In the past I have done a “3 Words” exercise each January. It’s a way of reflecting on the last year and looking forward to the next year. I like that the process is more about intention than resolutions.
For 2024, my words were Build, Save, Me.
I wanted to build more websites for massage therapists and create a smooth process for doing that. I only launched 2 websites, but the process went well for each and both clients are happy with the results.
Save was about having a few months of business and personal expenses my bank accounts before taking a short medical leave to get my nose fixed. I did that, but I definitely have not built my personal savings back up since paying that medical bill.
Me involved improving my physical fitness before I enter my 50’s and building deeper relationships with my loved ones. Meh. I kept up with walking my dog almost daily and using that time to be present, no checking my email or even listening to podcasts. Just me and the trees and my dog. It’s lovely. I haven’t found a pattern of adding other exercise that works for me (yet). And I’m not any better with relationships. Personally, there was a lot of grief and challenge in relationships. It was a hard year that almost broke me.
Professionally I have felt deeply disappointed that the field of massage as a whole has left behind high risk and disabled clients and colleagues with the dropping of most infection reduction protocols. I don’t see a future where I will be able to attend live CE, because I can’t find an educator who requires masking and cares about good ventilation. (Tell me if you know someone!) I have a lot more to say on this, but this is enough for now. The isolation of being a covid-cautious person is real and painful, personally and professionally.
So I enter 2025 with some trepidation. I’m dialing back the extraneous screen time and hunkering down with the work I truly adore: putting my hands on clients, working with colleagues individually to build businesses and manage money well. I have just one word for 2025. I’m tired, one word is enough.
Strong. One word with 3 flexible intentions.
A strong body to age well and retain mobility, a strong mindset to focus on the work I love and let the rest go, and a strong sourdough starter. Okay, that last one is literal and figurative. I really like cooking and I’m making space to do more of that and and generally make my home life cozier.
I’m keeping it as simple as possible. Starting each day writing my word at the top of a page, making note of the things I want to do that day to meet that intention. Letting go of what I don’t get to on any given day.
Right now I have a loaf of sourdough rising, the dog is tired from our cold woodsy walk, and I’m about to start a Power Hour on our community. I can see my kettlebell and maybe I’ll get to that workout. We’ll see.