We made it! I hope you’re stepping into 2025 well rested!

Here’s to more sensory-friendly days, accommodations that actually work, and finding more moments of unmasked joy. Let’s make this the year where thriving isn’t optional—it’s the plan.

Sending all the good vibes and a firm handshake from across the room for those of us avoiding small talk. 😉 You’ve got this!

Every January, the world seems to scream, "New Year, New You!" But what if we don’t need a new us? What if we’re already pretty great—just maybe tired, overstimulated, or in need of a few tweaks?

 

For many Neurodivergent folks, resolutions can feel like setting ourselves up for failure. They’re rigid, often unrealistic, and not built for brains that ebb, flow, hyperfocus, and burnout. Instead of resolutions, let’s try something different—more flexible, supportive, and actually helpful.

 

Here are 10 alternatives to resolutions to help you kick off the new year without the pressure:

Forget the never-ending to-do lists. Start a "Ta-Da" list instead—write down things you’ve already done, no matter how small. Took your meds? Ta-da! Answered that one email? Ta-da! Celebrating what you do is way more motivating than fixating on what’s left.

Instead of changing your life overnight, add small comforts: a soft blanket for work, noise-canceling headphones at the store, or a cup of tea in your favorite mug. Little things can make a huge difference in navigating everyday chaos.

Forget year-long goals. Each month, ask yourself: How do I feel? What do I need more of? Less of? Whether it’s quiet mornings, extra alone time, or more pizza—adjust accordingly.

Pick a single word or theme for the year instead of a list of goals. Words like rest, growth, softness, joy can help guide your decisions without the pressure of rigid outcomes.

Resolutions scream "DO MORE!" But what if we gave ourselves permission to pause? Resting isn’t lazy—it’s repair. Build guilt-free breaks into your life like they’re sacred rituals (because they are).

Once a month, have a day dedicated to restoring your nervous system. Dim the lights, wear your coziest clothes, cancel plans if needed, and recharge however you need.

Perfectionism? Over it. Declare things "good enough" and move on. Cereal for dinner? Good enough. A 10-minute walk instead of an hour at the gym? Good enough. Let’s honor our capacity, not fight it.

Pick a small way to be kind to yourself every day. It could be saying, "I’m doing my best" out loud, or hugging a weighted pillow. Reframe small acts of self-kindness as daily wins.

Instead of setting more expectations for yourself, make a list of things you’re unsubscribing from. No more forcing yourself into calls when you prefer texts. No more social obligations that leave you drained. Hit "unsubscribe" on anything that doesn’t serve you.  It is sometimes shocking how many things are not serving us anymore!

Schedule tiny joy breaks: 5 minutes to scroll your favorite memes, 10 minutes to watch a funny cat video, or a dance party in your kitchen. Bonus points if you’re wearing socks that slide.

 

Whether you’re entering the new year feeling hopeful, exhausted, or somewhere in between, remember: You don’t have to reinvent yourself. Small, intentional tweaks can make a world of difference.

Which of these feels like something you want to try? I’d love to know what resonates with you!

Wishing you softness, contentment, and all the sensory-friendly things,

2025 promises to have some pretty amazing opportunities of connection, learning, and unmasking!

If you would like to make yourself a priority this year, I would love to help!  Consider joining us for our next Unmasked and Unplugged Retreat! 

 

Details to come, but before I can do that, I need to get an idea of interest so we can book  some new, amazing locations for 2025!

 

Our proposed dates are February 27th-March 2nd

&

May 1st-May 4th

The first location will be Tilghman Island, MD and the second would be Rockville, MD (tentatively depending on interest and availability)

 

There will be 5-6 private rooms available (discounts available for couples attending together), and 1 shared room at each retreat.  

All food and drinks and lodging are included in the price.  Final prices will depend on our location.  

If you are interested in finding out more, please check out my website, and click on “contact Kory” to ask me your questions.

 

Reading is definitely my downtime guilty pleasure, and I have much to report on.  But first and foremost, I loooooved Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon over the break.  

 

When it comes to creativity, many Neurodivergent folks feel like we’re swimming in a world of ideas that can’t always be contained. Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist doesn’t just give you permission to be creative, it shows you how to embrace your creative chaos unapologetically.

 

Creativity Without Rules: Kleon’s main message is simple: You don’t need to be “original” to create something amazing. Most ideas are borrowed, remixed, and reimagined. And for Neurodivergent folks who often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make something “perfect,” this reminder is liberating.

 

Permission to Obsess: The book validates that hyperfixation can fuel brilliance. Kleon encourages creators to follow what excites them, whether it's doodling, writing, or rearranging their bookshelf for the 17th time because “it sparks joy.”

 

Small Wins Matter: Neurodivergent people can feel intimidated by the pressure of big projects, but Kleon’s bite-sized advice—like keeping a notebook for every random thought—makes creativity feel manageable. One great line: “Write the book you want to read.” (Or paint the picture you want to see. Or build the thing you want to exist!) 

 

Stealing Ideas (In a Good Way!): For people who may have imposter syndrome or fear they’re “not creative enough,” Kleon reframes creativity as curating your own unique take on everything you’ve loved. You can “steal” from your special interests and create something new—without the pressure to start from scratch.

In the words of Kleon: “You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself.” So if you’ve ever felt too scattered, too intense, or too unsure where to begin (hi, that’s most of us), this book will feel like a creative hug.

 

I took Kleon's advice when I was having some task initiation anxiety over the break.  I walked away from the writing I needed to be doing, and fired up Spotify and found playlists of “songs that give you chills”.  I sat in the corner and got all the musical warm fuzzies, and the writing just sort of happened after that.  I really love this idea of creativity coming from lots of different places.  It was really freeing.  Most Neurodivergent people have a ton of interests, and passions.  Sometimes one your brain needs to tackle one is some time with another.  I will definitely be returning to this idea!