I believe wholeheartedly in the process of choosing a single word that becomes a thread to be woven throughout your life each year. This intention becomes part of you in thoughts, words and actions. This word of the year embodies your choices and actions.
Renewal is not merely a return to what once was but a conscious awakening—a reimagining of one's purpose and connection to the world.
Word of the Year
For over 25 years I have chosen a word of the year. I do this not to set goals or resolutions, but to instead weave a thread into the tapestry of my life. The choices and thoughts that I make need to align with my word. In the yoga world we call intention a sankalpa.
Sankalpa is a Sanskrit term in yogic philosophy that refers to a heartfelt desire, a solemn vow, an intention, or a resolve to do something. It is similar to the English concept of a resolution, except that it comes from even deeper within and tends to be an affirmation.
Choosing a word or sankalpa for your year gives you direction in which to lead your life. For 25 years I have chosen many different words and have taken action. I have worked on some great things over that time span and all of it has lead to some greatness! A few of my recent favorites have been: refinement, deliberate, bold, reverence, and limitless. My least favorites have been peace and equanimity as they were two of the hardest years of my life.
Word of the Year 2025–Renewal
2024 and all the physical challenges of the last decade cumulated with three hip surgeries. I am ready for a big shift in my life. To restore a freshness into my life much like we do as we renew our strength in sleep. I want to make new in how I self care, how I work, how I serve and how I love. In some sort of ways I feel regeneration is in the works.
To seek renewal is to embark on a deeply personal journey of rediscovery, shedding the weight of past burdens and embracing the boundless possibility of becoming whole again. It is a soulful act of nurturing the inner self, replenishing depleted wells of energy, faith, and hope. Renewal is not merely a return to what once was but a conscious awakening—a reimagining of one’s purpose and connection to the world. It is the quiet yet profound courage to step into the light after seasons of shadow, to reclaim joy, and to realign with the essence of who we are meant to be.
My ideas so far to finding renewal include:
- Choosing quality over quantity as it relates to movement, friendships, hobbies and more.
- Moving my habits to a more yin style and quiet space
- Shifting my work from being so active and to more passive
- Creating content that is meaningful and lasting
Reclaiming My Power is Key
Here is how I intend to do it:
- Set Boundaries: Renewal often requires protecting your energy. Learn to say no without guilt.
- Embrace Self-Acceptance: Let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
- Make Daily Changes: Choose mindful activities rather than active activities when stressed.
Essential Oil Blend for Renewal
Each year crafting a custom blend to support my vision. Here is this year’s aroma blend to support my word of the year.
- Basil: The Oil of Renewal. This essential oil supports a strengthened and renewed outlook to life.
- Peppermint: The Oil of the Buoyant Heart. This oil supports optimism and rediscovering joy.
- Red Mandarin: The Oil of Perspective. This oil helps to feel refreshed and joy in simple things.
- Green Mandarin: The Oil of Potential. This oil gives feelings of wonder and hope.
- Bergamot Mint: The Oil of a Revived Heart. This oil brings feelings of hope and openness.
- Ravintsara: The Oil of Expansion. This oil helps to expand the mind and find flowing ideas.
- Immersion Blend: The Blend of Renewal. This blend assists in a peaceful, renewed mind.
- Rainbow Moonstone: The Stone of New Beginnings. A stone for new beginnings & inner growth.
Affirmations for 2025
Daily affirmations can reinforce my healing intentions. Here are a few I have chosen:
- “I release the past and embrace renewal with open arms.”
- “Healing is a journey, and I honor my progress every step of the way.”
- “I am worthy of love, peace, and happiness.”
- “My heart and mind are open to the beauty of new beginnings.”
