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2025 Word of the Year

 "Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them."

~ Aurelius


The Stoics believe that anything can happen to anyone at any time. As a result, we should be prepared for everything and nothing, while being totally chill about it. 

I wish I had known this back in September when I realized I had broken my leg. Wow, if only I could have been slightly more chill about possibly never running again and walking with extreme pain. Instead I freaked out. Now that I do know this, I would like to believe I am slightly more prepared for this year. Prepared might be the wrong word. I am rarely prepared for much in this life. Jaded. Life will fuck you up. Try not to be too upset about it. 

That's what I am going for.

In the meantime I am focusing on building a life, fragile and vulnerable though it may be to Life, that feels good on the inside, and on the outside. To help me with this, I have chosen 'Well' as my word of the year. 

I am working hard to get well. My relationship with the gym right now is hot and heavy. I have cardio exercises to help me get back to where I was. I have weight exercises to help rebuild my broken, weak bones, I have yoga to help me limber up and get strong, and I have a little running regime to mix in at the end for good measure. Nic has resigned himself to be the third party in our marriage while I sort this leg out. I am going to get well.

For years I have slapped on my running shoes and trotted down the trail taking for granted that I walk and run without pain. My body moved easily and fluidly. I did not think about every single step I took. In the last six months I have been introduced to pain. Every step I take I think about. Every trip up the stairs is calculated. Do I really need socks, my phone, my sweater, etc? Oh God. Now I have to walk down the stairs too. Should I just stay here? Live in the bedroom? 

These days I wonder if I will ever hike mountains again, or run real distances. I woke up one day and realized doors I thought would always be open to me, or at least until I went blind, were suddenly closed - maybe for good.

But I am going to get well. 

In addition to getting well, I want to live my life well. Mortality kicked me in the ass this year, so living well feels urgent. I am running out of time. Fuck, I might die tomorrow.  Suddenly that Bucket List feels pressing. 

I want to teach well. Love well. Wife well. Friend well. Mother well. Daughter well. Sister well. So, I am going to manifest that shit. Apparently putting things out there to the Universe, or God, or the stars helps make it happen. This is what the podcasters say. Podcasters know everything, apparently.

Let's start big and work down.

Vietnam.


This is a lifelong bucket list item. Sometimes it feels within reach. I realize I cannot fuck around anymore. I need to prioritize this. I want to go while Nic and I are young enough to fill my bucket.

Alaska

Nic is kicking this one around. We will see how far we get on it. Alaska is also a bucket list for me, just lower on the list.

House
Nic and are focusing on the house this year, which means items one and two on this list are likely next year goals, but I am manifesting here, people. We are making out house a home - for both of us. We have redone the office. Next steps are paining the living room and redoing the shower. Wish us luck. This is a hard goal for this year, as in a priority. Not hard like cement, or hard as in difficult, but it might be that too.

Health

Mental and physical health - take care of yourself, girl. 

Be Well

I am always trying to write more, knit more, read more, be more. These things make me feel well. I want to be more courageous, just, temperate, and wise this year.

Family

I am so proud of where my kids are right now. I am trying to enjoy their lives and witness their accomplishments and growth. I worry over my parents, so I manifest wellness for them.

Love Well

I want to love all of my people with intentionality. To love them well, listen well, be fair, kind, supportive. 

Teach Well

I love teaching. I love my students. This year has been somewhat challenging. I want to focus on the parts I love. The kids. And teach well, and survive.

Maybe we will add more as we go through the year, but for now this feels like a good start. Happy New Year.  May your manifestations come true!




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