Word of the Year – 2025

On By Suzanne@PictureRetirementIn retirement

The last time I chose a WOTY was January 2022. That year, I felt the need to be guided by more than my usual blueprint for life: moderation and balance. Feeling the effects of having sold our home six months earlier in the year, and living with my MIL, I felt the need for stability, security, independence, and inner peace. The word ‘More’ settled on my heart and mind, offering guidance. It served me well and I became less anxious about the future and regained my sense of self. That is the power of a WOTY.

Fast forward, three years, and our lifestyle is still fluid, but I am at peace. Focusing attention on daily life and not worrying about the future or lamenting over the past has created a new confidence in me that I didn’t know I had.

A Happy Life Starts with Your Mind – Shift your thoughts from negative to positive and greet every day with gratitude.

We have moved three times in three years and are about to make move #4. When my MIL passed away and we inherited her home, we decided to give up our current rental and move into the house. It made sense, at the time, but after a few months, we knew it wouldn’t be our ‘forever home.’ So what does this have to do with choosing a WOTY for 2025?

Sometime in November, I started pondering my WOTY for 2025. The word Path kept popping into my brain, so I paid attention. We are all on a path, whether it is intentional or not. We make decisions and choices that influence our path, sometimes navigating away from the safe and familiar and sometimes staying the course. The thing about most paths is that they don’t follow a straight line. As circumstances change and we evolve, the path will develop twists and turns, presenting obstacles, learning experiences, growth opportunities, and unexpected pleasures.

We have been on a path of discovery for the past three years. We thought we’d be settled into a forever home by now, but circumstances presented alternatives and we went along for the ride. At some point, we decided to follow a path just to see where it leads. That may sound like a declaration of blind acceptance or caution to the wind, but in truth, we couldn’t be more measured in our walk. Every decision involved a choice. The fact that we keep making them tells me we are not ready to settle.

Choices are like steps – you make one, then another, and eventually, they add up to a decision, a conclusion – a destination. At this stage of life, we are not confined by hard and fast rules, just preferences guided by values and principles that define the framework of a happy life – family, community, and purpose. I don’t know when we will reach a destination, but I intend to focus on the path and find purpose in the journey until we do.

We are all on the same path to some extent. Our goal is happiness, joy, prosperity, freedom. Allowing the noise of the world to seep in and change who we are at our core diminishes our authenticity.

The world drones loud with endless sound,

Voices shout, fists pound.

Distractions call from left and right,

Dimming joys that shine so bright.

Don’t let the static steal your day,

Or crowd your thoughts with gloom and dismay.

Tune your heart to what is true,

And let the joys sing loud in you.

We are all one and keep each other,

Protect and love your sister, your brother.

Extend your hand with grace and poise,

Be part of the solution and not the noise.

Suzanne

2025 WOTY – Path

35 thoughts on “Word of the Year – 2025”

  2. Beautifully written! Path is an excellent WOTY. But I do wonder, until our final “end”, do we ever really arrive at our destination? Best wishes for a wonderful journey on your path this year!

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    1. Betty, you make a good point. I believe that every path has a destination, whether we recognize it at the time or not, and that our final destination comes when we depart this earth. Knowing that there are multiple paths within a lifetime energizes me. Thanks for stopping by and for complimenting the post. This one came from the heart and not the ‘to do’ list.

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  3. So many thoughts I can relate to here Suzanne – I love your word “Path” – it’s a word I use a lot when I’m trying to talk about what this journey through retirement feels like. And “noise” is another one – something that I think we are drowning in from the world around us – it’s not all bad, but it’s distracting, and can be disheartening, and can make us question where we’re heading. Keeping your eyes on the path, following your heart, doing life together with someone you love – all of that resonates deeply – and I’m so enjoying seeing how your life is playing out – and how it continues to gain clarity for you. Here’s to continuing the journey forward through 2025. x

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    1. Leanne, path and journey are so intertwined, and probably overused by most of us. But, it is what it is. At this stage of life, it is just great to have the time to sit and ponder these things.

      Sometimes I am grateful for the noise as it causes me to pause and evaluate external factors that contribute to the turmoil in my mind. Otherwise, I see noise as just that – irritating.

      Thanks for following along on this crazy journey. Your posts are always a source of calm – a Noise-Free Zone!

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  4. Staying focused on a positive path has proven challenging over the past several weeks, but I sincerely appreciate the reminder and positive words. May we all have a healthy and happy 2025 as we work to move forward on a good path that works for our individual needs. Happy traveling.

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  5. Judy, I hear you. We have been on pins and needles waiting for our closing date and for our landlord to receive his CO on the place we intend to move into. Our move date is March 2 and we still have no reassurance that it will all fall into place. Keeping a brave smile on my face with friends who ask – ‘How’s it going.’ I hope you can work through your specific challenges and find much to be positive about.

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  7. Excellent post! I can totally relate to your thoughts on ‘paths’. We’re all on a journey. These days, I find myself going with the flow instead of trying to control something which I cannot. Could that be wisdom with old age? 😁 Fingers crossed your move goes smoothly. 🤞

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  8. You’ve done an amazing job of keeping your wits about you through so many changes! So whatever you’re doing to enjoy life, just keep on! I fear there will be great upheavals so knowing what to keep positive about will be a great asset.

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  9. Picking a WOTY is one of my favorite things to do, great as a guidepost. I admire how you’ve followed your own path as you’ve negotiated many twists these last few years. There’s joy knowing you can/will do it, isn’t there?

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  14. Suzanne, Thank you for your post and poem. I was thinking about all the “noise” I’ve heard this month and trying to focus on good things every day. Path is an excellent WOTY. Wishing you and Malcolm a smooth closing and move to your new home.

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  15. Hi Suzanne, PATH is such a great word. We each have our own paths to follow and sometimes we need to be open and flexibility for a change in direction. ‘Tune your heart to what is true’ is so powerful. Living our truth, finding the truth. Wishing you a year that is full of happiness and joy combined with some new adventures. Take care, Sue L xx

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  17. I have always loved the concept of paths. Two roads diverged….it’s the journey….etc. This week, paths seem to be the word for me – I saw a wonderful theatrical presentation about three sisters and their individual life paths. And now your post on paths. Guess I need to be thinking about mine!

    I adore your phrase, “Focusing attention on daily life and not worrying about the future ” and so wish I can get there. These days it’s more “crowd your thoughts with gloom and dismay”. But one day at a time. Your acceptance of the uncertainty you are facing is inspiring.

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    1. Hi Pat, my situation is mostly self-imposed. That makes a big difference regarding the level of acceptance. You didn’t ask for what is happening to you. I think you are handling things better than you give yourself credit for. Our situations are great examples of Paths – some are chosen, and some are dictated by the universe.

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    1. Janis, it’s a strange new world, and personal responsibility has become more important than ever. There is an old saying, ‘If you are looking for trouble, it will find you,’ that resonates with me. Personally, I’d rather look for joy. “Doing our best to find the good” is doing our best. Thanks for visiting.

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  19. Suzanne,

    This post spoke to me in many ways and I read it twice. You and Malcolm have given considerable thought to the road ahead and are moving forward confident that your on a path that is as smooth as you can make it. My WOTY is acceptance. Not so much as it relates to the beliefs, lifestyle, and values of others, but more on dealing with things I can’t control, like aging. We love moving about the country in our RV, but know those days are numbered. I hope I can accept that and move on. Again, great post. Joe

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  20. Joe, I am glad the post resonated with you. Things are starting to come together and we feel good about our choices. Acceptance is a good word. It’s smart to open up to the idea of slowing down, redirecting energy, and preparing for a different lifestyle. Different doesn’t mean it will be any less satisfying. Thanks for stopping by.

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