Whole-Person Wellness Blog: One word to encompass your new year
What word will you embrace in the new year?
A few years ago, I stumbled upon work by Morgan Harper Nichols, an artist and author who lives with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. I was enchanted by her compassionate approach to creativity through soothing landscapes and colors. Most of her themes encompassed mental health in a gentle, open way, which allowed me to look within and reflect with less judgment.
On her Instagram account, she shared a “word of the year” prompt as an alternative to the typical New Year’s resolutions.
Learn more about why here: https://morganharpernichols.com/blog/2025-word-of-the-year-ideas, and check out the post here to get a word you can carry all year.
My word for 2025 is reflection. I look forward to exploring reflection on my journey ahead. Some other examples of words include renewal, rooted, dedication, space, capacity, creativity, and expansion.
Last year, my word was “wholeness.” I embraced various parts of myself that contributed to my wholeness, both the light and dark. I remembered that broken pieces are part of the whole – and that whole and broken can co-exist.
The “new year, new me” slogan can come with a lot of pressure and heightened anxiety as people set unrealistic goals and compare themselves to others. As someone who lives with a mental health disorder, I struggle at times with goal setting or the stress of wanting to be perfect – but there is no such thing. This prompt seemed attainable, easier to reach, and free flowing, creating less shame and guilt associated with the start of the new year. Why not celebrate who you are today? Think of how far you have come in your journey. Acknowledge each facet of who you are. Take a moment and breathe it in.
The holiday season is not always pleasant and joyful for everyone. During this time, you may experience feelings of grief, strained family relationships, lack of support, struggles with finances, or other challenges. It is healthy and natural to offer yourself space and grace for whatever you are going through in this present moment. Honor whatever emotions arise for you during this time, even if society tells you not to.
Speaking of emotions, one of the Sanctuary commitments is Emotional Intelligence, which is defined as the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships empathetically. In a world that tells us to suppress difficult emotions, having emotional intelligence can be difficult to maintain. At left are some ways to improve your emotional intelligence from Simply Psychology.
To learn more, click here.
No matter how you choose to welcome the new year, it is enough. Be gentle with yourself, offering kindness and compassion. As Morgan Harper Nichols beautifully said, “There will be a chance to rise above every fear that you are somehow not enough. This is hope. And I hope in this new year, it is running wild within you. I hope that you can see all of the places light still gets through.”
Thank you,
Allison LaRussa, BA, CPS, RYT
Associate Vice President, Health and Wellness
