December Monthly Reset | Reflections and Looking Ahead to December

As we turn the page to a new month, it’s that time again for a monthly reset. This is when I take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of November and set my sights on what December has in store. The act of pausing, reassessing, and realigning has become an essential ritual for me—one that not only allows me to evaluate my progress but also gives me the clarity needed to step confidently into the future.

Reflecting on November: The Good, the Challenging, and Everything in Between

November, in many ways, was a mixed bag. While it wasn’t my most successful month financially, it was an incredibly rewarding one for my mood and mental health. There were definitely ups and downs—perhaps more downs than I initially anticipated—but I’m grateful that the ups shone brighter, balancing everything out. One of the highlights of the month was attending a church banquet, which, while a beautiful and memorable event, also proved to be a bit of a financial burden. Between purchasing dresses and covering event-related expenses, I found myself stretching my budget more than I would have liked. This has inevitably impacted my financial outlook for December, but I’ve already made a conscious decision: December will be a leaner month for spending. Even though it’s the holiday season and Christmas is right around the corner, I’m committed to keeping things simple and thoughtful.

That said, I did manage to get ahead of the game by buying all my indoor holiday decorations in November. Now, as December unfolds, I’ll be focusing on outdoor decor, which will most likely involve some twinkling lights and maybe a small inflatable decoration. I’m keeping things minimal yet festive, which feels right for this season of life.

Picture of me, my sister, and my niece

November Goals: Successes, Setbacks, and Lessons

I set three main goals for November, each intended to keep me aligned with my broader plans and aspirations.

The first goal was to save $500 by the end of the month. However, as I mentioned earlier, November turned out to be more financially taxing than expected, so I wasn’t able to hit that target. Despite this setback, I’m rolling this goal forward into December, determined to hit that savings milestone.

My second goal was to organize my living space and other personal areas. Unfortunately, this also didn’t happen. November was a whirlwind, not just financially but in terms of events and commitments. The church banquet consumed a lot of my time and energy, leaving little room for decluttering and reorganizing. As a result, my living space has become a bit cluttered—something I tend to notice when life gets busy. I’ll be making this a priority in December, ensuring that I start the new year with a clean, refreshed environment.

On a brighter note, my third goal—taking consistent actions on my plans without overthinking—was a success. I made a conscious effort to do what needed to be done, even when hesitation crept in. I went to the beaches, explored new places, and stuck to my commitments. This is especially exciting because I have a plan for 2025 to incorporate a beach day every month. Living near the coast is a blessing, and I’m fortunate to have access to beautiful beaches regularly. This goal kept me accountable and gave me a sense of accomplishment that I’m eager to carry forward into December.

Memorable Moments and New Experiences

Looking back, November wasn’t just about financial challenges; it was also filled with experiences that brought joy and growth. The church banquet was a success, despite a few bumps along the way. It felt incredibly rewarding to see everything come together, and the happiness of the attendees made every bit of effort worthwhile.

A particularly interesting memory from this month was my rediscovery of wine. For the longest time, I couldn’t understand the appeal—it just didn’t taste good to me. But recently, a friend introduced me to a fruity variety, and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s funny how tastes evolve. I’m still on baby steps here—definitely more of a sweet wine person—but I’m open to exploring more. I can successfully say that sangria is not the only thing within the wine family that I am open to now. This feels like a small but fun milestone in my journey of trying new things and embracing change.

Another standout moment was a spontaneous beach day on November 17. It was one of those days that, while beautiful and refreshing, ended up being more expensive than anticipated. I visited a local nature preserve with a scenic walking trail and enjoyed a lovely breakfast at a quaint café with my sister. The café, while charming, was definitely on the pricier side, but the experience was worth it.

Thanksgiving and Prioritizing Mental Health

Of course, November wouldn’t be complete without Thanksgiving. Thankfully, my mom took charge of most of the cooking, including the turkey, which allowed me to truly relax over the long weekend. I took four days off, giving myself the space to rest and recharge. This break was incredibly beneficial for my mental health, which I’ve been actively prioritizing. It’s amazing how stepping away from work and simply being present can make such a difference.

Looking Ahead: Intentions for December

As I set my intentions for December, my focus is on simplicity and balance. I’m aiming for a stress-free month, one that allows me to enjoy the holiday season without overextending myself financially or emotionally. A full-day spa treatment is on my wishlist—something luxurious yet restorative.

Budgeting will be a major focus for December. I’m committed to saving $500 this month, not just as a goal but as a necessity. I want to head into 2025 with a solid financial cushion, ensuring that if I do stumble, I won’t fall hard. Achieving this requires discipline, but I’m motivated by the bigger picture: a stable, secure start to the new year.

Here’s to a mindful, intentional December and a close to the year that feels both joyful and grounded.

As I step into December with new goals and a clear focus on budgeting, balance, and self-care, I encourage you to reflect on your own wins, lessons, and challenges from November. What worked for you? What didn’t? How can you make the most of this final month of the year? Take time to plan your own reset—it’s a powerful way to finish strong and set yourself up for a successful start to 2025.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out my November Monthly Reset, where I set goals and reflected on key takeaways from October. Let’s continue growing together, one reset at a time!