How do you want to feel this year?

Vibes for 2025

Jan 25, 2025

With February fast approaching, I’ve been thinking about how I want to round out my month of gentle self-reflection. 💭

Already I’ve chosen my guiding words for the year (ambition, curiosity and surrender). I loved hearing your inspiring choices too, it made me wish I could have ALL the words.
I’ve set some intentions: to keep listening to my body and soul, and to live more seasonally – definitely winning at that one in hibernation mode!
I’ve pondered life questions, big and small, through my Gentle January Journalling, and decided what I want to invite into my life.
Plus, I know what my big picture goal is for the end of 2025 (freeeedom! A.k.a quitting my day job and going all-in on solopreneurship).

Hi, I’m Holly - certified coach, Breathworks mindfulness facilitator and author of Zestful Zen. I write about wellbeing, self-care, personal growth, mindfulness, creativity and purpose. My mission is helping you to lead a more mindful, meaningful life, full of zest and energy, complemented by a calm, zen mind. Join the supportive Zestful Zen community today. 💖✨

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Anti-grind goal setting

So plenty of dreaming and introspection to kick off my year.

But I’m resisting “SMART” objectives and targets right now. And hell NO to New Year’s resolutions. I’m just not in that space.

In these dark and cosy nights, striving is far, far away from the Slowanuary vibe I’m going for.

Rest is top of my agenda. The detailed planning can wait for the spring sunlight!

I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.

Sleeping white and grey cat curled up with paw covering face. — **Wake me when it’s springtime…** Photo (of Smokey!) by author

Putting my thinking cap on

So then, what’s left to think about for the year ahead? 🤔

If I go with my gut, it’s not about thinking at all, but feeling. How do I want to feel this year..?

How do YOU want to feel? ✨

blue and white love neon light signage — Photo by Ozgu Ozden on Unsplash

For me, three feelings immediately spring to mind: excited, optimistic and fulfilled.

Excited

There’re a few facets to this one.

💥 Firstly, I want to wake up in the morning excited about the day ahead – not just at the weekend or in the holidays.

I used to feel excited about my work achievements, but I’m not the same person now, I’ve outgrown my old dreams. So, time to take a leap and change careers.

💥 I also want to feel the pounding of my heart when I do something that scares me.

It could be stepping outside my professional comfort zone (time to start a podcast?) or thrill-seeking (it’s a long time since I’ve snowboarded, bungeed or sky dived!)

Either way, that adrenaline rush makes me feel alive!!

💥 And I know already that I’m longing for adventure and travels, which will bring their own excitement. Maybe it’s time for another jungle or volcano trek…

photo of orangutan hanging in trees — **Trekking in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia.** Photo by author.

Optimistic

I’m a naturally positive person, but at times over the last few years I’ve felt weighed down by my career dissatisfaction.

❌ The logical part of my brain used to highlight the financial risks of my solopreneurship dreams and tell me to delay until it’d be “safer”.

But lately, that brave little voice inside keeps shouting “YOU CAN DO IT!” And I believe her.

Maybe it’s tempting fate, but I’m feeling lucky (and I’m certainly putting in the hard work to capitalise on any luck that comes my way).

✅ So, I’m upbeat, and long may this optimism continue (especially when the naysayers throw in their two cents’ worth).

Fulfilled

This one is the clincher.

🌟 If I can turn my vision into reality, I’ll have real job satisfaction again – doing work that makes a difference, having creative freedom, and seeing the direct impact on other people of my efforts.

And you know what? If I fail, at least I’ll have tried. There’s a sense of achievement in that alone.

I’ve never regretted any chances I’ve taken in life, and that’s not going to change now.

🌟 I’m fully invested in making this dream come true, and I’ll hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Will you join me in pondering how you want to feel this year?

Questions for self-reflection or journalling ✍️

How do you want to feel this year?
How about this month, or this season?
Is your body, heart or soul drawing you towards these feelings?
Or is your logical brain telling you that you should focus on them?
What might you need to do or change to support these feelings?

Now take action 🎯

Get comfortable, take a few deep breaths and focus on your feelings.
Consider how you feel in this moment, or felt recently and over the past year.
Reflect on how you’d like to feel in the coming weeks, months, the year ahead.
Recognise that focusing on feelings can be challenging. Approach this reflection with kindness and self-compassion.
Identify any changes you need to make, or actions you need to take, and support you might need to help you get there.

Share your perspective ✨

I’d love to hear your reflections on feelings. Which feelings do you want in your life right now? If you were looking back on 2025 a year from now, how would you want to feel?

Let’s have a conversation in the comments or subscriber chat. 💬

Ways to connect or work with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer coaching sessions and mindfulness courses.

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