Leveling Up for 2025

Goals, growth, ins and outs, favourites, etc.

Just a few days left until we step into the new year, but I hope everyone is soaking up the magic and joy of the season. I’m endlessly grateful for you all and for the wonderful space Substack has created. I hope you love reading this post!

What’s one of your ins or outs for 2025? I’d love to hear. 🎄❤️

As 2025 approaches, I find myself reflecting on a year that felt like a rollercoaster. I graduated, faced big changes, and shed an ungodly number of tears. Just when I thought I was moving forward, came a stumble back. It was exhausting, but it taught me that protecting my peace and energy is non-negotiable moving forward.

2025 I want to focus on being the bigger person.

2024 was a year of chasing after big dreams and goals, holding onto them so tightly that “manifesting” began to feel suffocating instead of empowering. Turning dreams into rigid expectations. Instead of letting life flow naturally, I was trying to control every step. And while ambition is a gift, it can also be overwhelming when it stops leaving room for reality.

For 2025, I want things to be different. I want to focus on protecting my peace and energy. I’ve realised that being the bigger person doesn’t just mean choosing kindness for others but also about being kind to yourself. It’s about learning when to let go and trusting the timing of your life.

2024 RECAP

Before diving into my 2025 intentions and my ins and outs for the year ahead, I wanted to share some of my favourite products, recipes, and memories!

1. Paloma Wool Head Scarf
   This scarf was an instant love the moment I tried it on. It’s the perfect accessory, cute with any outfit and a lifesaver during the freezing Shanghai cold last week.

2. Diptyque Eau Capitale
   A signature scent I’ve loved for nearly three years. Timeless and classic, it’s one I’ll never stop reaching for.

3. Lush Turmeric Latte Perfume
   Christmas in a bottle! Warm, spicy, and comforting. My sister went above and beyond to track it down for me since it’s always out of stock.

4. Lush Super Milk
   Another dreamy scent and hands down my favourite hair product of the year.

5. Rhode Toasted Teddy Pocket Blush
   My mum went full angel mode this year, waiting in line at the London pop-up to surprise me and my sister with goodies. This deep mauve blush is not only stunning but applies like a dream. A favourite for its colour and sentimental value.

6. Peachy Den Lennox Trousers
   Perfect pinstripe pleated, low-waist trousers that literally go with anything. They’re an all-season staple.

7. Ruby Firebird Pants
   Soft, lightweight, and versatile. I sized up for a lower-waist fit, and I’m obsessed with how they work for both casual and dressed-up looks.

8. Miu Miu Boots
   My combined graduation and birthday gift to myself. Worth every penny! They go with everything from skirts to jeans. Girl math: if I wear them often enough, the cost balances out. I’m so glad I waited for the brown color, which wasn’t available last year.

9. Ganni x Barbour Jacket
   The ultimate statement piece!

10. Recipe: Tofu Soba Noodles
    A summer favourite! Blend silken tofu, tahini, miso, salt, sugar, almond milk, and water. Chill it while cooking soba noodles, rinse with cold water, then pour over the creamy mixture and top with grated radish and cucumber. Fresh, easy, and so delicious.

Favourite Memories of 2024

1. Taylor Swift Concert in Sydney (February)
   An experience that still feels surreal.

2. Last Summer Sunset Swim
   My first catch up of the year was with one of my closest friends at the beach during sunset, and what’s cute is, our last catch up of 2024 was a sunrise swim.

3. Dad Flying Out for My Graduation
   Having him there for such a milestone made it all the more special.

4. Friend’s Visit to Sydney
   My friend visited shortly after I moved to Sydney. She arrived late at 11pm, and we went out at 1am till 4am. We even coordinated outfits for her stay, it was such a fun and it was actually only the 4th time we met.

5. Internship at Vogue/GQ Australia
   This was a dream come true, an amazing mentor, an incredible experience, and the best intern friends.

6. Coldplay Concert in Auckland
   A last-minute decision that turned into one of the most magical nights with my closest friend.

7. Reuniting with Friends in Auckland
   Every trip back to Auckland and catching up with friends there always filled my heart.

8. Shanghai Girls’ Trip
   Exploring Shanghai with my mum and sister was amazing, but meeting a new friend for coffee during the trip, equal parts nerve-wracking and rewarding.

Leveling Up for 2025

I’ve created a page full of goals, intentions, ins and outs for myself, covering everything from mind and spirit to home, nutrition, movement, and social life. In 2025, I’m eager to explore hobbies and rediscover the joy of learning! Growing up, I’ve had my fair share of extracurriculars, and a few years ago, I found a deep love for hot HIIT Pilates, even earning my teaching certificate. However, I’m focusing on to make 2025 a year of growth and alignment!

• Learning a New Language
  I currently speak two languages, in 2025, I’m challenging myself to learn a third language (Japanese) and take it seriously. Also learning a new language I feel will manifest in opening up opportunities for travel and career prospects, who knows!`

• Building My Substack Community
  Downloading Substack was hands-down one of the best decisions I made this year, and I’m endlessly grateful for every single subscriber. In 2025, my goal is to stay consistent and keep growing this amazing community. It’s definitely acted as a creative outlet for me and such a great way to connect with like-minded individuals around the world! Thank you for being here!

• Reading More
  I only managed to read 15 books this year, which feels like such a small small number compared to previous years. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I want to reach for a book.

• Cooking with Intention
  The number of “girl dinners” I’ve had this year is… let’s just say, not ideal. In 2025, I want to prioritise cooking meals that nourish me but I also want to learn recipes from my mum and grandma! Learning new recipes, cooking techniques, maybe I can master baking my own sourdough?

• Art History

  I’ve always loved Art History and took the subject throughout High School. I originally was going to take Art History as one of my majors but chose a different path, so perhaps I’d like to rediscover and relearn by taking a short course or learning more myself.

• Most Importantly: Saying Yes (with Boundaries)
  Even though I wasn’t as social as in previous years, I did make a few amazing new friends. In 2025, I want to say “yes” more often to opportunities and new connections, while also keeping in mind the importance of boundaries and valuing quality over quantity in relationships.

Extra Ins for 2025:

• Good posture

• Quality sleep. Just sleep when I’m tired

• Minding your own business

• Thoughtful gift-giving

• Buci NYC

• Doen

• Creams and browns

• Investing in statement shoes

• Wearing your best outfits everyday

Extra Outs for 2025:

• Giving unnecessary advice (if no one asks, don’t give it!)

• Disrespect

• Tiny bags

• Negative self-talk

• Cluttered living spaces

• Chasing unrealistic perfection

• Clothes that don't reflect your personal style

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Thank you so much for being here and taking the time to read my posts!

I truly can’t express how grateful I am for your support, it means everything to me.

Here’s to stepping into 2025 with fresh intentions and an open heart. Wishing you all a lovely start to the year ahead! ❤️

Chat soon!

Nancy Xx