New Year, New Me: Rediscovering Joy and Reconnecting with Yourself

Ah, January—the time of year when we vow to overhaul our entire lives. New diets, ambitious fitness plans, and lofty resolutions have overwhelmed our social media feeds, convincing us that THIS productivity hack will turn your life around!!! But what if we stopped trying to reinvent ourselves every January and instead focused on reconnecting with who we are and what brings us joy?

This year, let’s skip the self-improvement hamster wheel and utter disappointment when another year passes and we haven’t upheld our resolution; and focus on rediscovering joy, creativity, and the quirky parts of ourselves that make life fun. Here are a few suggestions to help you embrace your inner kid, have guilt-free hobbies, and a whole lot of play.

1. Reflect on What Made You Happy as a Kid

Think back to a time when your biggest problem was deciding between crayons or markers. What did you love doing when you were little? Maybe you spent hours drawing, building elaborate LEGO castles, or pretending to be a rockstar. Those childhood passions often hold clues about what still lights you up inside.

Make a list of activities you loved as a kid and pick one to try again. Loved climbing trees? Head to a park and find a sturdy branch (but maybe stretch first—your knees aren’t what they used to be). Enjoyed building forts? Grab some blankets and relive the glory days. The goal is to reconnect with the things that made you feel alive, no matter how silly they might seem now.

2. Schedule Time for Joy—Yes, Schedule It

Life gets busy, and joy tends to fall to the bottom of our to-do lists. This year, pencil in time for fun like it’s a meeting with your boss. Whether it’s 20 minutes of doodling, an hour of baking something you’re excited to eat, or a random dance break, treat it like a priority.

Pull out your calendar and block off a weekly "joy hour." Use that time to do something purely for fun—no productivity goals allowed. You’d be surprised how much of a mood boost you can get from simply doing something you love.

3. Embrace Being Awkward

Let’s be real: as adults, we avoid things we’re not good at because we hate looking foolish. But here’s the truth—being bad at something can be ridiculously fun. Want to try painting? Your masterpiece might look like a kindergartener’s finger painting, but who cares? The joy is in the process, not the end result.

Pick a low-stakes activity that you know you won’t be great at (yet). Whether it’s learning to juggle, trying a TikTok dance, or baking a cake without following a recipe, permit yourself to fail spectacularly—and laugh while doing it.

4. Rediscover the Power of Play

Play isn’t just for kids; it’s for anyone who wants to feel more alive. Play can be anything—running around with your dog, playing hide-and-seek with your friends, or dusting off your favorite board game. It’s about letting go of responsibility for a moment and just enjoying yourself.

The next time you have a free afternoon, do something playful. Play tag with your kids (or borrow someone else’s if you don’t have any), shoot some hoops, or build a snowman if the weather allows. Bonus points if you embrace the silliness and don’t take yourself too seriously.

5. Slow Down and Be Present

In a world that values hustle and multitasking, slowing down can feel radical. But taking a moment to pause and be present can help you reconnect with your emotions and your sense of self. Whether it’s sipping tea while staring out the window or enjoying a walk without checking your phone, presence is a gift we don’t give ourselves enough.

Take five minutes to just sit and breathe. Notice how you feel, what you hear, and what’s around you. You don’t have to meditate or do anything fancy—just be. This tiny pause can help you reset and feel more grounded.

6. Channel Your Inner Mad Scientist

Creativity is one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself. Don’t worry if you’re not "artistic"—creativity doesn’t have to mean painting like Van Gogh. It can be experimenting with a new recipe, writing a short story, or turning an old T-shirt into a tote bag. The key is to let yourself play without worrying about the outcome.

Pick a creative project you’ve been curious about and dive in. Don’t have an idea? Try something low-pressure, like following a beginner’s tutorial on YouTube or throwing together a recipe with whatever’s in your fridge. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be fun.

7. Start Small, Celebrate Big

Reconnecting with yourself doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight. It’s about tiny, joyful steps that make each day brighter. Every small moment counts, whether it’s spending 10 minutes journaling, playing your favorite song and dancing around the kitchen, or calling an old friend to reminisce about shared memories.

At the end of each day, write down one small thing that brought you joy. Over time, these moments will build into a big, beautiful reminder of how fulfilling life can be when you let yourself embrace it.

2025: The Year of YOU

This year, let’s ditch the exhausting resolutions and focus on something simpler: joy, play, and self-connection. You don’t need a fancy plan or expensive tools to rediscover what makes you happy. All you need is a little curiosity, a willingness to try, and the courage to embrace the awkwardness along the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that crayon, climb that tree, and let 2025 be the year you rediscover what it means to truly be YOU.

What’s one thing you loved doing as a kid that you’re excited to try again this year? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear them!