My word for 2025 is: welcome

At the start of each new year, I like to set a one word/phrase intention for the year that I use as a guide, a source of inspiration, and a continual reminder of what the upcoming year might hold. For 2025, I’ve chosen a simple one—welcome. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reading and reflection on the idea of embracing uncertainty—of being open, receptive, and curious about the unknown future. 2024 was a year where I closed a chapter on some of the more familiar aspects of life, like the possibility of going back to a corporate 9-5. I rolled off a nonprofit board I was with for 3 years. This leaves a lot of open space in my life right now. Very few things are fixed and I’m curious and excited about what the upcoming year holds.

I used to be scared and anxious about not knowing what would come next. I wanted to be in control of everything, especially my future. I wanted to know for sure that I would be successful, healthy, and financially set. Now, after seeing how wonderful life can be when you don’t have a set plan for everything, I feel an expansive openness within me. I am ready to welcome new opportunities, people, and experiences into my life. The universe is more expansive that we can imagine and that it would be a shame to limit ourselves to the limited knowledge we hold. I welcome good health, wealth, adventure, and joy. I recognize that many things may not go the way I would like them to go, but that these are challenges that give us the opportunity to respond with patience and kindness—driving mental fortitude and spiritual growth.

Specifically, there are a few areas that I feel particularly open to welcoming into my life in this new year. These include a home, a romantic partner, new friends, and creativity. Cheers to a blessed upcoming year as we welcome all that life has in store for us.