A Word for the Year: Reflecting on 2024

And looking to 2025

Hi friends,

We’d planned to share this as a podcast episode, but—truthfully—we’re a little out of practice. Instead, we’re bringing you this final post of 2024 as a space for reflection.

This year has been challenging for so many, filled with tension, uncertainty, and resilience. We’re living through times that ask us to navigate not just the trail ahead but the complexities of being human in a rapidly changing world. And in moments like this, reflection feels grounding.

For Jamie and me, that reflection often takes the form of a shared tradition: choosing a “word of the year.” It’s a simple practice—one word to act as a guide, a reminder, or even a challenge for the year ahead. Some years, the word feels like a mantra; other years, it’s a lesson that works us in ways we don’t expect.

Words That Worked Us

At the start of 2024, Jamie chose the word “stability.” It seemed like a practical choice, rooted in her desire to find steadiness after years of navigating big transitions. But stability turned out to be anything but straightforward for her.

“This year, I had to redefine stability,” Jamie shared. “It wasn’t just about finding a physical balance after hip surgeries. It became about accepting where I was—learning to sit with stillness and let go of the illusion of control. Stability wasn’t something I achieved through force; it was something I allowed myself to find.”

At the beginning of the year, I chose “express” as my word—a call to lean into authenticity and creative output. It felt like an intuitive choice, though I didn’t fully grasp what it would demand of me. This year stripped away my reliance on other people’s messages and forced me to confront my resistance to speaking in my own voice. What initially felt like a call to freedom ended up being a bit of a crucible, but I do appreciate where I’m at with this concept as the year closes.

I’ve learned that expression doesn’t always mean putting something out into the world. Sometimes, it’s the quieter acts—sitting in discomfort, recognizing deeply held fears, and finding the courage to create despite them. Aaron reminded me recently that while this year didn’t look the way I thought it would, I’ve lived this lesson in ways I can only truly appreciate in hindsight. And, I have created some pieces that I’m truly proud of, as well.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we look to 2025, we’re carrying these lessons forward. For me, my word for the new year is “excellence.” Not in the sense of external perfection, but as a way of showing up fully and with intention. I want to focus on the details that make a moment, a project, or a relationship meaningful—not just good, but excellent.

Jamie’s word is “sustainability.” It’s about balancing passion with pacing, committing to a rhythm of life that nurtures the things she loves without burning out. For her, sustainability is both a personal and collective commitment—a way of honoring herself and her community by keeping the fire alive without letting it consume her.

Your Turn

We’d love to hear from you. What’s your word for 2025? What theme feels like it could guide your choices, growth, or mindset in the year ahead?

Drop your word in the comments or reply to this email. Let’s share our words, our intentions, and the ways we hope to approach the coming year.

As we wrap up 2024, we’re grateful for this community and the conversations we’ve had together. We’ll return next year with new posts, podcasts, and more opportunities to explore what it means to ride the trails of life with intention. If you’re a paid subscriber or thinking of becoming one, you’ve got time to adjust your subscription before we restart our paid options in the new year.

Here’s to the lessons of 2024 and the possibilities of 2025. Thank you for being part of this ride.

With gratitude,
Danielle