And just like that, the first three months of 2025 are over. How’s the new year going for me so far? Well, as the title of my post says, I’d describe the first three months as all about embracing new experiences and routines and also embracing slow days whenever possible.
A New Sunday Morning Fitness Routine
When I wasn’t embracing an active lifestyle, my only form of exercise was walking. Not really to move my body but simply because I enjoyed it. Recently though, I’ve been intentionally waking up early on Sundays to go for a walk with my cousin. It’s all about hitting 10,000 steps for us.
There are so many benefits to walking. For me, I find that it helps me mentally recharge. It clears my head, and it’s a good way to de-stress. Plus it’s a low-impact activity, which is a welcome break from my usual high-intensity fitness activities at the gym.
Other than those, walking with my cousin is another way we get to bond. And I also witness the sun rising in the horizon which I don’t often get to see. There’ something about seeing the rising sun that brings me joy. #Glimmer.
A New Addition to the Family
My dog, Luna, gave birth to a litter of pups last December. While we couldn’t keep all her babies as much as I wished we could, I did get to keep one. I named him Jupiter or Jupy for short He’s the only boy in a litter of six and he looks just like his mom. Exactly why I chose to keep him. He’s a bundle of joy.
I Tried My Hand at Painting
What I love about living in Metro Manila is there is always something new to try. While Sip & Gogh is not a new thing, it is a new experience for me. I’ve wanted to try it for so long now but have never had anyone to go with. I think it’s a new experience that’s more fun to try with a companion, you know? So when my friend mentioned that it was something he and his partner were looking to do, I asked if I could go along with them.
A Run for the Environment
Speaking of a new experience, I also had my first fun run experience last March!
One Book A Month
Annually, I set a reading challenge for myself. This year, I’m challenging myself to read 15 books. I’ve always enjoyed reading but you know life can sometimes get so busy, there’s not always time to sit down and read. But I’m making more an effort to read these days. Not only because I want to put a dent in my reading list but more so because it’s part of my intention to slow down.
The Spa’s Candle Oil Massage
Aside from reading, I’m also making more effort to be kinder to my body. Treating myself to a massage every now and then is part of it. Not only is a massage relaxing but it’s also a treat to my aching muscles. My friend and I recently went on a spa date and we tried a candle oil therapy massage. Definitely something new.
Comfort Food but Make it Healthy
Mondays… what can I say? Struggle is real on at the start of the work week, mentally. So I’ve been making an effort to find ways to make it easier for me. One of those ways is to eat taho in the morning. For my non-Filipino readers, taho is a Filipino snack that is made of fresh tofu, syrup and sago pearls. It’s a tasty and healthy treat. There’s a taho vendor that always passes by our neighborhood in the morning so I’ve made it a point to buy every Monday and every time I find myself struggling on that particular work day. It’s a comfort food for me.
Weekends Spent Cooking
And after all these years, I’m finally learning a new life skill – cooking! My mom guides me. She’s a great cook. I tried cooking when I was younger. But I didn’t stick with it. I always said I didn’t have the patience for it. But cooking is an important life skill. I can’t be an independent woman if I can’t cook.
So on weekends, I spend time in the kitchen, cooking my lunch. I’m enjoying doing it too! I want to keep doing this until I’m so adept in the kitchen, I’m confidently cooking without my mom instructing me on what to do.
Learning to Sit Still
How do I want t obe this 2025? I want to be still when I can. I want to embrace slow living. I’m not one to meditate but I’ve been learning to just sit still from time to time. No gadget or book on hand. Just me sitting still for a few minutes. Sometimes with a coffee on hand, just sitting alone with my thoughts.
It’s been good for me to be alone with my thoughts. Reflecting on my goals and my life’s direction.
How has 2025 been for you guys so far?
Closet Diaries: My February and March Looks - Pieces of Liz
[…] shared about my Sunday walking habit in my first quarter wrap-up post. This is what I wore on the very first Sunday that my cousin and I started doing our Sunday walk. […]