New Year Resolutions

Photo taken outside my house

Dear friends,

This is the final month of year 2025 and I must say that I am incredibly grateful for the support that I have had and the adventures I got to go on. I am grateful for all the retreats that I got to take part in to nourish my positive seeds and fill my cup. This entire year has been a bit of hard work around my life and family. I've addressed long awaiting medical concerns, moved out with my family to a new environment, and got a local job to help fund my bigger projects (like getting a car!). I've faced many obstacles and sacrifices, but between those obstacles have been such joyous memories of travel, retreats, and personal projects. A big thanks to my family, partner, mentors, and friends on the path. Also a big thanks to Blue Cliff Monastery, Bhavana Society, and Dhamma Torana for hosting such insightful retreats.

I've done much personal reflection back on the year and I have to say that I am very proud of myself. I took steps that younger Nanala would never believe. Overcoming fear and facing the unknown, using the practice as a grounding foundation to bring ease. This was a prominent year of growth and transformation, laying down the stepping stones in which I will cross in 2026. Moments are aligning that I have been waiting for for years.

As the year is wrapping up, I would like to share my aspirations for the year of 2026. Going with the flow of the Universe, these may or may not happen but are still a guiding light, a direction in which I am heading and hope to see transpire in the oncoming year.

Aspirations for 2026 (in no particular order)

1) Publish "be."

100 Moments, 100 Poems--> My newest poetry book coming March 7th, 2026!

2) Buy a Car and Move out!

I would like to officially move out of my family's house and start the next chapter in my personal journey after purchasing a car.

3) Attend the Rains Retreat

I would like to attend another Plum Village Rains Retreat for the second time (and every year that I am able!) This is 3 months of diligent practice living at the Monastery with a supportive group on a daily schedule.

4) Set New Nightly Habits

Sometimes I have the bad habit of being on my phone right before bed, even if wholesome conversation. It is healthier on my eyes and body to be disconnected to technology prior to sleep. So I would like to create a greater distance between the two, filling in with meditation or wholesome reading before bed!

5) Begin Working on Novel

No details to share quite yet as I continue worldbuilding and fleshing out this project. An official announcement is to come, but I can say it's a fun spiritual cozy fantasy mixing the creative mind and profound insights!

6) Continue Monthly Blog & Newsletter

I really enjoy sharing on topics that I care about and also keeping my supporters in the loop! I'd like to continue what I'm doing with these blogs and newsletters, continuing to improve and expand upon them.

While I have many smaller and personal goals, these are the ones that jump to mind as the "big" projects of the year. I cannot say whether or not I will be able to commit time to opening my shop in 2026, that highly depends on a certain path lining up that is currently up in the air! More to come on that topic :)

I hope everyone has had a fruitful 2025 and enjoys this last month to its fullest. It is a time of coming together and sharing gratitude for our loved ones and those who have supported us thus far on our journey. Cheers to a beautiful new year.

Smile & Be Well,

Nanala