XSTSY MEDIA's New Year Resolutions

Popular social media wellness gurus like to denounce new year resolutions by saying “why start on Jan. 1, when you can start today!”. These semi-motivating spiels can work for some to eliminate procrastination, however I think a clean slate to a new year is refreshing and inspiring enough.

My mental calendar tracks my life by years, as each always surprises me with something I would never have thought I would experience. Positive or traumatizing, that is life and the exciting part about it. Never knowing where you will be next year evokes a determined mindset in me to better myself compared to last year based on previous experiences.

My mom told me once that she self-encourages by saying “I don’t wanna be in the same place I was last year, saying I'm going to be doing those same things” “I just want to have done those things.”

Life is short yet you still have so much time, so a new year can be the perfect way to let go of those old habits and envision your future as a blank canvas waiting to be planned. Maybe those initial designs will be erased and reconstructed but laying a solid foundation down really catalyzes a proper healing, fitness, career or whatever journey you decide to embark on in 2026.

News/Life Editor, Taylor Moore and I want to share what we have in store for 2026! Simplistic resolutions are sometimes easier to ruminate if you are struggling to think of any. Let us know what your resolutions are or if you have any tips for us :)

• Checking in on MY needs before I try and fit into others

In my inquisitive nature, I find the Chinese New Year astrological signs to be just as interesting as the Zodiac’s definitions. This year is the Year of the Fire Horse and I just so happen to be the Year of the Horse. Coming out of the Year of the Snake which is all about shedding and releasing, my current life endeavors are mirroring those implications. I have been going through a lot of intensified anxiety and experiencing panic attacks like never before. I go to therapy specifically for grief (and have for many years), but it seems as if I was still shoving a lot of feelings down regarding my dad passing away in 2019. As a 23 year old woman, using the trauma response I learned from my 16 year old self started to affect my mental state. My emotional maturity for some things could not handle the poetic struggles of young adulthood and I began to crumble. This disrupted my drive in my career, relationships within my social life and I did not feel like me.

Now on a path towards taking my power back, the Year of the Horse signifies energy, adventure, freedom and good fortune while bringing dynamism, unexpected journeys, romance and prosperity. With a horse symbolizing strength, vitality and perseverance (and it being my year hehe) I am ready to stand up for myself. Not only because I deserve respect but because my mind deserves peace and my time is very valuable.

Being my best version should be for me and not because I fear a negative reaction. I am a Libra and I crave balance but my kindness can lead down the path toward weakness when others take advantage. Tranquility needs to be met in my own mind before I can distribute it out to others.

• Expanding the current state of XSTSY MEDIA and opening new doors in my journalism career

Come May, it will be two years since I graduated with my bachelors in Journalism and I do not dislike where I am at with my freelance journey however I do see myself doing differently in a more professional aspect. Being your own boss who writes your own schedule (discounting my day job, I still do answer to the man unfortunately) is a privilege that I am well aware I have yet I do not have the payroll for even myself. XSTSY MEDIA does not profit any money, but independent journalism never typically does unless ads are run and we are just not there yet.

A big goal and now resolution for XSTSY MEDIA revolves around broadening its facets. Reaching new audiences, increasing staff size and utilizing other forms of media. There are a few announcements to come about some new additions to XSTSY MEDIA that I am excited to accomplish in its second year of operation.

Within its first year we already cultivated two segments to the outlet that I never originally intended in having. This blog for starters is a pressure-free zone for us to just chat about our feelings. The feedback justified our vulnerability and I am so glad to have created a space for us to write even more than we already love to. Love Letters with Dr. Liz is another brilliant concept I praise Taylor for kickstarting and taking the reins on. The relationship column fills my heart with nostalgia and draws in the type of person we all have inside us. The person who wants to be loved. As a hopeless romantic and lover of beauty, Love Letters with Dr. Liz supports a community of fellow lovers and definitely helps me out lol.

Beyond XSTSY MEDIA, I have other freelance gigs I service too; however, I would like to have a little more financial stability and dial up my reporting skills with stories out of my comfort zone. Taking a new step into my life-long career without my subconscious fear holding me back is a huge resolution for me.

• Get sexier and swagger

This was one of my resolutions last year along with putting my clothes away after picking an outfit and calling my grandma more often. This one is a given lol especially just when you think I cannot get any sexier or swagger hehehe. The truth of the matter is, I have never peaked or been in my prime, I am forever evolving and cannot wait to absorb new information and gain new interests.

• Getting out of my own head and being more ambitious towards my goals

Some of you know me as the News and Life Editor for XSTSY Media, or as a multimedia journalist, or maybe as a Biohack Yourself News Reporter (but if you don’t know that last one, don’t feel bad, it’s a new development). But I have dreams of being more than that.

In high school, I was one of the lead soloists of an all women’s show chair. I’ve always had a passion for music, and dreams to sing. Last year, one of my resolutions was to be more active when it came to my pursuit towards singing. To be perfectly honest, I feel very short. I’m making it a mission this year to strengthen my vocals, dedicate more time to writing my own music again and to posting more covers on my YouTube and TikTok. Who says you can’t do multiple things at once?

• Invest my money for wisely

Don’t we all have this New Year’s resolution? Last year, working my part-time retail job really took a toll on my bank account. I’m not proud of it, but I can admit that a good portion of my paychecks went right back to the company. Now that I’m working towards something bigger in the journalistic field, I want to be wiser with my money. A big girl job means big girl finances and decisions. As much as I love a good coffee run and shopping spree (sigh), it’s time to put those behind me and save working towards the next chapter in my life! Who knows? Maybe by next year, I’ll be writing my 2027 New Year’s Resolutions from my own place with my boyfriend… so long as I keep to this year’s New Year’s resolution… Wish me luck!

• New year, BETTER ME!

Last year, I was so focused on job hunting and building my career in journalism, that I neglected taking care of myself. More specifically, my self confidence. And I feel like I’m not the only one to do this. Sometimes we’re so tied up in our jobs, or job hunting in my case, or other obstacles that we forget to practice self-care or doing little things for ourselves.

It was a simple practice, but I used to dress up for me. Feeling put together gave me a small sense of accomplishment during a time where I was beating myself up after facing rejection after rejection. Once I got a new job in November for Biohack Yourself Media, I only “dolled up” when I needed to be on camera. Every other day, you would find me in sweats with my hair braided back, desperately in need of a wash (don’t judge, we’ve all been there). I felt gross. Not to mention, I wasn’t going to the gym as much since I was dedicated to putting every effort into this new job, all the while still looking for a stable full-time job. To be honest, without throwing a pity party, I felt disgusting. My body dysmorphia was back at an all time high. So I’m making a cheesy New Year’s Resolution — to glow up, prioritize my self care, and to come back better than ever. I know, I know, everyone else says it. But so what? We should all work on ourselves, on being the best version we can be. Or to at least try to. I think if I put in a little more effort into taking care of myself, it would be a small win for me. Baby steps.

Happy New Year from XSTSY MEDIA!

XOXO,

☮️