Don't Rush into Goals - Do This instead to Make This Your Best Year Yet!

Happy New Year!

How has 2025 been treating you so far?

While many people kicked off the new year with ambitious goals and jumped straight into action, I didn't. And this has been working out magically to help me actualize my dreams for years.

At the end of the year, my kids had?a two-week break, and I adjusted my work schedule to align with theirs. Although those weeks with my family and friends were filled with so much love, fun and joy, I craved for?some time for myself too.

So, on a Saturday earlier this month, I decided to attend an exhibit of children’s book illustrations - hosted by SCBWI, an organization I’m a member of - at the Society of Illustrators Museum in Manhattan. I also decided that it'd be my day of wonders.

Sitting on the train, I?turned a few pages of my book and let my thoughts flow. I was in a different world altogether during that 50-minute train ride. And once I was at the museum, I immersed myself in the colorful and beautiful world of children’s books. I also met many creative souls and we?talked about many topics from children's illustration, books, to the purpose of life. I was in my flow.

Around 2 p.m., as my stomach started to rumble, I decided to leave for lunch. "Should I walk a few blocks to my favorite café, Maman, or grab a comforting bowl of pho at a Vietnamese restaurant?" I pondered.

Then I remembered passing by a charming French café and restaurant on the way from the subway station to the museum. Its elegance had caught my eye, and I’d promised myself I’d check it out.

If not now, then when? I thought. Pho can wait—I want to explore a new space where I can also read.

I stepped into the café, and the host asked: “Would you prefer the lounge or the restaurant?”

Both options seemed lovely. The lounge was quieter and perfect for light bites and reading, while the restaurant offered an?authentic French dining experience.

I want to truly enjoy French cuisine in a French atmosphere, I decided, and I’ll pick the corner by the window so I can still read my book.

I settled in, placed my bag and book on the table, and looked at the menu.

“What would you recommend?” I asked the waitress, Paula.

“You can’t go wrong with the Eggs Benedict,” she said with a smile.

Trusting her suggestion, I ordered it.

As I waited for my meal, I noticed a woman at the far-right corner of the restaurant. She looked so familiar. Dressed simply, without any make-up or glamor like in her movies or magazine covers, she was dining alone, reading a book, just like me. I recognized her but chose to respect her privacy and savor my own precious solitude.

The food arrived, and Paula was right: it was so delicious. I alternated between bites of my perfect Eggs Benedict and pages of my book. Later, at Paula's suggestion again, I ordered a Mont Blanc dessert and a pot of Earl Grey tea to expand my experience. Coincidentally, I reached a part of my book that described French cuisine, a?delightful surprise that I enjoy from time to time when reading a book right where the life around me is happening in a similar?way.

When the woman in the opposite?corner stood up to leave, a young lady entering the restaurant recognized her and struck up a conversation.

I joined her and said, “I’ve seen a few of your movies:?50 First Dates, Music and Lyrics, and recently?E.T..”

“Oh, really? That’s wonderful! What are you reading?” she asked.

I showed her the book and said, “Eleven years ago, my family watched the movie before traveling to Africa. Now I’m finally reading the book. Have you read it?”

“No, but I love this quote by the author: ‘The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.’”

I love that quote myself and indeed, it reflects how I approach work and life.

(In my work, especially when it comes to “tears,” I help my clients connect deeply with their own life stories and authentic selves. More often than not, they become emotional and moved to tears - tears of feeling seen, liberated, tears that help?them elevate their happiness and achieve success more effortlessly.)

As we parted our ways, after a brief but meaningful conversation, I felt so joyful and my life seemed to expand?in another dimension. And I came home to well fed children and a chilled husband (this helped me realize further that without mommy, daddy did even better ). This has been the theme of my January when I also attended book launches and new year's gathering with communities I am a part of. Meeting new people, learning new things and experiencing life from different perspectives allow my brain to be more creative and?healthier for a strong yet elegant 2025.? ?

“By taking time to rest, reflect, and let your mind wander, you activate the brain’s default mode network, where creativity and insight thrive.” (Rick Hanson) ?

(Indeed, this week it helped me?achieve?a major milestone for one of my most meaningful goals this year. )

How about you? Will you allow yourself to explore the magic of life so you can actualize your dreams with joy and innovation?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Onwards to Happiness Infinity,

Amy Nguyen

P. S.?Can you guess who this actress is?

P. P. S. I'm planning to host Your Best Year Ever workshop in February and let me know if you're interested as seats are limited, as usual.?