HerCanberra’s words to live by: 2025 edition
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We have this thing at HC headquarters. We choose a word in January to set our intentions for the coming year.
Granted it’s not a revolutionary thing to do; many others do it too, but we have found these chosen words do somehow manifest in our actions and thoughts throughout the year.
For those interested, here are our words and a few reasons why… Maybe you will come up with a word that means something to you.
Amanda Whitley, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Joy.
It’s something I want to consciously chase this year after having spent the second half of 2024 embracing a ‘you’re never too old’ mindset and throwing myself into new interests. As a newly minted 52-year-old, I am doing things that I haven’t done since my teens or twenties (many of them now with my own teens).
From attending stadium K-Pop concerts and getting lost in my favourite music on evening walks to dancing every day and contemplating the right wording for a long-overdue fine script tattoo on my wrist, I find I’m no longer worrying so much about what anyone thinks of me and my actions or interests. I’m doing things that make me happy. I’m also learning to say no to things I would have previously said yes to or done out of a sense of obligation.
Perhaps, after 50+ years, I’m finally comfortable in my own skin. There’s a certain freedom in that, and I want to see where it takes me in 2025.
Emma Macdonald, Associate Editor
Acceptance.
This word flew into my mind the day Donald Trump was elected for a second term. I live a life of extraordinary happiness and privilege here in Canberra, but the older I become, the more enraged I am with what I see happening around me globally – climate collapse, genocide, a war against women (still!), and the country leading the free world electing that man as their leader.
It’s only January and yet some days it feels like the end of days. I feel aghast, appalled, aggrieved and So. Very. Angry… Settling on acceptance is a self-preservation technique because I have to let it go. (Also, Trump won the election, in a country I don’t live in, so who am I to rage?)
In the end I am powerless to change most of the things that incense me. I am still passionate about staying informed and bearing witness, and I do what I can in my own sphere of influence to engage in debate and make choices that hopefully impact in a good way. I take great solace from my Canberra community and will be steadfastly focusing on hope.
This year will see me try to be calmer, cooler, and more zen in my general approach to life (this includes attending Buddhist mindfulness classes which I am finding very helpful). I will need to limit my exposure to US politics and curate my news feed for my own sanity, otherwise I fear I will lose my mind. Given what is in store for us all, I feel this is the only way forward.
Erin Cross, Online Editor
My word for 2025 is ‘presence’.
Last year, my word was ‘balance’ and while that will forever be a work in progress, in 2025 I want to focus on being more present in my life. From spending less time on my phone to prioritising quality time with people who fill my cup and even reconnecting with nature by going on walks without headphones, I want to focus on the current moments as they happen.
There’s also another layer to my word. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a huge introvert; I often feel imposter syndrome, and I find it very, very easy to slip into negative self-talk. This year I also want to work on building a confident and self-assured mindset, to remind myself I deserve to be in every room I’m in.
That’s why my 2025 mantra (yep, I have one of those as well) is “My presence is power”.
Sammy Rose, Contributor
My word of the year is ‘breathe’.
I’m a chronic overthinker, and too often I feel like my mind is my own worst enemy. I struggle to wind down and take a moment to stop, gain perspective, and recall the important things. I want to remember to pause and ‘breathe’ more often, even if it’s just for a few minutes in the morning before a hectic day, or during a busy workday, making space for the eternally important things like my family, friends, and personal interests that give me glimmers of joy.
This word is also particularly relevant and literal for me, after a health scare late last year saw me struggle with my breathing after being diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms (clots) in my lungs. A bit scary now I look back on it. As I continue on my health journey, remembering to ‘breathe’ and appreciate the little things will be good for my mind and body.
Dion Pretorius, Contributor
Flow.
I would consider myself a driven, ambitious person, which has served me pretty well in life. However, I spent 2024 trying to redirect the flow to fit my plans, focused on my goals and vision rather than my reality. I was rarely in the moment and always looking at the next thing. This year, I’m going to plan less and look for opportunities as they present themselves; I’m going to listen to my instincts and follow my gut.
I want to sync up the flow between my work and personal life and seek out the paths that feel easy, rather than fighting my way upstream on the paths that feel required. Whether it’s my to-do list, plans for the weekend, or what to cook for dinner, I want to chase the dopamine and be less wedded to what I ‘should’ be doing and throw myself at what I ‘feel’ like doing.
Georgie Smith, Digital Content Producer
Last year my word was ‘drive’.
It was hard slog to complete the last year of my uni degree. I struggled a lot, and there were many hurdles. But there were many incredible moments of seeing my persistence be rewarded. Nothing can ever take away that ecstatic feeling of submitting my final assignment.
I no longer feel that I need to ‘drive’ myself to exhaustion. 2024 made me realise that I have a great work ethic and don’t need to prove it.
I’m removing anything that fatigues me. Whether that’s a hobby, social event or even just being around certain people. I’m not letting anything negative control the narrative of my life; I am in control. I simply choose to be around and do things that make me feel good.
I see an authentic, confident and cooler version of myself in 2025. She doesn’t let anything stop her.
Therefore, my word for 2025 will be ‘resilience.’
Feature image by Gelatin.
