Can we have a heart-to-heart moment? For the past decade, I’ve been that person who religiously chose a word of the year. You know the ritual – that exciting December energy when you pick THE word that’s supposed to guide your next 365 days. My 2024 word was “Action” – oh, the irony of what was about to unfold!

But here’s the plot twist: This year, I’m not choosing a word.

Gasp I know, right?

Here’s the thing – a year is LONG, my friend. Life has this sneaky way of being a rollercoaster when you least expect it. And while having a guiding word can be beautiful – trust me, I’ve lived that magic for 10 years – sometimes what we need isn’t a word. It’s a feeling, a way of being, a permission slip to just… be.

What am I choosing instead? I’m choosing:

• To feel ease without forcing it into a single word
• To be present – like, truly present, not just Instagram-caption present
• To read more books without turning it into a competitive sport with myself
• To do things slower – yes, this recovering perfectionist just said “slower”!

For the first time in forever, I’m stepping off the hamster wheel of measuring my worth by my output. You know what I mean: the mental checklist of projects completed, acting jobs booked, dollars earned. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, and honestly? I’m ready for something different.

I’m craving the simplicity of less is more. Less stuff, fewer but deeper goals, more meaningful connections. Because here’s what life has taught me, sometimes the hard way – everything can change in a minute, a day, a month. I’m intimately familiar with sudden loss and how it reminds us of the preciousness of every second.

So here’s your permission slip – not that you needed one, but sometimes we all need a gentle reminder: You can change your word halfway through the year. You can have no word at all. You can have a sentence, a feeling, or just a deep knowing that you’re exactly where you need to be.

If you’re feeling called to pick a word for 2025 – amazing! Go for it with all your heart, and please, please reply and share it with me because I want to be your cheerleader! But if you’re feeling that gentle pull to do things differently this year, know that you’re not alone.

Here’s to savoring more and forcing less in 2025. Here’s to healing at our own pace and finding joy in the simple act of being.

With love and a sprinkle of spiritual firecracker energy, 

Ydaiber

P.S. Whether you’ve got a word or not, I’d love to hear what’s stirring in your heart for 2025. Drop me a reply – I read and respond to every single one! ✨