As I sit here sipping my herbal tea and watching the sun rise, a wave of inspiration washes over me. 2025 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on my journey. One of the most transformative practices I've adopted has been choosing a "Word of the Year" to guide my experiences. This upcoming year, I've chosen the word "Embrace."
I’m looking forward to the experiences and lessons that come with this journey. It’s all about enjoying the ride and embracing whatever comes my way!
So, together let’s take a step back, breathe, and enjoy this simple yet fulfilling way of living!
What Does "Embrace" Mean to Me?
“Embrace”, to me, is all about acceptance. It’s about welcoming life as it comes, letting go of resistance, and finding peace within chaos including being able to embrace experiences where even sorrow and disappointment are the main emotions. I have taken on the challenge of embracing everything life presents, from impromptu road trips to cozy rainy days at home.
Reflecting on past experiences as documented through the pages of my blog, I, at times, have clung too tightly to what I thought should happen. In 2025, my goal is to welcome such unexpected changes with open arms. I'll be honest. This sounds incredibly hard for me to accomplish. Baby steps, right?
A Hippie’s Perspective: Living in the Moment
Living in the moment is a fundamental aspect of my hippie philosophy. This approach advocates for letting go of past regrets and future anxieties. In 2025, this hopeful hippie will incorporate meditation, nature walks, and journaling in my daily plan and I know they will help keep me in the present moment. Every one of these activities will help me hug the now.
Nature has been one of my best mentors. With hikes on local and faraway trails, listening to the rustling leaves or admiring the blooming flowers (or even listening in fear for the sound of a rattler), I feel a deep connection to life itself. These simple times reinforce the beauty in just being and hopefully help my worries melt away.
To embody "embrace," I've concocted a couple of rituals to keep me sane all year round. Here's a taste of what I've got brewing:
Morning Gratitude Lists: Each morning, I’ll jot down three things I’m grateful for. This helps me start each day with positivity and mindfulness. This hopeful hippie knows that there is research that shows that the practice of gratitude can improve mental well-being by 23%. This tiny tweak can flip my day from "meh" to "yay!"
Nature Appreciation Days: Once a week, I'm going to channel my inner explorer and venture into the wild. Whether I'm pretending to be a mountain goat on a local trail or perfecting my lounging skills by a river or just simply putting my bare feet in the grass, I'll relish these nature-filled escapades. Rumor has it that frolicking outdoors can crank up happiness by a whopping 50%, so I'm totally stoked for the joy ride!
While embracing life sounds fantastic, it comes with its share of hurdles. Stress, anxiety, and moments of doubt can drag me away from living in the now. According to the scientists, nearly 80% of adults occasionally feel overwhelmed by life's demands, making it tough to focus on positive.
To tackle these pesky challenges, I'm planning to drag my friends along on this wild ride of mine. Their support will be like a lifeline, constantly reminding me that I'm not the only one floundering around. Together, we can hoist each other up and have a good laugh over our shared chaos, turning those gloomy days into something a bit more sparkly!
To dive into my word the year, I'm starting an "Embrace" journal which will capture my thoughts, dreams, and random musings in preparation for a long thought of book. Having a record of my journey will let me laugh past mistakes and celebrate my weird moments of growth. Journaling can clear the cobwebs in my mind, making it a must-do for this year.
To fully embrace life, I know it’s vital to embrace myself. Loving my body (and my spiteful hips), mind, and spirit is essential. Tailoring my self-care routine to what feels right for me fosters deeper connections with others. By filling my own cup, I can more genuinely support those around me.
Here’s to Embracing Life!
Embracing the word "embrace" in 2025 resonates with me and letting it guide my actions will be my goal. I’ve learned that embracing life means opening my arms to everything—the highs, lows, and every experience in between.
As I step into this new year, I invite you to join me on this wild ride. Let’s embrace life together, celebrating the beauty of living authentically. Whether it’s finding joy in nature, nurturing friendships, or exploring creative expressions, there’s a vast tapestry of experiences waiting to unfold.
So cheers to 2025! Here’s to embracing life, hippie style! 🌼