For 2025, What’s Your Word?

For 2025, What’s Your Word?

For countless years, I would make long lists of resolutions — all the goals I wanted to accomplish. It felt like the beginning of a new school year when I was determined to get my act together. I was going to be organized and do everything right. But year after year, that expectation and pressure didn’t hold up. By mid-February (if not earlier), my resolutions had often faded into the background, untouched.

Then something changed. I stumbled across a Facebook post — from a friend. It was about having a verb for the year which seemed like a better idea than making a list of resolutions. The concept stuck with me. It’s harder to forget one word than it is to keep track of fifteen goals! I didn’t realize it then, but that word would become a kind of premonition — a quiet nudge to the universe to help me shape my year.

For 2025, What’s Your Word?
Good Time Rock Retreat band practice, July 2024.

My word was “play.” I did not fully understand how much I needed it, but it became the theme of my entire year.

“Play” meant saying yes to opportunities that brought joy, even if they felt outside my comfort zone. It meant being vulnerable, pushing through self-doubt, and letting myself have fun. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to truly enjoy life — not just for my kids, but for me.

What surprised me the most was how a single word could ripple into every part of my life. My kids watched me dive into new adventures, whether it was dancing with Basin Arts, going to band camp at the Good Time Rock Retreat, or embracing some of my more harebrained ideas like building a giant chicken for Krewe de Canailles. It connected us as a family in an unexpected way, and the result was that they became more open to new experiences, too. 

Giant chicken puppet for Krewe de Canailles, 2024.

Resolutions used to feel like a heavy to-do list, but this felt lighter and more freeing. With just one word to focus on, the pressure melted away. When life presents choices or challenges, your word becomes a touchstone. Ask yourself, “How can I bring more [your word] into this moment?” It’s a subtle shift in perspective that can lead to meaningful change.

The act of receiving or choosing a word is about setting an intention. It’s personal.

Start by reflecting on the past year. What areas of your life brought you joy or growth? Where did you struggle? Use those reflections to brainstorm words that align with where you want to go. It’s kind of like choosing a baby name — writing out a list, trying on different options, and seeing what fits. Except this way is easier because you don’t have to negotiate with your spouse!

Basin Arts’ Window Wanderings 2024.

The beauty of this practice is its flexibility. Nobody’s judging your word! Keep your word visible. Write it on a sticky note or create a screensaver. Let it serve as your North Star, gently steering your actions and decisions. It’s your permission to skip the guilt trips of not accomplishing all the goals.

So, what will your word for 2025 be?

Maybe it’s something bold, like “adventure,” or something grounding, like “peace.” Perhaps it’s a word that inspires creativity, connection, or courage. Whatever it is, let it guide you. Forget the resolutions and long lists. One word can change your year and, perhaps, your life.

Shantell Gomez
Shantell is mom to three kiddos—a teenage daughter and two energetic boys ages 11 and 9. They call Youngsville, Louisiana, home sweet home. With a background in Business Administration and Behavioral Science from ULL, Shantell wears many hats. By day, she's working part-time at a local nonprofit, while by night, she is a freelance writer. In her free time, she loves dancing and drumming. Her most renowned skill is the art of being fashionably late—whether it’s showing up with gifts or getting the kids to school. Aside from time management, motherhood has been Shantell's greatest challenge as well as her greatest joy. It's where she's learned the most about herself. Each day brings a new lesson in love and patience.

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