- Join Holly as she searches east Auckland for love and connection
In which Holly sets intentions for 2025…
As New Year’s Day draws to a close, I’m wondering what the year ahead will bring.
Reader, 2024 was really rough… even for a girl who likes it rough.
I refer, of course, to embracing life’s rich tapestry of challenging experiences… why, what did you think I meant?
There were some interesting projects (like this column) that came my way, but generally speaking the year was a wreck.
One thing that I was blessed with in 2024 was new relationships.
I had some fun dates. I met the Bulgarian, now considered a dear friend with benefits, and two wonderful travellers, whom I now consider comets (a comet is someone who “orbits” in and out of your romantic atmosphere, for whatever reason – in this case, distance).
I’m proud to know all three of these gentlemen and aware that I’m a very lucky girl.
The best luck, however, often follows intention and action.
No relationship is effortless (except, perhaps, the unhealthy ones).
Therefore, I like setting intentions around what I want or need, and how I show up for the people I care about.
Feel free to borrow an idea, if you think one of these might help your connectedness in 2025.
1 – Use my phone mindfully
I intend to have one completely phone-free evening each week, and at least two more when I use my phone only as a phone – to call family and friends, instead of scrolling.
I’m a huge fan of pebbling (sending sweet or funny memes to let someone know you’re thinking of them), but a recent call with one of my comets reminded me how much I love hearing someone’s voice.
2 – Spend quality time
I intend to continue dating busily, but to also schedule a weekly date night with someone important – myself.
The pressures of the year meant that self-care slipped a bit in 2024… time to recapture the magic.
3 – Date closer to home
I do enjoy a city date, but I’d like to support local businesses more when I’m dining out.
I’m also a Howick girl through and through, so I think seeing the local spots I love could help someone know me better.
Reader, do you have any ideas to share?
If so, email holly@times.co.nz or leave a comment on Times social media.
Admittedly, if my phone-free intentions go to plan, it might take me a while to see it.
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead.
Yours in love,
Holly xo
