I had my mixed episode that landed me in the hospital and got my bipolar diagnosis in June 2021. Ever since then, I’ve been trying to learn how to live and cope with it. The fact that it’s taken me so long has, at times, left me astonished. Balancing a full-time job while battling my symptoms left me little time to focus on anything else. More often than not, I felt like a mess. Very slowly I’ve learned how to make things work so I don’t feel frazzled and rushed all the time. While the last 3.5 years was all about surviving, I want to make 2025 a year of thriving. In order to do that, I need to focus on me.

Here are my goals to help me feel like me again:

1. Dress my style

The last several years I haven’t been happy with how I look. In part, it’s due to my wardrobe. What I’ve been wearing doesn’t feel like me. The clothing I purchased was because it looked like good business casual outfits for work … but none of it expressed who I am. After 3.5 years of throwing an outfit on just to look presentable, I’ve realized that one’s individual stlye is so important. When I was a teenager and in my 20s, I was happy because what I wore fit my personality. I want to have that again.

My plan is to go through my clothes, throw away anything that isn’t salvagable, and donate/sell items that aren’t me. When I do need to buy something, I’m going to make sure it represents who I am. This includes accessories and shoes, too.

2. Learn how to do eyemakeup 

I have very sensitive skin –  so much so that I have to be careful about what lotions I use! I’m also acne-prone. I don’t like putting makeup on my face for that reason. I also I feel claustophobic with it on. I like my face to breathe. And let’s face it – I don’t have the patience to put a full face of makeup on and I would rather use money for makeup expenses for other things.

When I was an adolescent, my sister gave me some advice. She said if I ever wanted to wear makeup, I didn’t have to wear a full face and should accentuate my best feature: my eyes. I’ve worn mascara and eyeshadow before, but not consistently. So I’ve decided to learn how to properly apply eyeshadow and eyeliner.

3. Paint my nails more

I’m a nail biter. But I also love having my nails be different colors. It’s a little, simple joy. Seeing a flash of color on my fingers as I type or when I flip the page of a book makes me smile. Plus, I tend to bite my nails less when they’re painted.

4. Take care of my skin

As mentioned above, I have acne-prone skin. Staring in late elementary school all the way through high school, it was pretty severe. Thankfully I only get the occassional pimple now and then. Pockmarks adorn my cheeks now. After doing some research, I think I’ve found a brand and regimen that will help with the scaring. Win-win!

Another reason I want to focus on this is because over the last year I have not been good at showering consistently. Making sure that I’m clean will help me feel better overall.

5. Read

For several years now I’ve been in a huge reading slump because of my depression. I’ve been getting back into the mood to read again. This year I want to read books that interest me. If something isn’t clicking, then I won’t be afraid to DNF it. There are also a ton of books I own – both physical and ebooks – that I haven’t read. It’s time to give them the attention they rightfully deserve.

What are some of the goals you have to take care of yourself this year?