Completely satisfied New 12 months! It’s time to unveil my 2025 phrase and mirror on the intentions set for the yr forward. 

2025 Phrase Of The 12 months

It’s been custom to decide on a theme phrase of the yr. I began doing this in 2016, and selecting a phrase has made for a enjoyable option to flip the web page on every new yr. Whereas very similar to resolutions, the phrases are sometimes forgotten just a few months later, I do contemplate this annual occasion an amazing timestamp. Think about it a marker of the vibe on the primary of yearly. Whenever you take a look at the checklist beneath, you’ll be able to see how the vibe has advanced! 

Previous Phrases

Earlier than we get to this yr, we have now to have a look again on the earlier years’ phrases. 

2016 – PRESENT

2017 – INTENTIONAL

2018 – VULNERABLE

2019 – PURPOSE

2020 – VISION

2021 – FOUNDATION

2022 – FRESH

2023 – CREATIVE

2024 – EXPAND

And this yr’s phrase is….

R E L A X. 

It may not come as a shock that this phrase got here to thoughts throughout a therapeutic massage. However the irony is that as I used to be deeply relaxed having my shoulders dug into, I used to be really going over my to-do checklist. I knew penning this put up was arising, and I began to think about a phrase.

That is so on-brand for me, an overthinker, who has a tough time turning my mind OFF. I’m continuously multitasking and dealing forward “so I can chill out,” however when the comfort time comes, I’m considering forward to the following factor!

Thus, my aim this yr is to actually work on strengthening the chill out muscle. 

A Failed Loosen up Intention

A couple of yr in the past, I had the concept of setting apart the half-hour earlier than I needed to meet the college bus for some me-time to reset my mind earlier than the afternoon of overstimulating youngsters. This may very well be time to have a cup of tea or learn just a few pages of my e-book.

However are you able to guess what number of days I’ve deliberately completed this? Virtually none. Practically daily I’m doing one thing productive till my Pirates of the Caribbean bus alarm goes off, whether or not that’s work or family associated. Stress-free just isn’t one thing I’m good at due to the unconscious guilt for the shortage of productiveness. These are ingrained beliefs that I’m working to undo. 

Shifting Time

This yr, I’d wish to prioritize not losing time in order that I’ve extra time for intentional enjoyable. I do numerous busy work that makes me really feel productive however isn’t (like checking my YNAB finances to see if something has occurred for the reason that morning 🙂 ). Doom scrolling Instagram is one other time waster that wants enchancment. However I even have some nice programs arrange in order that my electronic mail and digital life is engaged on auto-pilot (Extra on that right here!).

The place A Extra Relaxed Mindset Has Sunk In

My mother will let you know that having youngsters has relaxed me some. Earlier than youngsters, I used to be extra kind A, extra in management. As a result of I may very well be! I had the time and the psychological power to do issues like plan each meal, weblog 3x a day (!), or comply with a listing/schedule to a T.

However after having youngsters, you lose numerous that management. Caring for another person who’s unpredictable requires excessive flexibility. Parenting wears me out a lot mentally that when it’s time to do issues like plan the annual household seaside journey meals I reply, “something is okay with me!”

My home is messier than ever with two youngsters who love their Lego villages and slime kits, and I’ve discovered to stay with it somewhat than continuously preventing the mess. (Not that I don’t have them tidy up, however the requirements have been lowered, lol). However that doesn’t imply I’m relaxed about it both. 

2025 Priorities

This yr I’d wish to prioritize:

• Gradual walks
• Studying fiction
• Going exterior to take a seat in nature
• Sauna on the fitness center / sauna blanket at dwelling
• Meditation in small bites
• Listening to soothing music
• Puzzles
• Spa days when attainable! 
• Much less time wasted / extra time deliberately enjoyable

I notice this phrase of the yr comes from a spot of privilege. You possibly can’t chill out for those who’re fearful about placing meals on the desk or a well being scare. I’m extraordinarily grateful for the place we’re in our lives, and I don’t take that frivolously.

But in addition, this entire nation could be very excessive strung proper now, and I really feel everybody may use some intentional lightness. There are many free methods to assist your thoughts unwind. Getting exterior as a lot as attainable, even in these chilly winter days, to breathe within the contemporary air, is one of the simplest ways to chill out I can consider that we as a species can do collectively. 

What’s your 2025 phrase of the yr?