Join Jesse and I this week as I unpack 25 things that I said yes to this year that I am really glad that I did because they have genuinely changed and improved my life. Some of them look small from the outside (like pajamas, fiction books, or shopping in-store again), but every single one has left an indelible mark on my life, our family, the business, and/or all three. I spent more time preparing for this episode than any other because I wanted to name these moments clearly and honestly, without rushing past what they have taught me.

Listen in to hear about rhythms that have helped me slow down, such as weekly Sabbaths, earlier bedtimes, and learning how to rest without guilt. I open up about choices that have really reshaped my relationship with my body such as hiring a dietitian, eating enough food, letting go of the scale for a season, and eventually saying yes to strength training and 5 a.m. workouts in a way that actually feels supportive instead of punishing. There’s also a lot here about joy and play: wearing dresses again, reading fiction, wearing real pajamas at night, traveling with my kids one-on-one, and even rediscovering how much I love showing up for baseball games!

I also share some of the heavier yeses, the kind that require courage and wisdom such as leaving a toxic relationship and investing in deeper support via a business coach and a functional medicine doctor. Alongside that, I talk about growing our team, saying no to work that no longer fits, and how leadership feels different when you’re not carrying everything alone. This episode of the show is truly reflective, practical, and deeply personal, and it is my hope that, as you listen, you’ll start noticing your own yeses - the ones that quietly changed your year, even if no one else saw them happening. Be sure to check out relevant recent episodes brought up throughout our discussion (as Jesse mentions, there are a lot of them!), and reach out to me with your own victorious yeses over 2025! I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at [email protected]!

In This Episode

[0:35] - This week, I am sharing 25 things I said yes to in 2025 that deeply impacted my life!

[2:45] - I share how weekly Sabbaths have become a meaningful time to rest, connect, and savor simple joys.

[5:54] - Hear how a gym membership unlocked childcare convenience and a love for fitness classes I never expected!

[7:08] - I have said yes to wearing dresses more often which has felt freeing.

[9:16] - I reflect on how hiring a dietitian, a quick spring break, and wearing real PJs all enhanced daily life.

[12:36] - Hear how I am learning to honor hunger and eat enough calories.

[13:25] - Reading more fiction has reignited a passion I once loved but had lost.

[15:02] - I have prioritized spending intentional time with Jesse, including local trips and completing ABC date nights.

[15:49] - Volunteering at school became important after Kristen expressed how much she wanted my presence.

[18:25] - Assisting in Kristen's classroom strengthened our connection and allowed me to meet her classmates.

[20:21] - Hear about how I took a break from scales and tracking, gaining freedom and a healthier perspective on eating.

[23:26] - Co-leading a small church group and supporting Silas in baseball really enriched family and personal growth for me!

[27:16] - I reflect on how leaving a toxic relationship required faith and courage but ultimately brought me some hard-won freedom.

[28:47] - I also said yes to weekly sessions with my business coach and how it expanded support for leadership and life decisions.

[29:47] - Trips to Disney, Discovery Cove, and a Utah retreat helped give me clarity, reflection, and renewed perspective.

[30:57] - Shopping in-store again helped bring me unexpected joy, community, and fun via finding deals and markdowns.

[32:06] - I discuss how visiting India and planning my parents’ 50th anniversary created unforgettable, meaningful experiences this year!

[33:25] - Growing my team intentionally made leadership easier and more joyful.

[35:58] - Starting Micah in pre-K early helped him become confident, curious, and more socially comfortable.

[38:43] - I reflect on how committing to 5 a.m. workouts improved my energy, rhythm, and natural sleep patterns.

[40:43] - Prioritizing earlier sleep and fewer work hours has helped restore balance, boundaries, and overall well-being.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

The Crystal Paine Show - 295. Surprising Lessons I Learned on My Trip to Disney

The Crystal Paine Show - 306. Our 20-Hour Overnight Getaway

The Crystal Paine Show - 308. My Very First Time Going to a Gym Class

The Crystal Paine Show - 311. Changing My Mindset with Food

The Crystal Paine Show - 318. My Parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

The Crystal Paine Show - 321. My 13-Day Trip to India

Books

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

[email protected]

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