Choosing a Word: Why This Year Is About Self-Love
For the third year in a row, I’ve chosen a single word to guide my year. It’s a simple practice, but one that has brought clarity, intention, and direction when life feels full. Having a focus gives me something to return to—something steady—when decisions feel heavy or days feel rushed.
The first year, my word was fear. Instead of avoiding it, I ran toward it. I said yes to things that were wildly uncomfortable and trusted that growth lived on the other side. That was the year I built The Shed Studio. It required courage, vulnerability, and belief in myself before everything felt certain. Fear didn’t disappear—but I learned how to move forward anyway.
Last year, my word was mindfulness. I focused on being present in my life instead of rushing through it. Less scrolling, fewer distractions, and more intention with my time. I worked on really being there—for my family, my clients, and myself. It reminded me that life happens in the small, ordinary moments we often overlook.
This year, my word is self-love.
For me, self-love is something I’m actively working toward. It’s learning to build a more respectful, compassionate relationship with myself—one that supports my mental health, allows space for self-acceptance, and honors where I am without constant pressure to be more or do more. Some days that means slowing my thoughts, asking for help, or simply acknowledging that what I’m carrying is heavy.
Self-love also shows up in the boundaries I’m learning to set—protecting my time, energy, and peace instead of overextending myself. It looks like self-care that actually supports me, not what looks good from the outside: movement because my body needs it, rest because I’m tired, and space when something no longer fits. I’m becoming more aware of my self-talk, noticing when I’m hardest on myself and practicing a kinder, more honest inner voice.
Another part of this journey is trusting that my past and present self are doing the work to set up my future self well. Even when things feel uncertain, I’m learning to trust my decisions, my instincts, and the intention behind my choices. Self-love, for me, is knowing I have my own back—now and moving forward.
And maybe the most important piece is self-discovery—continuing to learn who I am in this season of life, what matters to me now and in the future, and what truly supports my well-being. Focusing on self-love is helping me let go of the belief that caring for myself is selfish. I’m learning that when I take care of myself—mentally, emotionally, and physically—I show up more grounded, more present, and with far more intention instead of constant exhaustion.
I share this because I truly believe there is power in choosing a focus. A word doesn’t have to change everything overnight, but it can gently guide you back to what matters. Maybe your word is strength, calm, growth, or rest. Whatever it is, let it support who you are becoming.
This year, I’m choosing self-love—and I encourage you to choose a focus that reminds you that you matter, too.
