Looking Ahead: Things I’m Embracing in 2025

As I sit here on the fifth day in my local hospital with my mum—waiting for her to come out of a minor, unplanned surgery after a freak Christmas Day incident—I find myself savouring the rare quiet as I’m hosting 8+ people in my home. (Yep, so much for a Quiet Christmas,’ Spose. I should have been a little more specific, quiet but not hospital quiet!) It’s the perfect moment to reflect on the year that was and to dream about the year ahead.

In the past, I’ve welcomed the New Year with rituals like choosing a Word or Theme of the Year, creating vision boards, The Desire Map, setting goals and plans, diving into oracle card spreads, or following the Unravel Your Year process. These practices helped me gain clarity and focus, but this year, I’m simplifying. The theme I keep returning to is becoming more me.

Last year was all about transition. We moved into a more suitable home and better location, creating a space that feels right for us as a family and setting the stage for both kids to be in high school. It was a year of tying up loose ends, consolidating, and, above all, striving to feel safe and grounded again. It was also a year of recognising how much sacrifice and hard work had brought us to this point in our lives.

Wisdom from a Hospital Room

Here in the hospital, I’ve met a 78-year-old patient who had been admitted on Christmas Day and was still here eight days later. She told me, “You don’t need much at my age, but my advice to you is that you should really live in the moment while you still have your youth and energy.” It struck a chord. She shared how her biggest expense now is healthcare, but other than that, she doesn’t need much. It is a sobering reminder that time is fleeting and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Her words have stayed with me—encouraging me to focus on what truly matters and to appreciate this phase of life while I have it.

A Year in Two Halves

The first half of 2025 already feels busy with much already in the calendar and it will also be focused on healing and recovery. My mum has another major surgery ahead, and I know there will be a need for patience and steadiness. This is the time for self-care, battery charging, reflection, and laying the groundwork for the rest of the year.

The second half, though, feels like it will be about growth and bloom—about taking those seeds of effort and seeing them flourish. Travel (one of my core values) plans are already on the calendar, and there’s a sense of anticipation that this year will bring a mix of comfort and adventure as well as becoming more me.

A Foundation of Self-Care

Self-care feels less like a buzzword and more like an essential framework for 2025. Finding a therapist who truly understands me has been pivotal, guiding me toward uncovering layers of myself, I’d overlooked or not fully understood.

But I’ll admit, I’m starting this year feeling tired. Maybe it’s hormonal, maybe it’s just the stage of life, or maybe it’s both. What I do know is that I want to feel vibrant again—but I’m also aware that this will take time and patience. This isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about leaning into the long game, and I’m already doing all the right things to get there.

Rekindling Creativity

In 2024, I connected with a local group of women authors, writers and mentors, and it was like flipping a switch. The creative energy, the sense of belonging—it was everything I didn’t realise I was missing. Life, as it does, got in the way of fully leaning into it, but 2025 is my chance to dive back in. Writing alongside others who share the same passion has reignited something in me, and I’m excited to see where it leads this year.

The Healing Power of Music

We saw in the New Year at home, watching Rage in the early hours and reminiscing about music from our past. It reminded us all of how nostalgic and healing music can be. This year, I’m determined to bring that joy into my life with more live music.

In February, my favourite band will be touring Australia, and I’ve already got tickets. They’ll be missing their iconic frontman, but I know it’ll still be incredible—this will be my sixth time seeing them, and I still get goosebumps just thinking about it. There’s something about live music that connects us to the past, the present, and each other, and I can’t wait to experience it again.

What’s Out vs. What’s In

What’s Out:

• The hustle: It’s time to leave behind the grind and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living.

• Self-sacrifice: Not only within my family but also with people outside my family unit. It’s time to prioritise my own needs without guilt.

• Giving away expertise for free: Last year, I revisited work I used to love. While the work still lights me up, I learned that working with the right people is non-negotiable. This year, I’ll trust my instincts and set clearer boundaries.

• Anything that feels forced: I’m letting things naturally fall away if they no longer serve me.

What’s In:

• More therapy: Continuing to unpack, heal, and grow with the support of a great therapist.

• More self-advocacy: Standing up for myself and my needs, both in personal and professional settings, including medical - this is a whole new topic in itself as 2024 was the year of abundant medical appointments and plenty of disempowerment.

• Self-care with stronger boundaries: Learning to say no more and protecting my energy.

• More live music: Seeing my favorite band in February has me buzzing with excitement.

• Reading to fuel my writing: Great writers are voracious readers, and I plan to read more than I do.

• Home life: More peace, joy and connection. Plus final touches to making our house a home that really supports our lifestyle. Thankfully, that does not include any renovations like our last home. We are NOT RENOVATORS; I was sad to finally acknowledge this.

• Furniture upcycling: A creative outlet I want to lean into. I already have a few pieces waiting to be worked on.

• Dedicated writing spaces: More workshops, coaching, conferences—putting myself in the company of other writers to grow and refine my craft.

• Finding Inspiration: I recently came across the idea of a gratitude jar—filling a jar with small slips of paper capturing moments of joy or things we’re grateful for. You read it back at the end of the year.

The Journey to "More Me"

2025 isn’t about becoming a new person. It’s about peeling back the layers, letting go of what no longer fits, and leaning into what feels most aligned. It’s about writing more, living fully, and creating space for both growth and rest.

Here’s to a year of becoming more us.

Your Turn

What’s something you’re looking forward to this year? Are you focusing on healing, growth, or something completely different? And if you’re a live music fan—what’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

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