Every year, the idea of choosing a “word for the year” floats around, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve rolled your eyes a few times. It used to feel like a forced tradition that rarely made any real impact. But this year? It smacked me right between the eyes.
Episode Highlights
- 00:02 Introduction and uncovering the word for 2025
- 04:15 The Facebook group decision and birthday release
- 09:30 Realizing the power of release and its ripple effects
- 14:45 Crafting the list of releases and welcomes
- 19:10 Final thoughts on why release creates space for transformation
It all started on my birthday, October 4th. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that day set the tone for my word of the year for 2025. I made a bold move, and by doing so, I uncovered the power of RELEASE. And here’s the kicker – the moment I embraced release, I found myself naturally WELCOMING more of what I truly wanted.
Let’s dive in.
The Weight of Holding On
For months leading up to my birthday, I wrestled with a nagging feeling. I had built this great social group on Facebook, organizing weekly events – from brunches to dinners, dress up high teas, and even the occasional art festival. But what started as a fun side project slowly morphed into a burden. I felt more like a social organizer than a friend.
A wise friend had been dropping hints for months, “If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it.” On the morning of October 4th, I gave myself the best birthday gift ever – I deleted the group. Now, if you’ve ever deleted a Facebook group, you know it’s no simple click. You have to remove each member one by one. It’s tedious, but that added time gave me space to reflect.
The result? No regrets. Not a single person questioned why I wasn’t organizing events anymore. And that silence spoke volumes. It was my wake-up call – the realization that I had been holding on to something that wasn’t truly supporting me. That moment became the foundation for my word of the year for 2025.
Why Release Matters
Release creates space. Space for clarity, joy, new experiences, and yes – new people, places, and things. I considered using the word REPLACE at first, but it felt too mechanical. What I really wanted was to welcome, not just swap out. And so, WELCOMING became the natural evolution of release.
Here’s my list of releases and welcomes – it’s fluid and will likely evolve as the year progresses. Maybe it will spark some ideas for you too.
The List – Release and Welcome
1. Releasing weight and welcoming fitness and feeling good. The cycle of diets and stress eating ends now. It’s time to enjoy movement and strength.
2. Releasing poor food choices and welcoming healthy, flavorful options. (Flavorful is key because boring food is a one-way ticket to giving up.)
3. Releasing clothes that don’t reflect who I am and welcoming pieces that fit and flatter. Consignment and Goodwill are the beneficiaries.
4. Releasing furnishings I’ve outgrown and welcoming selections that bring joy and comfort. Just because you bought it doesn’t mean you have to keep it.
5. Releasing outdated strategies and welcoming innovative, forward-thinking approaches. While some strategies are timeless, many have an expiration date.
6. Releasing archaic tools and software and welcoming cutting-edge solutions. When you’ve been in business more than 5 years, the tools change, some update and upgrade, others need to be replaced.
7. Releasing doubt and welcoming possibilities that manifest faster than I ever thought possible.
8. Releasing underperforming providers and welcoming new talent that aligns with my vision.
9. Releasing obstacles to growth and welcoming unstoppable momentum.
10. Releasing debt and welcoming investments that build wealth. Debt is a choice and I advocate it when strategic for growth, otherwise it’s a burden and costly.
11. Releasing outdated programs and courses and welcoming intuitive space for creativity. Evaluate what you’ve invested in, is it still current and valid?
12. Releasing unused subscriptions and welcoming quiet moments of imagination.
13. Releasing relationships, both personal and professional, that no longer align or support and welcoming those that uplift and inspire.
14. Releasing limiting beliefs and welcoming limitless thinking and action. Could this spark your word of the year for 2025?
15. Releasing habits that hold me back and welcoming new patterns (and disruption) that serve me better.
Why This Works
Choosing to release isn’t just about decluttering your home or inbox. It’s about clearing mental and emotional space. When you let go of the old, you make room for something better. It’s transformative.
This isn’t just a nice exercise for January 1st. I want you to take 30 minutes to write your own list.
What will release look like for you?
How will you welcome the new? Don’t just think it – write it down.
Make it real. Make it intentional. Let this be the spark for your word of the year for 2025.
Key Takeaways
I used to believe that holding on tighter meant I was in control. But the truth? The tighter the grip, the heavier the load. Releasing that Facebook group reminded me that sometimes the best way forward is to let go.
So, here’s my question to you – what are you ready to release so you can finally welcome what you truly want? Could this shape your word of the year for 2025?
I’d love to learn your word for the year. DM me, email me, or tap me on the shoulder at the next event. Let’s make 2025 the year of welcoming more of what lights us up.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
