Welcome, 2025: New Year, New Goals, and New Connections 🎊🥳🎉🍾🍷

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 Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉 As the fireworks fade and the calendar flips to 2025, I’m filled with hope, anticipation, and a little excitement for what’s to come. The start of a new year always feels like a clean slate—a chance to reflect on the past, set new goals, and think about how to grow.

For me, 2024 was a whirlwind of challenges, learning experiences, and quiet moments of joy. It’s been a year of pushing myself out of my comfort zone while staying true to my introverted nature. And with that, my little corner of the internet—Awkwardly Introverted—has grown into something I’m really proud of.

As I step into 2025, I want to focus on a few key goals:

1. Bringing in New Visitors

One of my biggest intentions for Awkwardly Introverted this year is to connect with more people who resonate with my content. Whether you’re here for the relatable musings on introversion, tips for navigating life’s awkward moments, or just to find a quiet space online where you feel seen, I hope to create content that speaks to you.

I’m brainstorming fresh ideas—like personal stories, practical advice, and even collaborations—to make this blog a go-to spot for introverts and anyone who loves a good deep dive into life’s quieter moments.

2. Setting Realistic and Meaningful Goals

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that goals don’t have to be grandiose to be meaningful. This year, I’m keeping things simple but intentional:

  • Spend more time doing what fuels my creativity, whether that’s writing, designing, or creating content that feels true to me.
  • Prioritize mental health and self-care, because as introverts, we know how important it is to recharge.
  • Read more books (because let’s be real, what introvert doesn’t have an ever-growing TBR list?).

3. Building a Community of Kindred Spirits

Awkwardly Introverted isn’t just a blog; it’s a space for connection. And while introverts might not be the loudest voices in the room, we know the value of deep, meaningful relationships. This year, I want to foster that sense of community by engaging more with all of you—through comments, social media, or even a newsletter.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone (Hello, Public Speaking 😱)

This month is already proving to be a challenge because I’m taking a public speaking class. Ugh. Yes, your awkwardly introverted blogger is in public speaking, and let me just say, I loathe it. 😂

This isn’t something I could avoid—it’s mandatory for my program. The idea of standing in front of people and being the center of attention makes my palms sweat just thinking about it. The class is online only, but that didn’t stop me from being a bundle of nerves during our first assignment.

We had to stand in front of our cameras and talk about our favorite animal. I chose the woolly mammoth 🦣 because, let’s be honest, they’re fascinating Ice Age creatures! Even though I was in my room, my voice was shaking, and I felt like the spotlight was glaring right at me. I even forgot to time myself and missed reading my last card. It was awkward, nerve-wracking, and I wanted the floor to swallow me whole.

The class lasts until the 17th, and while I’m still dreading it, the professor’s bubbly and easygoing personality makes it slightly less terrifying. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes—I just hope I survive without turning into a stammering puddle of anxiety.

Starting the Year on a High Note: Study Abroad!

While my pick for president didn’t win (hey, Kamala!), I’m still kicking off 2025 on a high note because I secured a full scholarship to study abroad for 12 days in three countries: Germany 🇩🇪, Poland 🇵🇱, and the Czech Republic 🇨🇿!

I can’t tell you how excited I am. This will be my first solo trip abroad. While I did visit Greece 🇬🇷 last year (I love you, Greece, and never wanted to come back!) that was with my mom and her job. This trip is part of a history class with my college, so there will still be homework involved, and we’re split into three groups.

I’m equally thrilled and nervous about this adventure. I wonder if I’ll see vampires 🧛🏾 in Prague? (Kidding. Mostly.)

Wrapping It Up

So, dearest readers of Awkwardly Introverted, what are your plans for 2025? Whether you’re setting ambitious resolutions, stepping out of your comfort zone, or just taking things day by day, I hope you kick ass this year.

Also, real talk—how long do you say “Happy New Year”? One day? Two days? Or do you just stop after January 1st? 😂

Lastly, WTF is up with South Jersey getting all the snow while here in North Jersey, nothing sticks? I’m lowkey jealous but also relieved because I don’t actually want it. 😅

Here’s to a year of growth, creativity, and connection. Thanks for being here, and let’s make 2025 amazing! 🍾🥂 

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