Fulfilling. Hectic. Wholesome. Gratitude. I couldn't just choose one word to sum up the 2024 year, so I went with multiple because it was all of that and much more. I also love choosing a word at the beginning of a new year when I'm journaling and writing out my goals/resolutions. For 2025, I chose the word “intentional.”
Trailing behind that word was “hope.” Without it, I don't think myself and a whole lot of other people would be where we are today. Sustaining hope throughout the year, no matter what it's for, can be the bit of energy you need to make a difference in your life and others.
On the other hand, being intentional in everything you do, whether that's in work or any downtime activity, helps to establish a mindset where you move with purpose.
Having that reason or purpose clear in your mind, and a meaningful one at that, also helps when being intentional with time. Endlessly scrolling through social media platforms without purpose is just one example of something I think the majority of people with a smartphone are guilty of doing. We’re overloaded with so much information, much of which I think goes past our heads.
With “intentional” being my word of the year though, I'm looking forward to making the most of my time and being present. That mindset goes for both the good and bad times and everything else in between.
The first week into 2025 has been challenging and has tested my patience, but by keeping hope, I've already counted more blessings than struggles. My car transmission gave out on New Year’s Eve and I've been non-stop searching for a working vehicle ever since. The process has been a humbling and invaluable learning experience — while it may be common sense to some, I learned over the brief period of five days things like the importance of getting a car inspected before signing anything and how to have a plan ready when you go to a dealership.
I was at a loss when I was told the diagnosis of my vehicle, but I happened to run into the right people at the right time who steered me in the direction I needed to be. I closed on the purchase of another vehicle on Tuesday, and the small things that had to go right for this to be possible is something I'm so grateful for.
It’s been a very long first week of the year, but I'm rolling with the punches and taking everything day by day. Sometimes that’s the best you can do and your best will always be enough.
