Changing It Up For 2025
In the past, I have chosen three words to guide me through the year. Although I loved this the few times I did it, it just didn’t feel right for 2025. And I realized that -
I don’t have to do it. I get to decide.
Which led me to think about what I do and don’t want to do moving forward this year. So here’s a list I’ve curated for myself:
Honoring my vibe. I want to focus more on that rather than three words. One that’s assertive, that aligns with my values, non-negotiables, and boundaries. Sometimes we silence ourselves and put our hands in our laps rather than risk push back. Here’s the thing - I have the right to exist in my space, with my thoughts and perspectives because that’s who I am. So do you. And everyone.
Accepting that I am human. A statement I have embraced is, “thanks for your patience.” As a human, sometimes I need grace. I try to give a lot of it, as much as my patience allows. I’m not going to apologize if something personal has caused me to need a few more days to give clients their work. As much as most people, including me, want their stuff yesterday, I doubt anyone wants me to rush through their content.
Showing up as human. People want human proof. They want to know you have a pulse and a perspective before they warm up to you personally and/or professionally. AI is great, except when it’s not. It has filled our lives with second-guessing, uncertainty, plagiarism, and reasons for distrust. On its good days, AI is a wonderful tool when used with integrity.
Doing things - anything - the way someone suggests I’m “supposed to.” Revisit the previous statement, because these two are cousins. If something feels awkward, creates uncomfortable friction, or is unnatural, I’m out. When I do what I know I should, I’m more confident and things turn out way better.
Speaking up in my own voice. Everything about this screams vulnerability, but I like it. And I don’t mean speaking up against someone else and what they’re saying. I mean owning my opinion, perspective, and philosophy and not backing down when I know it’s different than someone else’s. I don’t always understand other people, but I can respect that they might think differently than me. My hope is co-existing.
Actually answering spam calls. Yup, instead of blocking them, reporting them, and deleting them now I answer and politely say, “Whatever it is I’m not interested, please take me off the list.”Sometimes I have to get a little assertive. That’s okay, it’s good practice for other sticky life situations.
Which brings me to…
Blocking new social media connections who go right for the sale. These are hesitant times. Sp if you’re not willing to take some time to get to know me - actually figure out if I’m you’re client - I know immediately that I’m not.
Remembering that direction and advice do not have to be taken. I have seen a lot of doctors in the last two years. Let’s say ten for the sake of numbers. I’ve been told to do many things and given a number of prescriptions. We tend to default to experts, feeling vulnerable, not trusting ourselves, and relying on others to make decisions for us because we are a bit of a mess. I’m sure you’ll be surprised to hear I did not do everything I was told.
TMI ALERT - I’m not folding my underwear anymore. My husband and one of my kids (maybe?) said it was better, easier, etc. I spent time after every load of laundry folding my underwear for the past year and I can confidently say that it did not improve my life or drawer space. I have other things to do with my time.
Sometimes when there’s a lot of change going on, and things that are happening are over our heads and out of our control, it feels amazing to ground ourselves with what we can control.
What are some things you’re committing to so your year goes the way you you’ll feel good about?
Photo by Cristi Ursea on Unsplash. Thank you, Cristi! Unsexualized pics of underwear are rare, apparently.