4 Random Habits That Brought Me Inner Peace in 2024
1. Transitioning from Yearly Goals to Monthly Goals
I had to admit that Big Picture Goals don’t work for me—they feel overwhelming and unrealistic. Instead, I discovered that I thrive on micro successes that drive me to take action. So, I ditched the "elephant" and chopped it into bite-sized pieces.
While many personal development leaders advocate for 90-day plans, even that can feel too distant for me. I take it month by month. Instead of obsessing over what I want to achieve in a year, I focus on who I want to become and what small steps I need to take this month to get closer to that version of myself.
Each week, I make a ritual of heading to a coffee shop with a cortado, reviewing my week, and reminding myself why I set my monthly goals in the first place. This practice grounds me and keeps me motivated.
2. Turning the Headphones Off
I LOVE walking—so much so that I wonder if taking my first steps at eight months old means I carried this passion from a past life. 😂
But earlier this year, I noticed a problem: I couldn’t walk to work without headphones blasting a podcast or playlist. Worse, I’d arrive at my destination with no memory of the walk itself. It was a wake-up call! I decided to ban headphones on my daily walks—and OMG, what a game-changer.
My walks became healing adventures again. I started savouring the feel of the breeze on my skin and the sight of Cyprus’ clear blue skies. Walking became meditative, leaving me energized, content, and maybe… just a little sweaty.😅
3. Intentional "Rotting"
As someone who loves solitude, my "rot days" have become one of my favourite weekly rituals. This year, I realized that showing up for myself isn’t just about discipline—it’s also about fully embracing my need for alone time.
In the past, I felt obligated to socialize because I’m a single woman in my 30s and thought that’s what I "should" be doing. But when I reframed my alone time as something restorative rather than escapist, everything shifted. Now, I protect my solitude guilt-free and feel more energized when I do spend time with others.
So, what’s an intentional rot day? For me, it’s all about restorative activities which usually include:
- Waking up naturally—no alarm.
- Leisurely walking through the supermarket like I have all the time in the world.
- Prepping meals while in my underwear, with a podcast or show on.
- Crocheting something silly while watching Netflix.
- Doing restorative yoga via YouTube.
- Most recently, making DIY watercolour Christmas cards!
4. Letting My Curly Hair Be Free
2024 was the first year since I was a pre-teen that I let my natural curly hair be seen on the majority days of the year. Last year, I tried—but I’d always end up putting my hair in a bun or straightening it for events/trips because I thought curly wasn’t "pretty enough" or "polished" (περιποιημένο).
This year, I finally let the curls out—and the result? Confidence. Zero fucks given. Letting go of the need to control how others perceive MY HAIR (!!!) has been one of the most liberating things I’ve done for myself this year.