I very much enjoyed this post, thanks for sharing. Going to your questions:
I didn't catch onto assigning a word to my 2024 prior to the start of it. When I look back, a good word that could've been used for the year is "discovery". 2024 was the year that I realized that, while I enjoyed learning about physics and the natural world, it was also burning my brain out partially due to the lack of progress on the PhD thesis and the relatively poor job outlook for my chosen field of study. It was through a number of things, partially through reading a bit of "12 Rules to Life" from Peterson, but also exploring the vast world of advocacy and building up my story telling on this platform, that I started to realize what my true purpose is; that is, to try to improve people that are similar to me, either through exposing problems in the world or by coming up with solutions.
Moving into 2025, "execution" seems like a good word. I ended 2024 with a good bit of momentum, some of which has already materialized (for example, I detailed in a recent post the launching of the Hidden Disability Sunflower at my local airport, which I played a pivotal role in bringing to their attention). I need to continue building upon this momentum so that society can improve, which requires action. I know the upcoming administration might make this difficult...
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! My first official word of the year was last year, but "intention" would definitely have been my 2023 word, and it's largely what lead me here.
I think the work you're doing sounds really wonderful, and I'm liking forward to learning more about it. I'm glad you were able to recognize what wasn't working and start to make adjustments so you don't get too burnt out - I've been there, and I know it can be difficult to recover.
Wishing you well on your word of the year and navigating the work you're doing under the circumstances; I think it's all the more important, considering what we're up against.
"after a year spent turning inward, I'm ready to begin turning outward toward community and connection." - I love this and relate so much. I feel gratitude for having had the space to turn inward. Reading this, I'm realizing I am feeling a sense of scarcity and not-enoughness about where I am as it relates to community, and this is a great reminder that I have a whole year (a lifetime) ahead of me. And I wouldn't be here, at this point, if I hadn't also taken the time to go inward. The way I'm choosing to / going to show up in community will be different from how I have done it in the past. That's both scary and exciting. (ha, thanks for the space to reflect and journal on my own stuff for a moment).
Thank you so much for sharing! I've had that same feeling of scarcity when it comes to community! And I'm also navigating it a bit differently now, post-burnout and with a better understanding of my needs. It's definitely a little daunting, but also exciting.
This was so great to read, A - congrats on all the really amazing growth that came of your year of turning inward! I love your "yes and" list. And I'm excited to follow your journey as you turn outward. I've been feeling similar about the outward-turning, and my 2025 word, which I came to about a week ago, seems to be "visibility," which is really weird, seeing as how trans people are so maligned right now. But maybe it isn't, maybe it is a healthy response to the concerted efforts to erase folks like me. Get more visible. More will be revealed. Happy New Year, friend. <3
I love this! I agree, I think it is healthy, and I'll look forward to hearing more about your journey as well. And I hope you always feel seen with me friend. 🧡
Thank you, A. Yes, I feel seen by you, and also because I identify strongly with many of your internal experiences…even though from an external view, our life circumstances are quite different. <3
Love this journey, and so thankful to get to share in it through words. I’ve similarly had a hard year, and yet also the most present. I think stripping away what fills my body with resistance leaves it open to be with what is in each moment.
It’s so true that we can’t do everything but we can do something. And it’s important for us all to put our somethings into the world 💕
I haven't fully committed to a word for 2025, but maybe *focus*? I'm trying to recenter writing in my life this coming year. My theme is "turn the volume down," which basically means to be rrrreeeally careful about the extra stuff I get myself involved in (because I want to be writing instead! And also my nervous system needs me to chill out a bit!)
I love that! I think that "autonomy" helped me really pare down a lot of unnecessary things this year because I was focusing on what I really need and want... and doomscrolling and plans that are really overwhelming (and not that enjoyable) are not it. I fully believe that having something you want to create more space for helps make it easier to say no to other things that aren't as fulfilling. Wishing you a year full of writing and calm. 🧡✨️
I very much enjoyed this post, thanks for sharing. Going to your questions:
I didn't catch onto assigning a word to my 2024 prior to the start of it. When I look back, a good word that could've been used for the year is "discovery". 2024 was the year that I realized that, while I enjoyed learning about physics and the natural world, it was also burning my brain out partially due to the lack of progress on the PhD thesis and the relatively poor job outlook for my chosen field of study. It was through a number of things, partially through reading a bit of "12 Rules to Life" from Peterson, but also exploring the vast world of advocacy and building up my story telling on this platform, that I started to realize what my true purpose is; that is, to try to improve people that are similar to me, either through exposing problems in the world or by coming up with solutions.
Moving into 2025, "execution" seems like a good word. I ended 2024 with a good bit of momentum, some of which has already materialized (for example, I detailed in a recent post the launching of the Hidden Disability Sunflower at my local airport, which I played a pivotal role in bringing to their attention). I need to continue building upon this momentum so that society can improve, which requires action. I know the upcoming administration might make this difficult...
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! My first official word of the year was last year, but "intention" would definitely have been my 2023 word, and it's largely what lead me here.
I think the work you're doing sounds really wonderful, and I'm liking forward to learning more about it. I'm glad you were able to recognize what wasn't working and start to make adjustments so you don't get too burnt out - I've been there, and I know it can be difficult to recover.
Wishing you well on your word of the year and navigating the work you're doing under the circumstances; I think it's all the more important, considering what we're up against.
"after a year spent turning inward, I'm ready to begin turning outward toward community and connection." - I love this and relate so much. I feel gratitude for having had the space to turn inward. Reading this, I'm realizing I am feeling a sense of scarcity and not-enoughness about where I am as it relates to community, and this is a great reminder that I have a whole year (a lifetime) ahead of me. And I wouldn't be here, at this point, if I hadn't also taken the time to go inward. The way I'm choosing to / going to show up in community will be different from how I have done it in the past. That's both scary and exciting. (ha, thanks for the space to reflect and journal on my own stuff for a moment).
also: so much yes to both/and!
Thank you so much for sharing! I've had that same feeling of scarcity when it comes to community! And I'm also navigating it a bit differently now, post-burnout and with a better understanding of my needs. It's definitely a little daunting, but also exciting.
It feels so good knowing that I’m not alone in feeling scarcity and nervousness around it. 🧡 and look at us here making connections! 😊
This was so great to read, A - congrats on all the really amazing growth that came of your year of turning inward! I love your "yes and" list. And I'm excited to follow your journey as you turn outward. I've been feeling similar about the outward-turning, and my 2025 word, which I came to about a week ago, seems to be "visibility," which is really weird, seeing as how trans people are so maligned right now. But maybe it isn't, maybe it is a healthy response to the concerted efforts to erase folks like me. Get more visible. More will be revealed. Happy New Year, friend. <3
I love this! I agree, I think it is healthy, and I'll look forward to hearing more about your journey as well. And I hope you always feel seen with me friend. 🧡
Thank you, A. Yes, I feel seen by you, and also because I identify strongly with many of your internal experiences…even though from an external view, our life circumstances are quite different. <3
Yes! Same here. 🧡
this is lovely! 💜
Thank you 🧡
Love this journey, and so thankful to get to share in it through words. I’ve similarly had a hard year, and yet also the most present. I think stripping away what fills my body with resistance leaves it open to be with what is in each moment.
It’s so true that we can’t do everything but we can do something. And it’s important for us all to put our somethings into the world 💕
Agreed. I'm so glad you're here, and I'm looking forward to reading more from you in the next year as well. 🧡
I haven't fully committed to a word for 2025, but maybe *focus*? I'm trying to recenter writing in my life this coming year. My theme is "turn the volume down," which basically means to be rrrreeeally careful about the extra stuff I get myself involved in (because I want to be writing instead! And also my nervous system needs me to chill out a bit!)
I love that! I think that "autonomy" helped me really pare down a lot of unnecessary things this year because I was focusing on what I really need and want... and doomscrolling and plans that are really overwhelming (and not that enjoyable) are not it. I fully believe that having something you want to create more space for helps make it easier to say no to other things that aren't as fulfilling. Wishing you a year full of writing and calm. 🧡✨️