25 Things I’m Leaving in 2025
“Some things we release gently. Some things we drop loudly. Either way, we honor ourselves when we stop carrying what isn’t ours.”
Hey Friend,
2025 has been quite a year to remember. I conquered fears, smashed goals, experienced consecutive wins, and more. Yet, in the midst of triumphs, this year has also been an entire crash course in unnecessary stress, expectations, and habits that do nothing but drain me. Some of the things I carried were inherited. Some were learned. Some I picked up out of survival, routine, or people-pleasing.
But all of them showed me exactly what I no longer have the time, energy, or patience for.
I no longer want to entertain things that make life heavier. I’m tired of saying yes, when everything in me is screaming no. And I no longer choose to carry on acting like I owe everyone comfort except for myself.
So, before we enter 2026, I’ve decided that it’s time to do a vibe cleanse. An energy audit. A full-on lifestyle uninstall, if you will. If it drains me, annoys me, stresses me out, clutters my mind, or makes my eye twitch, then it can’t come with me. Because from here on out, all I want is clarity, alignment, and peace.
And what better way to close out a year that has been equal parts freeing and frustrating than to list all the things that I want to shed before January 1st. So, here are the 25 things that I’m leaving in 2025.
Multitasking - I’m not sure how or when multitasking became a skill, but there’s nothing healthy about being able to juggle multiple things at once. It’s hectic, chaotic, and a recipe for burnout. And I, for one, would like to give my nervous system a break.
Asking for permission - I’m sorry, but the last time I checked, this is my life. And I don’t need anyone’s approval to live it on my terms.
Settling - Because if I have to convince myself, the answer will always be no.
Not giving myself grace - I deserve the same softness, compassion, understanding that I freely give away without hesitation. Especially on days when I need it the most.
Imposter syndrome - I’m unique. I’m special. I’m a force to be reckoned with. And every day that I open my eyes, should be a reminder of that.
Treating rest like a luxury - Because rest is a requirement, not a reward.
Taking myself too seriously - I’ve learned that life is much more lighter when I am too.
People-pleasing - I’m over conforming to make people comfortable. You don’t like it? That’s a you problem.
Dimming my light - I shine bright like the sun. And if my light is too bright, maybe you should invest in a pair of sunglasses.
Playing small - Because I’m part of something way bigger. And from here on out, I’m showing up, showing out, and acting like it.
Not trusting myself - I’ve got big goals and even bigger dreams. And if I’m ever going to reach the heights that God has intended for me, I’ve got to learn how to trust myself. Even when I stumble. Even when I fall. Even when I can’t see the next step in front of me.
Saying yes when I really mean no - Because if I can’t do it, then I just can’t do it. And if I don’t want to do it, then well, I just won’t do it.
Mom guilt - From here on out, I vow to do what works for me. And be okay with it.
Waiting to celebrate myself - Because the perfect moment is whenever I say it is.
Overthinking - I’m just going to have to do it and deal with the fallout (or not) later.
Ignoring my creativity - Life may be loud at times, but that creative tug in my spirit is even louder. And each time I’m obedient to that call, I’m one step closer to being in alignment. That, my ideas deserve space too.
Treating self-care like a weekend project - Because self-care is healthcare.
Comparing my journey - Because God didn’t copy and paste my path. He created me for a specific purpose to be carried out in a specific way.
Minimizing my wins - No matter how big or how small, my wins deserve to be seen.
Taking on what doesn’t belong to me - If it’s not mine, I’m putting it down gracefully and immediately.
Overexplaining myself - Because one sentence is more than enough. Or better yet, how about one word.
Living in survival mode out of habit - Struggle is not my personality. Nor is it in my DNA.
Forced interactions - I’m done standing in rooms where the vibes feel stiff, scripted, or performative. If the energy isn’t easy, natural, or organic, I’m leaving early. And that’s if I even show up at all.
Acting like I have to earn joy - Joy is my birthright. And I was born to experience it in its fullest, most natural, and most effortless form. Not hustle my way into it.
Acting like I don’t know who I am - Because, baby, I know exactly who I am. My name is Racquel Coral. And when it’s all said and done, you’re going to know exactly who I am too.
Here’s the thing, the older I get, the more I realize that letting go is maintenance. It’s self-respect. It’s me choosing peace over pressure and intention over obligations I never agreed to. And most of what I’m leaving behind was never mine to carry anyway, so I’m not dragging any of it into the new year. 2026 gets the version of me who is clearer, calmer, lighter, and far less available for anything that costs me my joy or my sanity.
Because if it’s not nourishing me, growing me, grounding me, or making me laugh, it’s staying right where it’s at.
With Love,
Racquel