In my Refocus Life Coaching group, I recently posed this question:
“Looking at your life, imagine you have to pack emotional luggage for the journey of 2025. What will you bring? What words—actions or emotions—will you carry with you?”
For me, I’m packing intention, patience, and compassion. These three guideposts feel essential to navigating the year ahead, and I hope they might inspire you to reflect on what you’ll carry into this new presidency term.
Intention: Leading with Purpose
“Intention” is my word of the year, and I want it to infuse everything I do. Intention is about being purposeful and deliberate, whether it’s how I run Bee Yoga Fusion, the way I eat, or who I choose to spend time with.
Living with intention requires clarity. Ask yourself:
- What matters most to you this year?
- How can you make room for the things that truly align with your values?
A practical tip is to set small, actionable goals tied to your intentions. For example, if your intention is to nurture relationships, commit to one meaningful conversation a week. If it’s to prioritize wellness, identify one daily habit to support your health, like drinking more water and exercising.
Patience: Navigating the Unexpected
Patience will also be critical for me in 2025. I know that challenges—both external and internal—are inevitable. For instance, as someone who didn’t vote for the incoming President, I anticipate moments of frustration, particularly when faced with divisive rhetoric or policies. But patience reminds me to pause, breathe, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
Equally important is patience with myself. Grief, growth, and healing don’t follow a schedule. Some days, the path feels clear; other days, it feels like slogging through quicksand. To move forward, I’ve learned to embrace small wins and allow myself grace when progress feels slow.
Try this: when you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to take a break. Whether it’s stepping outside for fresh air or journaling for five minutes, these pauses help reset your mind and build resilience.
Compassion: A Balm for Yourself and Others
Compassion is my anchor. It’s a reminder to be kind to myself when I fall short of my own expectations and to extend that same grace to others. In a world where harsh judgments often dominate, compassion allows us to see others—and ourselves—with more understanding and less criticism.
Consider how you can cultivate compassion in your daily life:
- Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would a close friend.
- When conflicts arise, try to listen without the intent to respond. Simply listening can shift the dynamic.
Your Emotional Packing List for 2025
Now it’s your turn. What will you pack in your emotional carry-on luggage for 2025? Think of words or emotions that will guide you through the year.
Here are some prompts to help you get started:
- What do you want to amplify in your life? (e.g., gratitude, joy, connection)
- What will you leave behind? (e.g., resentment, perfectionism, self-doubt)
- What practices will support your journey? (e.g., journaling, meditation, setting boundaries)
As we step into 2025, let’s pack intentionally, knowing we have the power to shape how we experience the year ahead. Whether your suitcase holds patience, courage, or something uniquely yours, may it serve as a compass for your journey.
So tell me: What’s in your bag?
