Expansion: my word of the year

EXPANSION is my chosen word for 2025 - and my very first word of the year.

In the past I’ve hesitated to choose a single word to guide me for the entire year – thinking it would feel limiting. However, I did begin 2024 with very clear intentions for the year. And not only did they all come true, but it was by far by the most transformational year of my life. Reflecting on that with gratitude over the holidays has motivated me to enter this new year with a clear set of goals, intentions and, for the first time, also a guiding word.

Expansion was a central theme for me in 2024. I expanded my circle of close friends (women in particular), expanded my willingness to ask for help, and expanded my capacity to give and receive love in all its forms. Each of these expansions opened up countless opportunities and experiences and brought a ton of joy and richness to my life.

As my guiding word for 2025, expansion is about stepping into the unknown with courage and excitement. This quotation came across my Instagram feed yesterday and gave me chills and a sign that I’d landed on the right word.  “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

I feel super charged with creative energy and possibility, seeing 2025 as a blank canvas to fill with moments that light a fire in me and those around me. I’m eager to continue expanding my knowledge – quenching my curiosity with books, podcasts and deep conversations – and leaning even further into personal and professional growth opportunities. I’m excited to expand my relationships – deepening my existing ones, making new meaningful connections, and bringing more of myself – alongside vulnerability, compassion and curiosity – to every interaction. And I’m highly motivated to expand my impact, through work and passion projects that challenge me in new ways, expose me to new ideas/people and realms, and enable me to create positive change.

Choosing a guiding word is said to create an energy for the entire year – and, a few days in, I can feel its power already.

I'd love to hear the word you’ve chosen for the new year – and why it resonates. Wishing you a truly transformative year!