Welcome! 2025 is here - inviting in fresh energy.
In an unoccupied moment (whilst making my bed, actually), the word "intentional" surfaced in my mind as my word for the year. It wasn’t a decision I reasoned into, nor was it prompted by the common trend of selecting a word at the beginning of the year.
Instead, it arrived unexpectedly, from within - when my mind was still. This was a new experience for me - though I had admired the practice in others, I had never felt inspired to choose a word. Yet, here it was, clear and purposeful.
This moment of clarity taught me something profound: finding your word for the year isn’t about reasoning or following trends. It’s about creating space for something meaningful to emerge from within. When the mind is unoccupied and unburdened by external demands, it is more open to the guidance of your inner self.
The Depth of Intention
For me, "intentional" feels right because it embodies purpose. Unlike words such as mindfulness, which focus on present awareness, intention is about clarity of purpose and the actions aligned with it. When you are clear on your purpose, priorities naturally align, boundaries become easier to establish, and steadiness takes precedence over the sprint toward a goal. Intention is both expansive and grounding, fostering consistency and discipline without rigidity.
Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book The Power of Intention, defines intention not just as a fleeting desire or plan but as an active force in the universe—a source of infinite potential that we can align with. Living intentionally means tapping into this source, allowing it to guide your choices, actions, and the life you’re creating. It’s an ongoing process of alignment, not a fixed destination.
This perspective reinforced my decision to embrace intention as my guiding word, reminding me that it’s not about perfection, but about being in harmony with my purpose.
Why Intention Over Goals?
The word "goals" often carries a heavy emotional weight—fear of failure, pressure to achieve, or frustration when life doesn’t go as planned. Goals, by their nature, are fixed points, yet they are often redefined or adjusted as we move forward, reflecting the evolving nature of our journey.
In contrast, intention offers a more fluid and compassionate approach. Living with intention invites clarity and discipline but doesn’t demand perfection. It allows for adaptability and growth, embracing the idea that the journey may unfold in ways even better than imagined. With intentions, there’s no sense of “giving up” if circumstances change—only a recalibration that stays true to purpose. This shift from focusing on fixed outcomes to aligning with values and purpose fosters resilience, creativity, and a deeper connection to what truly matters.
For example, when an unexpected health challenge arose last year, living intentionally helped me navigate these changes without feeling defeated. I didn’t abandon my health goals, but I allowed my intentions to guide me through recalibration. The results? A deeper connection to my purpose, my body, and a journey that unfolded even more beautifully than planned.
Understanding Your Word: A Personal Reflection
When I need to give myself a serious talking to, I often turn to Afrikaans, my birth language. It’s not that I don’t love English, but there is something about Afrikaans that cuts straight to the heart of the matter. With a more limited but expressive vocabulary, Afrikaans doesn’t allow for the layers of complexity or ambiguity that often creep into the use of the English language. What I say is what I mean - clear, direct, and without room for misinterpretation. That simplicity forces me to face the truth in a way that English doesn’t always do.
This is why understanding the true meaning of your word for the year is so important. The English language, with its vast vocabulary, offers countless ways to express our thoughts, emotions, and intentions, but this richness can sometimes work against us.
The abundance of choices can blur meaning, confusing us about what we truly want to express. To avoid that confusion, take time to reflect deeply on your word.
What does it mean to you?
What feelings or experiences does it stir within you?
How does it align with your values, your purpose, and the life you’re creating?
By truly understanding your word in the context of your unique journey, you ensure that it becomes a guiding force—something meaningful and actionable rather than just a concept or trend.
How to Find Your Word of the Year
You're not alone if you’ve ever struggled to find a word of the year. Like me, you may have wished for one but found the process of choosing felt inauthentic.
It doesn’t matter if your word is the same as someone else’s; what truly matters is the personal meaning it holds for you and how it guides your actions throughout the year.
I’ve learned that the word you need isn’t something you reason yourself into. It’s something that finds you.
Here’s how you might allow your word to emerge:
Create Stillness: Carve out moments in your day to be unoccupied. Whether through meditation, a quiet walk, simply sitting in silence, or doing mundane tasks - like making your bed - allows space for clarity to arise
Tune in: Notice the thoughts and feelings that come to you in those moments. Is there a recurring theme or a single word that stands out?
OR be inspired by a word someone else has shared
Reflect on Meaning: Once your word emerges, explore its significance. What does it mean to you? How might it guide your actions and decisions in the year ahead? Explore it and attach your meaning to it
Live It: Your word is more than a mantra; it’s a compass. Use it to align your priorities, make decisions, and live with purpose.
Do you have a word for the year? Share it with me in the comments below or tag me on social media - I’d love to hear how your word guides you through the year!
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Ready to make this year truly yours? Let’s work together to choose the word and intentions that will align with your true purpose and guide you to lasting growth and fulfilment.
Book a session with me HERE
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