Every year, I think long and hard about what I want my upcoming one little word to be. This might seem silly to some, but it simplifies my current goals, and having only one word makes them feel attainable. Last year, my word was embrace. I really leaned into that word with work, with writing, with personal experiences, and with the change I knew would be happening. That word lived rent free in my mind and breathed life into my heart when I needed it. I embraced the joy, the difficulties, the change, and the unexpected grief. It was a good word, which is why this year, I needed to find one that just felt as right as embrace did.
In October, I went to RAM – Romance Author Mastermind. It’s a conference about leveling up the business side of being an author, while also being mindful of the balance. I really enjoyed this conference and flew home with the beginnings of my word. Level up. Be deliberate. Don’t just dream, execute. Think less, do more. At first, I was leaning towards deliberate, but the more I thought about it, the less I liked it. The word felt harsh and final, and it didn’t give me the warm and fuzzies. Which is how I landed on intentional. With intention. To plan and do things with purpose. Deliberate felt absolute. Intentional to me feels more free to be organic with the plan and to be able to pivot when necessary, to work smarter not harder.
My intentions this year are to be more purposeful with my business goals and plan, my health as I’m getting closer to the next decade, and my house. Yep, house. We are going to declutter, go through closets, the office and the kitchen, paint a few walls and just clean up. I know everyone has heard at some point in their life that making your bed is good for you. For reasons like increased productivity, it can make you feel more grounded and calm, and a tidy room reduces stress. I’m looking to acheive these things by working on my house. Sometimes the walls feel like they are closing in, but not this year. We’re breathing new life into them with fresh color.
As for my 2025 bucket list, I’ll share that in my next newsletter with details on some of my intentional goals. Maybe you’ll add them to your list too.