Monday, 12/15/25: Talking about small things I loved this year
It’s that time of year when we start seeing all kinds of “best of” lists floating around.
I love reflection like that. But maybe it’s my postpartum brain – or maybe it’s the sheer amount of change that 2025 brought (all good things!!) – to me, end-of-year reflection feels a little daunting right now.
Instead of pushing myself toward BIG reflection, I’m feeling more called to SMALL reflection. I had a lot of fun thinking about the very minor – but surprisingly impactful – things that made my year this year.
All four of these things are comically small, mostly free or accessible, and more about habits than physical things. But sometimes reflecting on the tiny things we do over and over again is just as meaningful as reflecting on the big milestones.
1. Double cleansing my face
I started double cleansing sometime this summer, and I remember noticing a difference almost immediately. Double cleansing means washing your face twice: first with something that dissolves makeup, SPF, oil, and then with a regular cleanser for a deeper clean.
Without changing a single product, my skin instantly felt cleaner and better. It was a reminder that often I can go searching for expensive skincare to work magic, when sometimes the simplest habits can make the biggest difference. Throughout the year, I think this habit saved me from buying a lot of new skincare products.
Nowadays, this double cleansing routine is also my little moment of me time. For the first cleanse, I like this balm, micellar water, or an oil (I’m usually using the oil because the pump makes it so easy). Bonus tip: wristbands that block water from running down your arms are a game changer. I also love pairing double cleansing with a nighttime shower: apply the first cleanser before getting in, let it sit, rinse in the shower, then follow with the second. It feels luxurious and costs almost nothing.
2. Not getting my nails done
This one feels like a big deal for me! For years, I was a twice-a-month gel manicure type of person. And I loved it. But between moving to Indy (not having a go-to nail place here yet) and knowing we’d have a baby later this year (not a lot of extra time), I decided to try breaking the habit of getting my nails down.
Honestly, I’m shocked that I’ve stuck with it!
Right now, I’m wearing no polish and keeping my nails very short. When I do want color, I’ve liked using the Olive & June system at home. I’m sure I’ll get my nails done again someday – and I still love an occasional pedicure – but for now I’m really enjoying this “decide once” choice. Less time, less money, one less thing to schedule.
3. Following a cleaning routine
When I lived in an apartment, I adopted a Sunday reset approach to cleaning. While listening to podcasts or audiobooks, I’d clean my whole apartment in an hour or two every Sunday. Moving into a house – and preparing for a baby – made it obvious that approach wasn’t going to work anymore.
Looking for alternatives, I came across the Clean Mama system, which focuses on small daily tasks and one “focus area” most days. I tried it and ended up loving the mindset shift. I’m far from perfect at following it every week (especially now), but it’s completely changed how I think about cleaning.
Even when I fall off the routine, I find myself mentally organizing tasks the same way she does – bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, washing floors – and choosing one or two to tackle instead of feeling overwhelmed by not having “enough” time to clean the whole house. That alone has been a win.
4. Making reading lists
I feel most like myself when I’m reading. Reading helps me stay off my phone, get into bed earlier and savor quiet, cozy moments. I also know that I’m much more likely to keep reading if I always know what’s next. If I finish a book and don’t have another one lined up, it’s way too easy to slip into a reading slump.
Enter: reading lists. This year, I loved creating little “seasonal syllabuses” – one for summer, fall, and the holidays. Now I’m already starting on my list for 2026. I keep a running list of titles in my Notes app, then refine it as each season approaches. It’s also been incredibly handy to have a to-be-read list at the ready when there’s a book sale, I get a gift card or someone asks for gift ideas.
What do you think? Are there any small habits you started this year that made a difference? I’d love to hear!
That’s all for today! I hope you found something in today’s newsletter that sparked motivation, made you smile or inspired a positive Monday thought. Don’t underestimate the power of starting small… a fulfilling week starts with just one fulfilling day. You’ve got this!
Let’s make it a great Monday!
Megan