How Choosing My Word of the Year, "Flourish", Transformed My Intentions for 2025

Discover how choosing a word of the year can guide your growth, intentions, and goals for a purposeful year.

Each year, as the calendar turns a page and the world collectively inhales the promise of a fresh start, I sit down to choose a word. Not a resolution, not a to-do list, just one intentional word to anchor my year. Over time, this practice has become more than a ritual, it’s a roadmap, a mantra, and an invitation to step into the person I’m becoming.

This year, my word is Flourish.

But before I dive into why this word captured my heart, let’s talk about why I do this every year.

Why I Choose a Word of the Year

Resolutions, as empowering as they can feel in on the 1st of January, often fizzle by February, and that’s being generous. They’re rigid, demanding, and sometimes carry an undertone of “you’re not enough until…” That energy doesn’t sit well with me. Instead, I wanted something softer, something expansive.

A word is different. It’s alive. It doesn’t dictate my success; it holds space for my growth.

When I choose a word, it becomes a lens through which I see my days. It’s there in the small decisions, whether to hit snooze or step into a brisk morning walk. It whispers to me in the quiet moments and cheers me on in the loud ones. Over the years, words like brave, abundance, thrive and balance have shaped my seasons in profound ways.

How I Knew "Flourish" Was My Word for 2025

Choosing the right word takes time. It’s not a rush decision; it’s an unfolding one. Toward the end of each year, I start listening, really listening to my life. What’s missing? What’s calling me? What’s lighting me up?

This year, I noticed a recurring theme. I wasn’t just craving growth; I was craving growth that feels alive. I don’t want to hustle, but I want to flourish. Not just survival, but a thriving that radiates joy. Usually I think on it for a bit, but this year I must admit it came to me with such ease. After a shocking end of 2023 and all of 2024, that was marred by the loss of my Mother in Law, miscarrying our third baby and losing my Grandad little more than a month ago, I needed something, anything to focus myself on what was ahead. After all that loss, all I could think of was “what else or who else am I going to lose” and I needed to shake myself from that mindset.

Flourish isn’t just about doing more. It’s about doing well. It’s about blooming exactly where you’re planted, trusting that the soil beneath you is enough, and stretching your arms wide toward the sun. And I couldn’t think of a word that is more me at this point in my life.

What "Flourish" Means to Me This Year

Flourish is an invitation to step into abundance, not just financially, but emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about nurturing deeply. Boom. That’s so me!

This word challenges me to let go of perfection and embrace possibility. It asks me to invest in myself, in my relationships, and in the things that light me up. It whispers, “You can grow here. You can bloom beautifully”. And I need that.

Some ways I’m leaning into flourishing in 2024:

• In my business: Saying yes to projects that align with my heart and no to ones that drain my energy. I feel like I am at a good spot with what I am about and what I offer, and I can’t wait to share that more this year. I feel so excited to offer and share with you, my wonderful audience, my special offerings such as The Slow Business Bundle and my free Busy Person's Guide to Slowing down.

• In my relationships: Creating space for meaningful time, conversations and showing up fully present. Giving people the full attention that they so rightfully deserve.

• In my health: Treating my body like the vibrant vessel it is, with movement that feels good and meals that fuel me. More living in alignment with the seasons, more organic, seasonal foods and giving my body what it needs.

• In my creativity: Giving myself permission to try, fail, and try again without judgment. Over and over and over.

How You Can Find Your Word of the Year

If you’re ready to embrace this practice, here’s how to start:

1. Reflect on Your Year: What felt good? What didn’t? What are you craving more of?

2. Listen to Your Intuition: Sit with a journal or take a walk. Pay attention to the words that keep showing up.

3. Choose a Word That Feels Alive: It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. If it sparks something in you, it’s the one.

The Magic of Living in Alignment with Your Word

One of the most beautiful things about choosing a word of the year is how it quietly weaves its way into your life, even when you’re not consciously thinking about it. You’ll be surprised at how often you end up living in alignment with your word without realising it. As the months pass, the word becomes a part of your decisions, your mindset, and even your heart. By the time December rolls around, you might look back and see moments when your word guided you in ways you didn’t anticipate, encouraging you to take risks, offering clarity in tough choices, or reminding you to celebrate the small wins. It’s as though the word was planted in your life for a reason, rooting you in purpose and blossoming exactly when you needed it most.

"Flourish" isn’t a finish line, it’s a mindset. It’s the quiet confidence of knowing that I’m growing, even when the progress feels slow. It’s the grace to bloom in my own time and on my own terms.

Let’s Flourish Together - For 50% Off This January!

I see you, ready to embrace a fresh start and step into a life that feels aligned and purposeful. That’s why I’m inviting you to join my membership community, a space designed to help you live intentionally, stay inspired, and keep growing in alignment with who you are. And because I want this to feel doable for you, I’m offering 50% off for life if you join me this month. This is your chance to invest in yourself, connect with an amazing community, and access tools to help you show up for your goals without the overwhelm. Let’s make this your year to truly flourish (or whatever word you identify with), I can’t wait to cheer you on inside! You can find what your membership will include here.

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If you’re choosing a word this year, let it be something that excites you, challenges you, and supports you. Let it be your North Star. I invite you to come and join me on Instagram, where I share more about my life in alignment with slow, simple and seasonal living.

Do you have a word of the year? Let me know what you choose in the comments.