2025 Phrase of the Yr

Pleased New Yr! It’s time to unveil my 2025 phrase and mirror on the intentions set for the yr forward.

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 approach to flip the web page on every new yr. Whereas very like 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 have a look at the checklist beneath, you possibly can see how the vibe has advanced!

Previous Phrases

Earlier than we get to this yr, we now have 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 truly going over my to-do checklist. I knew scripting this publish was arising, and I began to consider 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 relief time comes, I’m pondering forward to the following factor!

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

A Failed Loosen up Intention

A few 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 kids. This might 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 executed this? Virtually none. Practically day by day 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. Enjoyable shouldn’t be one thing I’m good at due to the unconscious guilt for the dearth 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 loads of busy work that makes me really feel productive however isn’t (like checking my YNAB price range 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 methods 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 inform you that having children has relaxed me some. Earlier than children, I used to be extra kind A, extra in management. As a result of I might be! I had the time and the psychological vitality to do issues like plan each meal, weblog 3x a day (!), or observe an inventory/schedule to a T.

However after having children, you lose loads of that management. Taking good care of 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 ok with me!”

My home is messier than ever with two children who love their Lego villages and slime kits, and I’ve discovered to dwell with it moderately than continuously combating 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:

Sluggish walks
Studying fiction
Going outdoors to sit down in nature
Sauna on the gymnasium / sauna blanket at house
Meditation in small bites
Listening to soothing music
Puzzles
Spa days when doable!
Much less time wasted / extra time deliberately enjoyable

I understand this phrase of the yr comes from a spot of privilege. You’ll be able to’t chill out when you’re apprehensive 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 evenly.

But in addition, this complete 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 outdoors as a lot as doable, even in these chilly winter days, to breathe within the contemporary air, is the easiest way to chill out I can consider that we as a species can do collectively.