Alignment, My 2025 Word…
Finally, it is February. In January, many of us focus on New Year's intentions, new beginnings, or making changes. However, as we move into February, we start to focus on different things, loosening our commitment to those changes. Over the years, I have also been guilty of abandoning my intentions, either unconsciously or deliberately.
In recent years, I have chosen a word for my year. This word is a focal point to help me stay aligned with the adjustments or growth I aim to achieve in the upcoming year. I often start by reflecting on my past year, considering the areas where I want to grow or change, and then I look for a word that encapsulates those aspirations. Some years, selecting a word has not been easy, and it takes months for me to identify what resonates with me. However, this year, the word "alignment" came to me immediately, like a blaring neon sign.
Alignment will be my guiding principle for 2025. It will keep me focused on my New Year's intentions long after the initial motivation fades. By reminding myself of this word amidst life's chaos, I plan to use it to inform my decisions throughout the year. I have already started leveraging the power of this practice to stay on track or as a learning opportunity when I do not, allowing me to adjust accordingly.
What does alignment mean for me? It means evaluating opportunities (work, time management, hobbies, travel, relationships, etc.) against my vision for personal development, especially now that we have closed our apparel business. I can channel my energies into what fuels me, such as coaching and personal growth. I intend to reintroduce healthy rest into my life and create space for creative pursuits like writing my blog and photography. However, like many solo entrepreneurs, I struggle balancing financial needs during this building-up phase. My main challenge is finding part-time work without encroaching on the time I need to focus on creation and the rest I need to honor.
It's important to acknowledge that I can be a workaholic. I strive for excellence in all tasks, no matter how simple. Consequently, part-time work often becomes an integral part of my identity. This pattern has repeated throughout my life; it can dominate my time when I enjoy something, leaving little for my true passions. Our apparel company was a recent example. I dedicated significant effort to ensure its success, yet I felt miserable doing so. Although my ego was satisfied by successfully overcoming challenges, it left me drained and unable to invest in my coaching practice.
Engaging with others in a coaching capacity energizes me. Like when teaching Zumba, while it takes all of me to be with another person in the coaching sense, I leave the interaction rejuvenated. Coaching feels holistic, affirming that this is where my strengths lie. I aim to be an advocate for healing, helping others discover their own inner strength. Holding space for someone else, in the context of coaching, means creating a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. It is one of the most sacred acts humans can perform for each other.
A recent Instagram post by @yung_pueblo inspired this reflection: "February goal: Pay attention to your nervous system before you say yes to something new. If you are already feeling tense, then it's better to say no." This advice resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of alignment and listening to one's inner wisdom. Our bodies often signal what is right for us before our minds do. Yet, society tends to value mental justifications over bodily intuition. Phrases like "mind over matter" and "just reframe it" are common but should be balanced with trust in our gut instincts. Our bodies anchor us in the present and offer honesty, while our hearts add emotional context from past experiences, and our heads interpret these signals. Practicing body intelligence ensures our decisions are well-informed.
This year, I will regularly check in with myself before making significant decisions regarding time management, goals, relationships, and sacrifices. Alignment will be my benchmark: Will this support my coaching practice, foster self-care and rest, and create necessary space in my life? Will it promote a healthy balance? Is this relationship mutually satisfying? These are my alignment criteria. Acknowledging human fallibility, I am open to adjusting my course if needed, striving to proceed with grace and non-judgment.
I would like to know if others reading this have chosen a word for their year or adopted a similar practice to stay focused on their goals. What words or traditions resonate with you? There is no right or wrong approach. We are all on unique journeys. Whether you choose a word or decide to forgo such practices, you belong here. I am open to learning from your experiences and insights.
