Encouragement for Your 2025

How have you been feeling about this year so far?

I am always one that has to ease my way into the new year. I like to fully rest and recover from all the Christmas festivities, take time to reflect back on the entire year we’ve just lived, think and pray on the coming year and then set goals and intentions for the new year, and then I still need a few days before I’m ready to really start working on them! So here we are- January 8th- and I feel like maybe, just maybe I’m finally ready to jump into all the things we are excited for in 2025!!

And maybe if you’re anything like me you’re about to really start your new year too and I want to offer some encouragement!!

Okay here we go- in no particular order and pretty off the cuff…

Let this be the year that you either realize or remember that your life has a purpose. A beautiful incredible purpose. You woke up today for a reason. You may never know what your purpose is, but chances are it has absolutely nothing to do with you. So take your life seriously and love others well.

Let this be the year that you focus more on delayed gratification instead of instant gratification. It’s what we have all become accustomed to but most- if not all things- in life worth having are not going to come easy or instantly. They’re going to take hard work, dedication, discipline, and patience. What areas of your life have you been allowing yourself to slide on by way of instant gratification?

Let this be the year that you try that thing that has been lingering in your mind for a while. It’s still there for a reason.

Let this be the year that you become rooted. If you are flailing, wandering, feeling a little lost or just not content in your current circumstances–if you are searching for meaning in your life, your purpose, your validation or worth and you’re constantly trying all these new things and coming up short it may be because you aren’t rooted. It’s time to try something different and it’s Jesus.

Let this be the year that you are more present.

Let this be the year that you learn to love your body. You are not going to somehow hate the way you look into loving it. Love your way into it by taking your health seriously and appreciating the body God gave you. Your health should be taken seriously. You have one body. Be proactive with your health instead of reactive.

Let this be the year that you get back to hobbies and activities you love and enjoy. Do them regularly this year!

Let this be the year that you be who God made you to be. Let it be time to finally lay down the expectations placed on you by yourself or by others. Let yourself let go of all the things you think you should be doing simply because other people are or because you see someone else’s confidence and success in it. Lay all that down and run your own race!

Let this be the year you evaluate what’s either no longer pouring into you or serving you in the current season of life you are in, and then let whatever that is go.  Evaluate if something that once may have seemed good is still right for you. Use discernment. 

Let this be the year that you take control of your finances and stop letting your finances control you. Tithing is important. Budgeting is important. God will provide but you have to steward well. 

Let this be the year that you slow down. Slow down enough to be still sometimes, to reprioritize what truly matters, and let go of what doesn’t. This is 100% one thing I am trying to work on this year. I know it’s possible with some boundaries and some “no”s but those are things I’m not good at. Can you relate?

Let this be the year that you stop talking small about yourself, your life, and your dreams. Humility is incredibly important, but downplaying yourself to nothing isn’t fair to you or to the purpose for your life. 

Let this be the year that you remember the simple joys of life. If you have a little one in your life they definitely help with this!

Let this be the year that you take the trip or adventure and allow yourself to relax. Now I promise I am not just saying this as a travel planner! I am saying this because we recently had a family member take their first vacation in a very long time and actually allowed himself to relax. It was a game changer for him and has been ever since. He already has more trips planned this year. If you would like any help planning, contact me here!

Let this be the year that you stop getting so consumed with the wrong things that you don’t have time for the right things. Stop getting so consumed with the negatives that you forget the positives.

Let this be the year that you dive deeper into your faith and God’s word. You won’t regret it. 

Let this be the year that you practice more gratitude. Gratitude is powerful. Remaining grateful for the big things, little things, and everything in between gives you an improved outlook on life!

Let this be the year that you make the people in your life more of a priority.

If this month isn’t everything you hope for, it does not define your year.

If the season of life you are currently in doesn’t include big goals or resolutions that’s okay. Be where your feet are. Enjoy the season that you are in to the fullest!

You don’t have to reset your whole life in January. You don’t have to overhaul every little aspect of your life you want to change in January. Start small and slow if that’s what works for you. Focus on monthly intentions- that’s what I’m doing this year!

If you are looking at your year ahead and don’t have something you’re really looking forward to don’t let it get you down. For 1- you have no idea what amazing things God has in store for you this year. And 2- maybe this year for you will be less about big events and milestones and more about the seemingly smaller moments and being more present in them. All are the moments that make a wonderful, beautiful life! The big and the small.

If you do have big goals for your year- whether they be personally, professionally, physically, etc)- talk to God about them. Not so He can ‘make all your wishes come true’- God doesn’t work like that. But so you will share your heart with Him and let Him into all of these things you are yearning for too. He may even show you a different way, a better way. A different prayer or mindset even.

I hope something here resonates with you that you can take into your year! Let’s make 2025 the best year!!!

Lord, thank You for the gift of another year! Thank You for the gift of dreaming, planning, goal-setting, and looking forward to a new year with hope! Jesus, we know You have already gone before us, the year’s story has already been written, and we know You are with us every step of the way! Let us go forward into this year with grace, love, peace, kindness, and courage being led by Your guidance! Amen.

All the love,