Each year, I choose a word to guide me, like a north star for the coming year. Today I’m sharing the word of the year for 2025 along with the one chosen by Charles!
Choosing a “word of the year” is an annual tradition that I really love. Last year, it was “simplify”and last year, “curiosity” (I really liked this one). These words help ground me, focus my energy, and give me a sense of purpose. This year Charles joined me in choosing one word: it’s good.
My word of the year for 2025
This year’s word for me? ROCKS! Now before you leave me, let me explain…
Have you heard the quote about the jar full of stones, pebbles and sand? It’s a beautiful metaphor for life. If you start by filling your jar with the big rocks (your priorities), the pebbles and sand will naturally settle around them where there is space. But if you fill it with sand first, there is no room left for the rocks…
Guess what I did this year? I filled my jar with sand and pebbles and it left me completely exhausted with little to no room for the things that matter most, including my health and time with my family. No ok.
I’m a very visual person, so I actually bought a pretty rock to put on my desk as a daily reminder of my commitment to these few key priorities.
The truth about 2024
If I want to be honest, I have worked very hard all these years. I LOVE what I do for work, but everything in life has a trade-off. You can do everything, but you can’t do everything. Trust me, I’ve tried.
Somehow the years began to pass. It feels like it was only yesterday that Charlie took his first steps and now he has a mustache and size 11 man feet (cue mommy tears). My dad has Alzheimer’s and I can never seem to find decent chunks of quality time to spend with him and my sweet mom, which blows my mind. I watched my sister-in-law battle breast cancer this year and it gave me a whole new appreciation for how precious life is (she kicked the cancer for the record). And while I feel 30, this year my body disagreed and decided it was time for perimenopause (what a wild ride).
I can’t turn back the hands of time, but I can certainly make better trades moving forward. And that’s it for me this year.
Here is the big package: Life is short, so make room for what matters most.
Let that sink in my friends.
First, figure out what your rocks are. The people, passions, and priorities that truly bring you joy and fulfillment. Then let the smaller things (pebbles and sand) find their place around them!
The reality is that we only have a limited amount of time on this earth (just two billion seconds, give or take!). So let’s spend it wisely: invest in what’s important, let go of what’s not, and create a life without regrets.
Ask yourself: What are your stones this year?
Need help? Here are some tips.
How to find your rocks
1. Think about what brings you joy
Think about the times when you have felt happiest or most fulfilled. what did you do who were you with These are often clues to your priorities and passions!
2. Determine your values
What values guide your decisions? Maybe it’s family, health or adventure. Once you clarify your core values, it’s easier to identify what aligns with them.
3. Evaluate how you spend your time
Your calendar will reflect your priorities. Take an honest look at your calendar. Are you making time for the things that matter most, or is your schedule filled with obligations that don’t align with your priorities?
4. De-clutter your life
Sometimes finding your rocks means cleaning up the sand. Let go of commitments, tasks, or habits that don’t bring you closer to your goals or bring you joy. My advice? Keep your decision-making energy for the things that matter in life. Decision fatigue is a real thing – watch your energy.
For me, the mental load around mealtimes was great. What’s for dinner? Ugh. Good news, I can make it simple for you. Put dinners on autopilot by using it Fraîche table meal plan. Streamline mealtimes with simple healthy recipes and automatic grocery lists — a game changer!
5. Magazine About it
Write down your thoughts about what matters most to you. Sometimes putting pen to paper helps reveal patterns or insights that aren’t immediately apparent. I love writing things! There is nothing like it.
6. Have honest conversations
Talk to people you trust, like your friends, family or mentors. They can often see your strengths, passions, and priorities even more clearly than you can. I love figuring out my closest goals to help me stay on track.
7. Embrace the Change
Your stones may change over time, and that’s okay! Life is dynamic and so are your priorities. You can revisit this process regularly to make sure you’re staying true to what matters most. I always say I reserve the right to be wrong and reserve the right to change my mind. You can too.
Charles’ word of the year
“Quality” is Charles’ word of the year and I love it. He celebrated his 50th birthday this year, and while he’s always had a deep appreciation for health and life (he lost both his parents to cancer in his 20s which changed his perspective forever), this year was a big turning point for him. Quality (versus quantity) in relationships, moments, shopping and food (of course) among many will be the theme for him. It really resonates with me as someone who has had a habit of equating value with volume over the years.
Alright my friends! I wish you all the best as you uncover your own rocks. Have fun with the process and enjoy creating a life of meaning and joy. You have this.
Happy New Year and thanks for being here, I appreciate you. xx Tori
