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We Resolve 2025!

The New Year is upon us! So, whether you make resolutions or prefer to wing it, we have a few suggestions that may help make the year-to-come more enjoyable. Being Whole Earth, we bet you can guess a few of our recommendations: Get moving; Get outdoors; Get comfy; and Get ready! Read on and perhaps you'll find an idea or two to try out in 2025.

GET MOVING!

We don't really like the old saying 'Use it or lose it', but alas, there is some truth in it. Unless you've been diligent throughout the holidays, it's probably time for all of us to get back on our daily walks, runs and exercise routines. Sure, it can be achy and uncomfortable for the first few days or longer if it's been a while since you've asked your body to do more than mostly sit. But work on through the discomfort and your body will respond with more energy, flexibility and a sense of well-being.

Running and walking are two of our favorite ways to get moving. If you need a new pair of running or walking shoes, come see us. We have a wide variety of styles to choose from including shoes with maximalist cushioning to those that mimic barefoot running and everything in between. We also have shoes for trail running and hiking that offer support, stability and comfort from some of your favorite brands like On Inc., HOKA One One, VEJA, Brooks, Merrell, Oboz, Salomon, Lowa, Altra, and Vibram Five Fingers.

We also have socks of all kinds from no-shows, crews, hiking socks, and socks with toes, in a variety of colors, materials, lengths, and levels of support. If you'd like a touch of humor with your socks, check out our healthy selection of fun socks that can deliver a message or show your support for a favorite creature, food or pastime. In our stores you'll find socks from Smartwool, Darn Tough, Feetures, Injinji, Sockwell, Sock It To Me, Blue Q, Pendleton, Stance, UGG, and for kids, Conscious Steps.

GET OUTDOORS!

For the past 54 years, Whole Earth has been encouraging everyone to get outdoors! Why should 2025 be any different? Breathing fresh air and walking in our neighborhood or out on local and park trails is a welcome change of pace that can soothe our souls and help us get a better perspective on whatever challenges we may be facing in the moment.

Getting outside can be as simple as a walk around the block or sitting on the porch or patio soaking in the sounds of the world around us. We can level up to a "real" hike or bike ride if time and weather allow. Or we can head out to the yard or the park to play! Balls, flying discs, kites, games like catch, tag or capture the flag are all fun ways to get moving and to be outdoors.

When spring arrives, it's time to go camping! It does take more planning than just stepping out the door, but you can use the coming months to prepare. We have blogs, Time to Try Car Camping or Your Top Camping Questions Answered! that can help guide you. They includes gear you'll need and other considerations to make the trip a success. We also suggest practicing your camp cooking skills at home and polishing your recipes for delicious meals to serve your friends and family. Be prepared to make some great memories!

GET COMFY!

Chances are good that there are some stressful issues in our lives that like to demand as much of our attention as they can muster. In the words of one of our favorite socks this year, "Let that Shitake go!" We're not going to play ostrich and hope that it all goes away. We know better. However, there's a time and a place for dealing with these issues, and we know we'll do a much better job of coping if we're rested.

Our stress buster combo is exercise/outdoor time followed by getting comfy. Cue lots of pillows, a blanket, a good book, new music, a podcast or a favorite movie plus comfortable clothing for lounging like pajamas and a robe or joggers and a sweatshirt or shorts and a tee. And this resolution can be extended to cover even more territory. Comfy is important at work too.

Comfortable doesn’t have to mean sloppy, frumpy or clunky. Whole Earth has clothing that combines quality fabrics and flattering styles for work or play, and we have comfortable shoes too. Life is better with happy feet. Our stores have been a destination for folks who are on their feet all day and who like to look and feel good at the end of a long day. When our clothing and shoes put us at ease, we’re free to focus on the task or pleasure at hand.

GET READY!

Don't get us wrong, we're ready to try something new at the drop of the hat. But we also believe there's a time and place for planning. Is there a big trip in your future or just the vague notion that such a trip would be nice? If so, now's the time to pick a destination and learn about all the possibilities it offers. Our blog A Deep Dive into Travel Planning can help you find resources to answer your questions and make your trip one to remember for all the right reasons.

When it comes time to pack, we have a large assortment of bags and packs that are thoughtfully designed for travelers and backpackers from some of your favorite brands: Patagonia luggage and packs, Osprey luggage and packs, Thule, Eagle Creek, The North Face luggage and packs, Arc'teryx, Cotopaxi luggage and packs, Topo Designs, Mystery Ranch, Fjallraven, and Pacsafe. We also have packing cubes and other accessories that can help you make the most of your available space and safely carry toiletries and other items.  

Not ready to commit to a big trip? Consider a visit somewhere closer to home. A day trip to a nearby city or town, a state park, an historic site, a special event or for a special meal. If you live in Texas and need some ideas, you'll find day trip guides for Austin and Houston in our stores. Another option is to check out The Daytripper with Chet Garner on PBS. Chet has fun finding great food and unexpected sights across the state. 

Let's hope for the best in 2025. If we can get moving, get outside, get comfy and get ready (for fun), the chances for a happy outcome are greatly increased.

Best wishes for the New Year from your friends at Whole Earth!