As I bundled up for another chilly Walk & Talk here in Atlanta, reflecting on the past year, I couldn’t help but think about the power of a single word (or in my case, two!). In 2024, my word was rhythm, and wow—what a year it was. Rhythm brought immense joy, but it also came with a lot of work. It wasn’t just about finding my personal rhythm; it was about adapting to changes, challenges, and unexpected shifts that life threw my way in 2024 and learning how to dance, pivot, and sometimes change the song entirely.
One of the biggest shifts came when my husband, Patrick, left his job in August. Suddenly, the familiar (if frenzied) rhythm we had grown accustomed to at home was no longer the same. We had to find new rhythms, new routines, and a new way of moving through our days together. And while in some ways it got a lot easier (he was finally able to help with the morning routines of breakfast/can't find my bookbag, Mom!/scramble to the bus stop), it was also harder in others (for example, his schedule was now wide open, while mine was packed to the hilt, sparking jealousy and sometimes conflict). It was an adjustment, to say the least. There were moments of frustration, moments of discovery, and moments where we had to be intentional about creating synergy in this new chapter.
Then fall hit—and with it came a whirlwind of busyness. Life felt like it was moving at full speed, and while I was grateful for so many wonderful opportunities, I also felt the weight of constant movement. As the year wound down, I knew I wanted something different for 2025. That’s when my two words came to me: peace & freedom.
Why Peace & Freedom?
This year, I want to focus on intentional growth, making choices that not only bring me peace but also give me the freedom to decide how I spend my time, my money, and my energy. It’s about stepping into each decision with clarity and confidence, asking myself: Does this bring me peace? Does this allow me the freedom I desire? If the answer is no, then it’s a no. No to the extra, the draining, the "shouldas and ought tos". Just, simply, no.
Peace, for me, is about creating a sense of calm and alignment in everything I do. It’s about protecting my mental space, setting healthy boundaries, and choosing things that nourish my well-being rather than drain it. I want my days to feel less like I’m juggling everything and more like I’m living intentionally, with purpose and ease. It was a big driver in my "why" to start my own company - and I think I forgot that a little bit in my scramble to build my business bigger in 2024...after all, I had more help than ever at home, so I ended up saying yes to a LOT more in 2024 than I truly had bandwidth to manage.
Freedom, on the other hand, is about choice. It’s about giving myself the permission to say yes to things that truly matter—and the freedom to say no to things that don’t. I want to have the space to pursue the things I’m passionate about without feeling weighed down by unnecessary obligations. Whether it’s in how I manage my schedule, how I invest financially, or how I show up in my relationships, I want to cultivate a life where I feel free to be fully myself.
Moving Forward with Intention
As I step into this new year, my goal is to keep these two words at the forefront of my decision-making. Whether it's personal or professional, big or small, I’m committing to filtering everything through the lens of peace & freedom. It’s a mindset shift, and I know it won’t always be easy, but I’m excited to see where it leads.
So, what about you? Do you have a word (or words) for the year? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below—let’s inspire each other to step into 2025 with intention and purpose.
Want more? Watch my Walk & Talk episode on my words for 2025 or hit me up on Instagram to start a discussion about your words for 2025. If you are looking for a little more help in defining your words or goals for 2025, let's chat! I'd love to connect to see how I might help you in your journey.
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