6 Writers Share How They Use Gratitude Journaling to Shift Their Mindsets

Gratitude may be something we devote time to around the Thanksgiving table every fall — but beyond that, how often do we acknowledge the things in our life that have blessed us, helped us grow, and perhaps even challenged us in ways we didn’t think were possible? Mindfully expressing gratitude can be a meaningful addition to your self-care routine that’s just as essential as a physical exam, a healthy way to mentally check in and put your life in perspective. Regularly writing out a list of things to be thankful for in a designated gratitude journal is one simple way to do that, but it can be intimidating to get started when there are a multitude of different methods to personalize to your personal style of gratitude. We asked six writers from different professional backgrounds to give us a window into how their own gratitude practices have changed their outlooks monumentally and share how we can incorporate those moments into our own daily lives.

1. Appreciating the Smallest Things: Alexandra Dudley, blogger, recipe developer, and author of Cookbook Land & Sea,has used gratitude journaling for the past 10 years, and she increases her journaling at times when she feels particularly low. “I battle a lot with uncertainty and self-doubt and struggle with anxiety. Working freelance can heighten that feeling of being ‘lost,’ and is often very lonely,” she admits. Her practice is simple: She jots down a list of things that are going smoothly in her life — sometimes every day, or just once a week — and it brings her down to earth. Dudley often repeats certain things from a previous day when she makes lists, but the whole process makes her appreciate that the smallest things, like a hot meal, can be a luxury to some people. “Don’t worry about having to find new things to be grateful for, and don’t feel foolish for cherishing the tiny things, like someone smiling at you on a bus.”

2. Writing Letters to the Things/People Who Have Helped Her Grow: It took Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, a writer, editor, and teacher, until she was in her 30s to come to terms with how much she had to be grateful for — and it made her radically change her perspective on her life, her career, and her personal relationships with family and friends. The persistent voice in her head was her mother’s, who repeated the mantra “Energy Flows Where Your Attention Goes” to Henriquez whenever she felt the need to complain about whatever was going wrong in her life at that moment, like financial problems or issues at work. “For so long, I was focusing on what I didn’t have or what I didn’t like, and so those things continued to multiply. As soon as I realized that it worked the other way around too, I made a point to show gratitude and send energy to what was going right in my life,” says Henriquez. After finally letting her mother’s words sink in at the exact right time, she began her gratitude regime: letter writing, to things and people that others might not think to thank.

“I write letters to the things that have hurt me and helped me grow. I thank the people and circumstances that challenge me, and I thank the people that force me to look at myself honestly. Everyone is here to teach us, and I find that the people that bring out the most pain are giving us the lessons that change our lives the most.” She’s now passed down the gratitude practice to her six-year-old son, who makes a daily list of things that spark happiness — he manages to find joy in the simplest places, Henriquez says, like a tree that provides shade, or a parking spot, no matter how long it takes to find. She’s been inspired to take a page out of her son’s book and say thank you for the little moments in life, which have the power to shift not only your present mood but your entire mindset.

3. Helping to Improve Physical Health: Dr. Heather Bartos, MD, Physician, Blogger, and Owner of Be. Women’s Health and Wellness, has a scientific approach to gratitude: She includes it in her treatment of the “whole woman” in her practice, assuring her patients that it can boost their physical health as well. “Gratitude has scientifically been proven to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels and increase overall feelings of wellness — there is no pill on Earth that can do that.” Dr. Bartos encourages her patients to keep a journal and pick it up especially during the times when they’re not feeling their personal best. “I focus my gratitude practice on what works in the body. So many women are unhappy with their age, their weight, etc., and they forget that the body is a magnificent system and it works for us every minute of the day.” This can be a purely mental check-in as well, she points out — say, while you drive to work or brush your teeth — as long as you have a few moments of appreciation of what your body is capable of.

4. Being Present in the Moment: Alison Canavan — a UCLA-Trained Mindfulness Facilitator, Wellness Coach, Speaker, and Award-Winning Author of Minding Mumbattled with postpartum depression and its aftermath, which was a major catalyst for her to begin gratitude journaling. Even after emerging from that period of struggle, she’s kept up with the practice for the past eight years. For her, the key is being present in the moment instead of focusing on what’s lacking in your life. “So many of us feel stuck and inhibited in this life, and bringing gratitude in awakens us to a beautiful energy that’s untapped if you are always wanting,” says Canavan. “When you are always wanting, you are not present, content, or really living.”

Canavan’s transition from a supermodel in the fashion industry to a health and mindfulness coach in the wellness industry has enriched her sense of gratitude as well. She focuses and helps others focus on their interior rather than their exterior, which she finds makes her work all the more rewarding. Expressing gratitude can take on many forms, but writing about what makes us grateful should not just be a box we tick on our to-do list, according to Canavan: “It’s a way of life.” She shares her positive energy and suggestions of gratitude practices on social media, which can include anything from letter writing to nature walks: This can help engage people and spark their thinking about gratitude, especially on platforms where people tend to fixate on what other people have or what they themselves don’t.

5. Staying Grounded Every Day: Kristin Meekhof, LMSW, Speaker, Life Coach, and Author of A Widow’s Guide to Healing, cherishes her gratitude practice, as it now carries the memory of her late husband — they began the back-and-forth email chain before they got married. “I was complaining about something so minute, and he insisted that we begin a gratitude practice via email. Each day we emailed each other our gratitude lists. And even after his terminal cancer diagnosis, he insisted on continuing this practice: this time in person, not via email.” Now, writing out her thoughts in a gratitude journal is Meekhof’s own personal way of staying grounded, processing both the difficult moments and the victorious ones in her life. She urges her clients to do the same in the way that works for them. It could even involve taking photos with your phone throughout the day of things that bring you joy or a surge of gratefulness, she suggests, and reflecting on or writing about them at the end of your day.

6. Healing From the Inside Out: Writer, actress, speaker, and award-winning author of I Am YoursReema Zaman’s gratitude journaling was born from an unexpected place: an experience of extreme trauma. “I began a gratitude journal after I was raped at age 23, while living by myself in New York City. Growing up, I had always been a grateful and emotionally resilient child and teenager, but after the assault, I recognized that to heal and rise beyond the trauma, I needed active daily practices of gratitude and grounding to strengthen myself.” When she first began this process, Zaman added a physical manifestation of her own gratitude on her body. “I write ‘Love’ on the back of my left hand, a daily reminder and medicine. When a month is particularly grueling, I’ll remind myself, This is one chapter. It is vital. Hold steady your flame,” she writes in I Am Yours, her recently published memoir.

Another facet of Zaman’s healing involved writing lists of the things she appreciated about herself — which initially felt like an act of self-centeredness, especially because of the way women in society are conditioned to see themselves. “There is nothing inherently arrogant or selfish about acknowledging and honoring one’s inner beauty and strength. The daily practice of writing that I was grateful and proud of qualities within myself was precisely what I needed to counteract and release the conditioned shame, galvanize my healing process, and fortify my soul.” Waking up with a thankful spirit is also an integral part of her morning routine, just as much as yoga and having a cup of coffee, and it’s as innate as brushing her teeth. “My life, career, and relationships are the result of my commitment to sacred routines grounded in gratitude.”

Zaman leads with gratitude and love in all of her work, and through her writing, she passes along these pillars of her life to her readers. Now she’s also imparting her gratitude practice to students, both adults who take her memoir writing classes and high school students in several schools in Oregon, who will read I Am Yours as part of their English Language Arts curriculum. Gratitude journaling is what kicks off Zaman’s class each time, and it helps her students sink into the proper empathetic frame of mind to either write their own personal stories or absorb and respond to those of others. “It’s essential; practicing gratitude is enormously significant in shifting a person’s mindset from ‘Why is this happening to me?’ to ‘This is happening for me.’”

RELATED: 12 Inspiring Journals to Help You Live Your Best Life

(Photos via Getty)

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Sometimes, one tool is all it takes to become the best version of yourself. Keeping track of a planner or calendar can make organizing your life a total breeze, whether you’re focused on managing work, wellness, or wealth – or all of the above! These 2025 planners and calendars help turn chaos into calm so you can feel totally on top of your game in order to crush your New Year’s goals.

Scroll on to find your dream 2025 planner or calendar so you can stay on track all year long!

2025 Planners

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1. Paperage 2025 Weekly & Monthly Hardcover Planner

A planner that has both weekly and monthly formats can be super helpful if you've simply got a lot going on. That way, you've got a look at the nitty gritty and the big picture.

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Having both date formats at your disposal also makes looking back at the year super fun, offering a visual timeline of all the things you achieved in 2025.

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2. Kate Spade New York Daily Planner August 2024-December 2025

This wire-bound planner looks downright adorable, plus it comes with several fun sticker sheets to help you keep planning playful.

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This one is also great if you like to bring your planner on the go – its hard cover easily stands up to daily use!

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3. Taja 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

This unique 2025 planner kicks off each month with an inspiring quote to further motivate you towards your goals. Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, or working professional, you'll definitely enjoy the ample planning space this pick has to offer.

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4. Waav 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

The calm, minimalist look of this weekly and monthly planner helps clear out any mental clutter you may have before starting your workweek or tackling weekend errands.

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5. Orange Circle Studio 2025 Planner

This shroomy spiral planner would be perfect for organizing any outdoorsy plans in 2025.

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In addition to weekly and monthly calendars throughout, it comes with a goal planner, a budget tracker, and a blank notes section for any miscellaneous points you don't wanna miss.

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6. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner

This high-quality planner is totally worth the splurge, especially if you're super loyal to your planner and use it every day. In it, you'll find tabbed monthly planners alongside weekly and daily spreads that include blank writing spaces for notes, gratitude, and your top three priorities for the day. Score!

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7. Happy Planner Disc-Bound 12-Month Planner

The cheerful and colorful print on this planner is perfect for setting a productive mood!

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8. Graphique 18-Month July 2024-December 2025 Hardbound Spiral Planner

The graphic on the front of this 2025 planner says it all: "I'm at capacity." Luckily, its pages are equipped with plenty of spaces and guides to help you handle all of life's chaos with ease.

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9. Anecdote 2025 Daily Workflow Planner

The page layouts in this planner are so sleek and sophisticated. You'll be able to see every plan and point very clearly, so you never miss a beat amidst all the busy-ness.

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Its hard cover is bound by an elastic band so you don't risk pages ripping or folding.

2025 Calendars

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1. Karto Vertical 2025 Wall Calendar

This wall cal with earth tones will match any workspace.

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The bottom section allows you to list any notes and top priorities you may have for the respective month!

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2. Zicoto 2025 Aesthetic Desk Calendar

If you're more of a desk calendar type of person, this aesthetically-pleasing one comes propped up so you always have a clear view of what's on the docket.

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3. Ban.do 'Let Me Write That Down' 2025 Wall Calendar

Planners and calendars shouldn't be boring – spice up your walls with this super colorful pick! The vertical orientation feels more updated and playful than a horizontal one, so you could easily hang it up anywhere.

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4. Graphique 2025 Flower Pop Wall Calendar

This floral-themed cal keeps your space lookin' fresh with a nice pop of color.

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5. Poketo Undated Monthly Vertical Wall Calendar

This month-by-month wall calendar comes without numbered days, so you can start it whenever you please, no matter the year. The neutral color palette keeps your planning sessions nice and calm.

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6. Taja Abstract Art 2025 Wall Calendar

This wall calendar works just as well as wall art as it does a planning tool. Each month reveals a new lively print to help you stay motivated.

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7. Vintage Fruits 2025 Wall Calendar

This has got to be one of the cutest 2025 planners out there. It's filled with 12 different vintage-esque illustrations of fruits that'll make your space feel cozy as ever.

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Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

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We’re at the time of year where you’ll see people posting a recap of 2024, hosting vision board parties, and sharing their 2025 new year resolution ideas. But, we don’t think you should follow any more viral trends just because other people are excited about them. Instead, we have 30 word of the year ideas that’ll help you make more intentional choices in 2025.

How to figure out which "Word of the Year" idea resonates with you:

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Usually we’re guilty of writing down a ton of goals that we abandon before the new year ends. Why? Studies show that only 28% of people actually get through their list (via Pew Research Center). But, next year can be different if you're willing to let go of the surface level idea of marking through a checklist just for the sake of doing so.

There's no rush to find the 'perfect' word that sets the tone for 2025. No, this is about going within to ask yourself what you need to have a peaceful or fulfilling life. The only word you won’t see on this list is manifestation because you’ll already be doing that by working on things that align with whatever you choose.

Ready to find the ones that’ll jumpstart the rest of a beautiful life? Scroll through for the best inspiration you'll come across before 2025.

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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Choosing Your Focus Words

It's easy to hone in on words just because they catch our eye, but 2025's all about making intentional choices. The best way to pick themes that align with how you feel is to lean into self-reflection. You can ask yourself prompts like:

  • What did I absolutely love about 2024?
  • What lessons did I learn about friends or dating?
  • Did I stick to a budget or achieve other money goals?
  • Was I stressed a lot this year? If so, why?
  • Will I renew my lease or do I plan to move in 2025?
  • How do I want to feel in my body?
  • Am I following negative social media accounts?
  • Do I finally want to join a book club in 2025?

Brit + Co

Travel-Inspired Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Wander
  • Escape
  • Journey
  • Adventure
  • Horizon

Brit + Co

Wellness Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Refresh
  • Bloom
  • Healing
  • Nourish
  • Self-Care

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Uplifting Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Empowered
  • Hopeful
  • Peace
  • Love
  • Joy

Brit + Co

Relationship-Focused Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Kindness
  • Community
  • Compassion
  • Honesty
  • Trust

Brit + Co

Career-Focused Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Adaptable
  • Exploration
  • Creativity
  • Growth
  • Resilience

Vlada Karpovich

Home-Focused Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Safety
  • Family
  • Relaxation
  • Comfort
  • Stability

KoolShooters

Self-Love Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Embrace
  • Courage
  • Gratitude
  • Intuition
  • Balance

You deserve to focus on what you really want without feeling pressured by society or making fear-based decisions.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more new year resolution ideas!

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

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1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!