Woo hoo, it’s the holiday season!!! That means more time off work, more time with family and friends, more celebrations, more dancing and more good times! What an awesome time of the year to look back on what WENT RIGHT for us in 2024, what we can be grateful for and what we have learned from some hiccups along the way in life. For me, everyday seems to be a learning day with some hiccups…. especially the days that include the plethora of cantinas located in Rocky Point! As always, as we count our blessings, it is very important to look at those around us that may be in need. Perhaps it is just a comforting phone call or buying a stranger a meal at a restaurant or checking out some of the organizations that are mentioned right here in our Rocky Point Times and looking into what you can do to help. Even if you are short on cash to help, everyone has time and time is a very valuable asset to offer, so please keep your eyes peeled for your opportunity to shine and make someone’s day, week or year! 😊

Sheesh, I cannot believe November is almost over as I am writing this…….yes bosses….I am a bit tardy once again but I promise this time it was for good reason! My great buddy Austin Powers was back in Rocky Point after moving to Cabo a couple years ago. It was great to see POWERS, and everyone had a blast……sorry RPT! If you have not heard, word “on the street” is Trivia Night at Bottom’s Up on Wednesday nights are a blast! I plan to check it out soon 😊. As the new year approaches, it could be time to do some refreshing on your Rocky Point homes or condos! I am planning a refresh with the help of my buddy Cathy Pea. Actually, I don’t think it can count as a refresh as the condo is only a year old but hey a lot goes on in a year, right? I am really looking forward to Cathy’s suggestions when we meet in January……….. cool bar? Indoor fireplace with colored rocks? Some cool lighting? There are so many options! And WOW, it is less than 2 months out until my buddy Tomas and I head to the land down under…….OZ….. for some fun in Australia. We have some cool events planned already……sunset cruise around Sydney Harbour etc. And I look forward to reconnecting with my Aussie friends I met in Greece this past June. They plan to come and hang with us on some of our adventures. FUN!!!!

With the new year approaching, I thought it would be helpful for us all, yep, ME TOO, to put some New Year’s Resolutions together. Soooooooooooo, here are some ideas for us all to make 2025 our banner year!

1. Drink more water

What we eat and drink has an impact on everything, from our energy levels to our concentration and our sleep patterns. Many symptoms of dehydration mimic anxiety, so it’s crucial for your well-being and mood to drink enough water and don’t forget some alcohol as well 😊!

2. Talk to a sleep coach

Need to fix your sleep schedule? In addition to professional development. Sleep is one of the most important investments you can make in both your physical wellness and performance at work. I find that when I have a lack of sleep or a bad night’s rest, it does make me a bit cranky and put out. So, make sure to get your eye job with plenty of rest.

3. Find a fitness program that you love

Exercise is proven to impact our mood, focus, and creativity. A good variety is what works. I exercise daily and always mix it up whether it is at 1 of 2 gyms I belong to, or long walks or a stroll along the seaside.  Variety is always a good answer you can stick to.

4. Try a digital detox

Between work, leisure, and social media, most of us get more screen time than we’d like. Try giving your brain (and your eyes) a rest by taking some analog time. This could be a whole day off-line, but even short breaks throughout the day have health benefits.

5. Make time to see your loved ones

Social connection is important for our mental and emotional health. Make time at least once a week to connect with a friend or family member just to say hello. You can put some weekly reminders in your phone. I like to give a random scroll and

6. Prioritize your mental fitness

Just as health is about more than just “not being sick,” mental fitness is more than the absence of mental illness. Take time to build your mental fitness. Take care of your well-being. Engage in activities like reading and learning something new. And be proactive about managing burnout and your mental health.

7. Go somewhere new

If you’re looking to challenge yourself professionally, you don’t have to create a new role or change where you work to change where you work. Travel can be a personally and professionally invigorating experience. So many jobs today can be done from a random off-site location so even if you need to work, you can work from afar. I already have 4 new countries I have planned to go to this year as well as some other regular favorites in Europe.

8. Give something away

New Year’s Day marks the end of the winter holiday season, which is traditionally marked with lots of food and gifts. Make the most of this goodwill and share what you can with someone who would appreciate a gift. Often, the most valuable contributions you can make don’t cost anything at all.

9. Random acts of kindness

Want to rewire your brain for gratitude? Create a kindness habit. Take on a kindness challenge and do something for others every day. You might find that this becomes the easiest resolution to keep. Personally, I always try to make an attempt to comment to someone when I like something they are wearing, or how they smell, or what I like about their home. The smallest of comments really can change someone’s day!

10. Express appreciation regularly

Cultivate gratitude by regularly expressing appreciation for the efforts and kindness of those around you. Create a gratitude journal to capture the moments and store them for a later date.

11. Prioritize “me time”

Make “me time” a priority in your schedule to recharge and relax. This time can be filled with self-care rituals or simply taking some quiet time or reconnecting with your values. This is definitely something I need to work on…….whenever I have a spare afternoon or weekend, I tend to book it with appointments, getting together with friends etc. I need to spend a bit more time chilling and hanging out and reading a good book!

Here we go 2025, ALL THE BEST TO EVERYONE FOR A SAFE, HAPPY AND JOYFUL NEW YEAR! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

ADIOS AMIGOS

GOD BLESS

Marco