“People often overestimate what they can achieve in a year but underestimate what they can achieve in three.” — Vishen Lakhiani, Author and Founder of Mind Valley.
This idea has been on my mind as I reflect on the journey that brought me here and look ahead to this New Year.
When I started this blog, I had countless ideas about what I wanted to share: rituals, recipes, books to spark creativity, and reflections on life.
As the New Year approached, I found myself drawn to the advice of other lifestyle and garden bloggers and the usual theme of resolutions—getting healthier physically, mentally, and financially. But when I truly paused to reflect, one memory from three years ago kept surfacing.
Three years ago, I was in the gift shop of my favorite local store, Mountain Feed. They had a beautiful display of the Danica Studio Collection. I’ve always been a huge fan of Danica Studio, and Mountain Feed’s impeccable displays made everything even more enchanting.
That day, I found myself admiring their dish towels, running my fingers over the textures, marveling at the colors and illustrations. At the time, I hadn’t started making earth vessels, and growing flowers was just becoming a passion. I was dabbling in watercolor painting and taking illustration classes online.
Standing there, I made a wish. As I gently stroked those dish towels—yes, I’m that person who loves the feel of textures—I thought, Someday, I want to create a collection of nature-inspired home goods. And when I do, I wish to be represented by the same caliber of showroom that represents Danica Studio.
Fast forward three years, and I recently found myself standing in the Fine Lines Showroom on the 11th floor of the World Market Center in Las Vegas, just 30 feet away from the Danica Studio Collection. It was surreal.
Through persistence, growth, and a little magic, Orchid & Pine is now part of Fine Lines’ extraordinary lineup of home and gift brands. Moving into their showroom from their EGG division is a milestone I’m still pinching myself over.
The journey from that day in Mountain Feed to this moment is a story for another time, but the lesson I want to share is this: Let 2025 be a year filled with hope.
Don’t stress about achieving everything this year. Instead, trust that every step you take toward your dreams brings you closer to your soul’s purpose.
The more you show up, the more the universe will meet you halfway. You don’t have to know exactly how everything will unfold—just stay open, flexible, and attentive to the opportunities that arise.
When I made that wish three years ago, I hadn’t even started Orchid & Pine. I only knew that I wanted to create beauty that connected people with nature. The path wasn’t clear, but I kept exploring, learning, and creating. That wish planted a seed, and each step watered it.
As you move into this year, create from your heart and intuition. Trust your inner knowing, and dedicate time to nurturing it. To support your journey, here are three tools I found incredibly helpful in 2024:
Dream Life Journal
I’ve been a journal junkie for as long as I can remember. My first journal was one of those with a tiny lock and key. For the past three years, the Dream Life Journal by Lamare has been my favorite.
Each section includes useful prompts that help:
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Lead you in the right direction
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Understand your true desires
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Realign with your purpose
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Set courageous dreams and goals
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Get organized for a transformative year
My favorite section guides you through facing your fears—those obstacles that can lead to analysis paralysis and self-sabotaging behaviors. This journal has been a game-changer for me, and I plan to continue using it yearly. Do you have a favorite journal? Please share in the comments below.
6-Phase Meditation by Mind Valley
I began practicing yoga and meditation in 2004 while navigating life as a mompreneur, seeking a balance between running a small business and raising three children. I’ve explored many forms of meditation, deepening my practice through multiple journeys to India to study with my teachers in Mysore.
The 6-Phase Meditation led by Vishen Lakhiani is incredibly accessible and distills mindfulness meditation into a practice that anyone can do. Don’t let its simplicity fool you—it’s a powerful tool.
What I love most is how Vishen emphasizes that this is a non-hermetic practice. You don’t need a fancy yoga mat, crystals, or a spiritual diet—just 20 minutes, a quiet space, and yourself. And if 20 minutes feels daunting, you can break it into smaller segments that suit your day.
Podcast: Love, Happiness, and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
Podcasts are my go-to during production time in the studio. Whenever I’m feeling stuck or in need of inspiration, I turn to Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby. A licensed psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and board-certified coach, she is dedicated to helping people create meaningful, fulfilling lives.
In every episode of Love, Happiness, and Success, you’ll discover insights into relationships, authentic happiness, personal growth, career fulfillment, and more. I especially love that each episode begins with a song that reflects its theme—a small touch that never fails to lift my spirits.
Check it out and see what fresh, actionable ideas inspire you to cultivate more love, happiness, and success in your life.
At this moment, the first sunset of 2025 is fading behind the western ridge of our mountain. As I watch the sky’s colors deepen, I’m making another wish: May this year bring you clarity, love, and an unshakable sense of peace that makes you unstoppable.
With all my love,
Charina