Choosing Presence

This year, my intention—and word of the year—is present.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection and working to cultivate deeper, more intentional presence. Words carry so much meaning, and I even struggled with whether to continue my practice of choosing a word this New Year. I considered not sharing it publicly at all.

Through conversations with family and friends these past few weeks, I was reminded again and again how important it is to honor stillness. With so many distractions, it’s easy to live hurried. I know I often need reminders to slow down and let go. I learned a great deal about that this year and want to continue practicing it.

I’m sharing this as a quiet invitation—to step out of urgency and slow down a bit this spring. I’m looking forward to smelling the roses, enjoying the journey, pausing to ask whether something truly pleases me before trying so hard to please others, and trusting the journey without labeling circumstances as good or bad.

If this resonates and helps even one person slow down or breathe, that’s enough.
Happy New Year.




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