Glad New Yr! It’s time to unveil my 2025 phrase and mirror on the intentions set for the yr forward.
2025 Phrase Of The Yr
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 strategy to flip the web page on every new yr. Whereas very similar to resolutions, the phrases are sometimes forgotten a number of months later, I do think about this annual occasion an incredible timestamp. Contemplate it a marker of the vibe on the primary of yearly. If you take a look at the checklist beneath, you may see how the vibe has advanced!
Previous Phrases
Earlier than we get to this yr, we’ve got 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 scripting this put up was developing, 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 always multitasking and dealing forward “so I can chill out,” however when the relief time comes, I’m considering forward to the subsequent factor!
Thus, my purpose this yr is to actually work on strengthening the chill out muscle.

A Failed Chill out 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 varsity bus for some me-time to reset my mind earlier than the afternoon of overstimulating kids. This could possibly be time to have a cup of tea or learn a number of pages of my e book.
However are you able to guess what number of days I’ve deliberately completed this? Nearly 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. Stress-free 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 stress-free. I do a number of busy work that makes me really feel productive however isn’t (like checking my YNAB funds 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 let you know that having youngsters has relaxed me some. Earlier than youngsters, I used to be extra sort A, extra in management. As a result of I could possibly be! I had the time and the psychological power to do issues like plan each meal, weblog 3x a day (!), or observe a listing/schedule to a T.
However after having youngsters, you lose a number 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 seashore 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 realized to stay with it fairly than always 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 fitness center / sauna blanket at house
- Meditation in small bites
- Listening to soothing music
- Puzzles
- Spa days when potential!
- Much less time wasted / extra time deliberately stress-free

I notice this phrase of the yr comes from a spot of privilege. You may’t chill out in case you’re nervous 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 additionally, this complete nation could be very excessive strung proper now, and I really feel everybody might use some intentional lightness. There are many free methods to assist your thoughts unwind. Getting outdoors as a lot as potential, 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?
