In and Out Lists | 2025

As we settle in during this new year, I have been reflecting on this past year and the things I want to improve this current year. As a mom of school age children, I now function in the school calendar. We are half way through the year (and last summer felt like a lifetime ago). It was a rocky start to having two chidren in school full time and my daughter starting all day kindergarten (our oldest had the privilege of going to a half day kindergarten). 

I thought with just two at home, life would be such a breeze! It is easier in some ways, but I forgot about the reality that school drop off and pick ups entail. As well as school activities and coordinating nap times. My two youngest are also third and fourth children which comes with much different personalities than the first two did! 

All this to say, this beginning of the school year was harder than I thought it would be. But after winter break it seemed like we finally got through the transition and things are going a lot more smoothly.

I also feel like over my years of parenting so far, I have learned to let go of expecting myself to be what I was like before kids. But now that I have overcome that hurdle, I am now comparing myself to the person I was with one or two kids. It is a vicious cycle, this comparing to self and expecting so much. I am learning, little by little. But it is still disappointing when I lose my cool.

I am doing as much as I can to be a better steward of my time, to take care of myself, and to cook during the day so that I am more present during the difficult after school hours. For the most part, I am juggling as best as I can but I still have days that are hard. Like newborn days hard. I guess I thought life would just keep getting easier. And while in many areas it has, the realization is that life is simply hard sometimes. With no rhyme or reason. This is just life! What a revelation!

So instead of expecting life to always be easy and peaceful (something I so desperately try to cultivate daily), the reality is that I have to take each day with its own ebbs and flows. I am trying to be flexible and surrender my days to God. I suppose I am better for all of this. I just wish I could get in a nap! ;)

Anyways, I loved this list I read on the ins and outs of 2025 and wanted to come up with my own. I'd love to hear yours if you'd like to share!

 

 

- IN -

Cooking during the day so I can be a more present mama in the evening.

Dressing how I want, what I feel good in, mostly black with a fabulous accessory, and just a small nod to trends.

Slow consumerism. Shopping second hand when I can. Putting things on wish lists and letting it sit there before I buy it. 

 

Dating my husband. Thinking of him and listening better.

Sitting on the floor with my kids and just being with them.

Reading. 

 

Reading with my kids.

Drink more water.

 

 Stop and listen.

Journaling and reflecting.

Blogging for fun.

 

- OUT -

Sugar in everyday things for my kids - I'm checking labels again on things like snacks and cereal so that I can be more mindful of what my kids are eating (save the sugar for treats!).

Looking at my phone so much (putting it in a drawer and checking things on my computer instead).

Looking at Instagram or Facebook (I technically left both of these but still use them for groups or for documenting on my private IG account). I am intentionally logging out when I am done so that if I pull it up out of boredom, I am reminded to not log in.

Being so sensitive to what others think of me or say to me (I have some books I want to read but this is truly so hard for me as a highly sensitive person).

Googling everything. Unanswered questions are okay (I also just got our oldest a kid's dictionary from the thrift store so we can look things up old school!).

Rushing. Hurrying.

 

Complaining (more gratefulness!).