2025 Word of The Year in Review

THRIVE

Every year I choose a word to act as a touchpoint, an orienting vision of what I want to cultivate in my life for that year (and beyond). Making the decision at the beginning of the year actually really helps in holding myself accountable. I can more easily commit to actionable steps or setting boundaries without having to overthink, steps that align with the life I’m building on the inner level and as I navigate the world of entrepreneurship.

My vision for 2025 was to thrive rather than survive. The first place to start was my role in the bakery cafe and granola businesses that I own in Dillsburg, PA. As most new business owners experience, I found myself working 60-hour-weeks for free, believing the investment of my time was worth the mission and vision we are creating with our space and its value for our community. While living next door is helpful, it can also occasionally blur the lines between time designated for work vs. home life. It’s so important to me to be present in my kids’ lives and spend quality time with them as time moves quickly and memories created with them to me are invaluable. 

To address my work life balance dilemma, I focused on growing our customer base to be able to hire more staff, taking hours off my plate. During the summer, one of our college employees worked my hours, for example, so I could spend the days of summer with my kids. I was faced with the decision of either putting my youngest in daycare or cutting back my hours. I chose to cut back on my time in the cafe and really enjoyed summer vacation time with the kids; this meant lots of outdoor time and sunshine which is medicine to my soul. I know the kids will look back on their summers one day and I’m glad that I’ll have been part of the experiences they’ll be thinking about. 

Our friends have season passes to the community pool, so because I had more free time with the kids, I decided it would be worth the value for our family to join too. We spent many fun days meeting our friends at the pool, relaxing, thriving in the water on warm sunny days. 

As a small business owner there is ALWAYS a running tab in my mind of all the ways I could be spending my time, whether it’s dreaming up new ideas to move us forward or addressing day-to-day logistics. It is easy to become completely consumed. In 2025 our family set a goal of observing the Sabbath. What did that look like? It meant for a 24 hour period each week, we’d set aside time to rest, delight, and worship our creator. From 5 pm Saturday to 5 pm Sunday, I shut off my work brain and spent time in rest and enjoyment. We began hosting Sabbath Saturday night meals having friends over for dinner and enjoying the connection of each other's company without distraction. We really enjoyed this tradition and look forward to carrying it into 2026. 

The tricky thing about making shifts in your life is that sometimes it can take more than the space of one year to feel the benefit. It’s like planting seeds, you may not see any life for some time but that doesn’t mean the process isn’t in motion. In 2025 I chose to make some doctors appointments to address some symptoms I’ve been dealing with my entire adult life. It put into motion the decision for me to have a hysterectomy this month, a choice that will hopefully bring relief and thriving into my life for years to come. 

I created daily routines to cultivate wellbeing and balance in my life. I finally bought the non-toxic rubber-based yoga mat I’d been considering and have it rolled out next to my bed. Each evening after my shower, I stretch as I wind down for the night. It’s a free micro-habit that feels good in my body and allows a release as I end my day. A little movement goes a long way…and built over time, has the capacity to change us. 

Did I succeed in my goal of Thriving in the year of 2025? In some ways, yes, others, no. But such is the balance of life, of trying. Looking back over the year, it’s encouraging to see the tangible changes that have come out of my intentions that are undoubtedly leading me toward a fuller, more content, successful life… what more could I ask for?