocked. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, though I’ll admit, it’s a world far removed from my own childhood experience. Back then, reading felt like a chore, tied to school assignments and deadlines. Honestly, it made me downright loathe books. But seeing her love for stories? It’s like rediscovering the magic of reading through her eyes.

Enter the whirlwind of the Bridgerton phenomenon, and suddenly, I found myself giving reading another shot. I dove into Colin and Penelope’s story—it wasn’t the easiest reentry into the world of books, but it was satisfying to compare the pages to the drama of the latest season with other friends who also read the book. From there, I stumbled upon the Practical Magic series, and those were so fun and enchanting. Each page felt like a mini getaway, a daily escape into a world that was both captivating and comforting.

Since 2024 turned me into a bit of a bookworm (who saw that coming?), I’ve decided to embrace the vibe and map out a reading list for 2025. Nothing too wild—just 12 books. It feels like a goal that’s ambitious but doable for me right now. And hey, if I manage to read more than 12? You better believe I’ll be patting myself on the back!

While I don’t have my entire year of reading planned out, I do think I have my first six books settled on.

6 Books on My 2025 Reading List

1. All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard
   A heartwarming, feel-good romance perfect for cozy evenings and escaping into a love story.

2. The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon
   A deep dive into the lives of often-overlooked figures who shaped pivotal moments in American history.

3. Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives by Sami Sage and Emily Amick
   A timely exploration of actionable steps we can take to strengthen democracy and inspire change, both nationally and personally.

4. To Sir Phillip, With Love: Bridgerton: Eloise's Story by Julia Quinn
   Bridgerton fans rejoice! Eloise’s story promises wit, charm, and all the romance we’ve come to love from this series.

5. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
   A thought-provoking guide to embracing life’s uncertainties and letting go of what we can’t control—because sometimes, you just have to let them.

6. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
   A must-read for small business owners, this book offers a fresh approach to managing finances and achieving sustainable growth.

In additional to these 6 books, I’ve also added Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility by Bob Goff. I was gifted this book and I think it may be exactly what I need. Obviously I won’t finish that book till the end of the year.

I’m feeling hopeful that I can tackle these six books by midyear—fingers crossed! But let’s be real, I’m already dreaming about what could fill the next chapter of my 2025 reading journey. If you’ve got any must-reads, hidden gems, or personal favorites, I’m all ears—send them my way!

It seems that every year, more and more people are doing away with their traditional New Year resolutions and focusing more on maybe just a word of the year.

I’ve set my fair share of resolutions in the past and I completely agree with the notion that they can be overwhelming and easily discarded after a few weeks of pressure.

So, I’ve decided to try a word of the year for 2022. Trying to decide which word I would focus on this year was much harder than previously considered.

Exactly what was I hoping to accomplish this year? The list seemed endless. My goals ranged from big to small, vital to trivial. I had business aspirations and personal standards I wanted to meet. I want to grow my business this year but I also want to find more time for myself.

I could go on and on, and basically it turns out…I just want to have it all. Let’s be real. That’s what we all want right?

Back to the drawing board,

Rather than focusing on all that I want, I started to think about why I haven’t met my previous goals. Of course there are a bajillion reasons that are completely out of my control as to why I don’t “have it all”. I don’t think it’s a standard we are actually allowed as women to have yet. However, I’m realistic and I do think some of this is very much in my control.

As a creative, and often times a perfectionist, I think one of my biggest struggles is staying focused. I am one of those typical people in this industry with 20 tabs constantly open. I’m sending work emails while simultaneously looking for a Ghost Spider sweater for my kid. While I’m at Disneyland with my family, I’m planning out my weekly meal plan. While picking up my daughter from school and asking her about her day, I’m also trying to get a post or an instastory up. Honestly, it’s no wonder I’m missing the mark so many times.

The pressure to “have it all” is so strong, that we are all self sabotaging our actual ability to “be happy with what we have”.

This year, my word is going to be “focus”. Focus on what I am doing and just focus on that. If I’m picking up Evelyn from school, focus on having that moment with her. If I’m at work and writing or designing, focus on that design work. Will things fall through the cracks? It’s possible, more like probable. However, I do wonder if what doesn’t fall through those cracks, perhaps, will reach new heights I’ve previously not met. Maybe my mind won’t be as exhausted. Maybe I’ll feel more accomplished at the end of the day.

Who really knows how this could turn out, I certainly don’t. But hey…it’s just one year right?

Do you have a word of the year? Or are you more of a resolution type of person?

Here’s to focusing in 2022!!!