As the new year begins, many of us reflect on the previous year and set intentions for the coming year. For me, this reflection takes the form of choosing a Word of the Year—a single guiding concept that will shape my personal and professional decisions and perspectives. For 2025, my word is Celebrate.

Of course, “celebrate” might bring images of confetti, balloons, and people hugging together. While those images are part of my real-life and imagined celebrations, this word runs deeper. It’s about intentionally recognizing the victories, and milestones that fill our everyday lives.

Why “Celebrate”?

In the business of daily routines, it’s easy to overlook achievements or take life’s little joys for granted. Choosing “celebrate” is my commitment to pause and savor these moments. It’s a way to recognize and infuse gratitude into my year.

This word also challenges me to broaden my perspective. Celebration isn’t just about things going perfectly which rarely happens. It is about finding joy in moments of imperfection. It’s about acknowledging progress and process, and embracing life as it unfolds.

How I Plan to Celebrate in 2025

Here are some ways I’m weaving celebration into my life this year:

1. Honoring Wins, Big and Small
   • Whether it’s a significant milestone like completing a project or something as simple as sticking to my morning routine, I’ll take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate.
2. Creating Moments of Connection
   • Celebration often involves people. I want to intentionally connect with loved ones to share their joys and invite them to share mine with me.
3. Practicing Daily Gratitude
   • Each evening, I’ll write down one thing I’m celebrating from the day.
4. Embracing Festivity in the Everyday
   • From lighting a candle at dinner to playing uplifting music during chores, I’ll find small ways to make ordinary moments special.
5. Sharing Joy with Others
   • Whether through kind words, thoughtful gifts, or simply being present, I aim to celebrate others and their accomplishments.

Challenges and Growth

Choosing “celebrate” doesn’t mean every day will be easy or joyful. Life is complicated, and challenges are inevitable each day. But this word reminds me to seek out positivity and to celebrate resilience and the lessons learned along the way.

An Invitation

If you’ve never chosen a Word of the Year, I encourage you to try it. What word could guide you through the next 12 months? And if you already have your word, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s inspire one another to embrace intentional living.

Here’s to a year of celebration—to finding joy, honoring progress, and creating moments worth remembering. Let’s make 2025 a year to truly celebrate.