Resolutions Redefined: Make 2025 the Year of Personal Growth

Happy New Year!

As we enter 2025, many of us are setting goals, crafting resolutions, and perhaps planning that dream vacation. But no matter how carefully we plan, the future remains a mystery. Life has a way of surprising us, often when we least expect it. When those curveballs come our way, we're left to hope that things will work out, even when we can't see the whole picture.

Yet, I've learned that in moments of uncertainty and instability, our best choice is to lean into personal growth. In those times, as we stoke the fire within, we not only discover our greatest strengths but also uncover qualities we never knew we had, empowering us to face the future with confidence.

Think back to the plans and goals we all had before COVID-19 hit. No matter your perspective on the pandemic, one thing is undeniable: life changed, and the future was a question mark. For some people, COVID tested their mental health, and some were unprepared for the toll it took. During that time, I faced a choice: be angry, be scared, or embrace the moment for growth. I chose growth. I sought therapy to heal old wounds, dove into philosophy to expand my perspective and threw myself into writing. Did I see the results immediately? No. But personal growth isn't about instant gratification. It's a process.

I was committed to the process of personal growth. When we set goals like starting a diet or exercising, we often get frustrated when we don't see results; I have been there. Personal growth is like the drip effect: small efforts water the soul each day. With time, patience, and commitment, we begin to blossom. But growth doesn't work on our timeline. Some wounds can't simply be wished away; they require us to roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and actively remove what's holding us back. It takes work!

Too often, we try to control every detail of our lives, waiting for that "perfect moment" to focus on ourselves. But here's the truth: there is no perfect time for personal growth. Did I plan for a global pandemic? Of course not. Life doesn't wait for us to be ready. That's why we must start today.

The commitment I made to myself in 2020 transformed me. I became a better version of myself. But make no mistake- personal growth can be terrifying. It requires us to look inward, confront our flaws, and bring those negative traits into the light. For me, that trait was anger.

I was angry about my past, about what happened to me in my youth, and the unanswered questions that haunted me. I had let anger control my emotions and often turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms. And while I thought I was protecting myself, anger only led me down destructive paths.    

The hardest part was admitting it. I had to face my pain, address the elephant in the room, and let go of what no longer served me. It was challenging. Some days, I took two steps forward and one step back. Some days, I doubted myself and my decisions. But no matter what my mind told me—or what others thought—I kept going. Here's what I learned: the tighter we cling to what we know, the more we blur the possibilities of our future.

As we stand at the threshold of 2025, ask yourself: How can I grow? Yes, losing a few pounds or setting career goals might be on your list, but what if you aimed higher? What if you forgive yourself for past mistakes? What if you turned weaknesses into strengths or chose to help others in ways you never have before?

Personal growth isn't just about you; it creates a ripple effect. Our actions today don't just shape the following year; they shape the next five years and beyond, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.

The future is unwritten, filled with triumphs and challenges. Our role isn't to predict it but to prepare for it. When victories come, let's embrace them fully. When challenges arise, let's face them with resilience, determination, and strength.

Hope fuels our dreams, whether for love, success, or unexpected blessings. While the future remains uncertain, the best thing we can do is focus on who we are today. The person you build now is the foundation for the life you'll love tomorrow. So, start now. Start small. Start messy. But start. Here's to 2025 and the growth waiting for you.