My Word of the Year is Strength

On New Year’s Eve, I paused, watching the fireworks, and considered what I wanted my word of the year for 2025 to be. It felt a bit blank and the words that usually come to me so easily just weren’t there. I decided to sleep on it and, in the (late) morning of the 1st, I exchanged a few thoughts with Little Girl C. And then we found it – Strength.

Strength in My Body

I finished the year on a low health-wise. Nothing serious, but an accumulation of things reminded me that my health and fitness is not yet where I want them to be. I want to continue focusing on feeling stronger – stronger in my immune system, so I catch less of the stuff the kids keep bringing home from school. Strength in my core, so I beat the back pain and continue to improve my fitness. Strength in my mind, as I continue to learn how to be kind to myself.

Strength in My Choices

I couldn’t’ choose the word Believe again, as that was my word of the year in 2020. But the message feels even stronger with the word strength. More than just believing in my choices, I can have strength and conviction in them. Pursuing a path of learning, exploring, and not controlling every minute of the day was hard for me over the last 18 months. But it was also essential to live my 40s with greater belief in myself, alongside a greater willingness to try new things and embrace life as it comes.

Strength in My Business

With everything that the year had to offer in 2024 and so much backlog of things I wanted to do, I still lacked some focus. Or maybe the time just wasn’t right. As I reached the fourth quarter, I felt ready to start narrowing down, I moved from the soft launch of Inside the Business Mind to an official kick-off. Now, I am ready to apply my strength to it and really embrace this business that I knew I was going to pursue five years ago when I first registered the domain.

Strength in My Charity

2024 was a fragile year at the charity. After several people left and with others on leave, we had to rebuild and re-hire. We also had to make ourselves more efficient, communicate better, and transform how we operate. All while keeping the lights on and desperately seeking for more funding. This year, with much of the groundwork done, I feel we can grow stronger and build on this foundation.

Strength in My Family

As we grow older, we face the challenges that come with ageing. Ageing parents means health is unstable, and uncomfortable conversations come up. Ageing children also means approaching teenage years and navigating more complex issues. Ageing ourselves requires confronting our own limits, investing more time in staying fit and healthy, letting go of certain habits and making lifestyle adjustments. With ageing comes tension that can shake our foundations and the structures of the families as we know them. I wish for strength in our family – individually and collectively, in mind and body.

Strength in My Friendships

It has now been 18 months since I truly returned to Portugal. I’ve dipped my toes into new friendships, invested in existing ones, and I still miss some cherished friendships from London and around the world. In 2025, I wish to strengthen both old and new friendships as I learn the concept of giving, receiving and sharing more deeply.

Strength in My Finances

I thought of leaving this one out, but this is exactly the area that drives so many decisions – and the one most of us are afraid to speak about openly or feel ashamed of. I have maintained a belief in abundance, but not lightly or dreamingly. Instead, I began dedicating more time than ever before to my own finances. As my business and projects grow stronger, I now trust I know how to keep strong finances intentionally, allowing me to strengthen all other areas of my life.

Strength in My Growth

Growth was one of the words that came to mind as I sought to find my north for 2025. However, given Make Space for Growth is at the forefront of everything, it felt redundant. Still, continuing to grow – personally and professionally, mentally and emotionally, individually and as part of my overall community – remains key. There were times when I thought I had to go smaller, limit myself, or hold back. Not anymore.

I want my growth to be strong.