My 2025 Word of the Year

For quite a few years now, I have been doing a word of the year and will be doing one again this year.

For 2025, I have decided that my word will be:

INDEPENDENT

It didn't take me very long to decide on this one, as I am tired of relying on others to do things for me, that I am fully capable of doing myself.

I am an adult, and I need to remind myself that I am capable of doing things for myself, and that people won't always be available or able to help me all the time. I want to be able to take charge of important appointments, getting myself places, making phone calls and more on my own, so that I can prove to myself that I can do these things.

I am also worried about what other people would say or think about me, if I say or do something, so I tend to not do things I want to do.

Every single time I had to make a phone call, or practice driving, I always thought about what could go wrong and that I couldn't do it myself, which made my anxiety go up. And I want to change that. I want to live a life that I love, instead of living in isolation, fear, and anxiety.

The things I want to work on, to increase my independence, are:

• to feel more comfortable making phone calls, especially important ones
• to feel more comfortable driving, so I can get my license and not have to rely on others taking me places all the time
• to speak/stand up for myself 
• when I feel like something is wrong, or when I have something to say
• to feel more comfortable with public speaking
• to try something out of my comfort zone more often
• to relearn how to play the violin, be proficient in playing, and to play in front of a group of people
• to have a new job, that is a good fit for me and my abilities
• to ask for help only when I actually need it, instead of just having someone do something for me before trying myself
• set healthy boundaries and stick to them as much as possible
• to be more responsible with money
• to learn how to not let my emotions get in the way of making decisions
• to feel more comfortable going places on my own more often
• to not be so afraid of change
• to learn at least one foreign language so I can help people who aren't fluent in English
• to do things I want to do without worrying about what others think/say
• to feel more comfortable starting a conversation with someone
• to be comfortable with grocery shopping on a regular basis
• to take better care of my health/prioritize self-care (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) instead of ignoring it
• to learn basic home maintenance skills
• to improve/maintain my friendships
• overcome my fear of failure
• to not let fear get in the way of living an amazing life

I hope to work on these beyond 2025 as well, not just for the one year. I just have to push beyond the fears, doubts, and anxiety to get to the things that truly matter.

Are you doing a word of the year? If so, what is your word for 2025?