At the start of the Lunar New Year, I set aside time for a quiet moment of reflection to create my yearly "theme." A “theme” acts like a guiding mantra or principle you can return to throughout the year, no matter what obstacles or opportunities come your way. It’s a feeling, a mindset, or an energy that you want to embody. Some themes I’ve used in the past include:
“Shift the focus” – A year I was in chronic pain and used this mantra to look "between the pain" during flare ups as well as using it to shift my mindset to a more positive when things felt too hard.
“Rise above” – A call to elevate my thinking and actions, no matter the challenges, this was a year I was dealing with a heartbreak of a freindship breakup.
“Do you want to be right or do you want to be free?” – A question to guide me when I feel stuck in old patterns and helped me focus on the emotions I want to build my life on.
This year, my theme is:"Water finds a way. It’s a liquid, it’s a solid, it’s a gas—It will find a way."
Why "Water Finds a Way" Became My 2025 Theme
Water, in its many forms, is a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and endless possibility.
It moves effortlessly around obstacles, transforms its state to suit its environment, and yet remains inexorable in its journey. I was drawn to this principle because, in many ways, it encapsulates the kind of mindset I want to embrace in 2025: one that is not only persistent but also fluid enough to adjust when necessary. In thisd ever changing world we have to learn to adapt and think outside the box. I want this to be the year I want to learn to flow like water and remember that everything is figure-outable.
This year, I want to embody the following qualities:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Like water, which forges its path despite rocks and barriers, I aim to approach challenges with unwavering persistence and creativity. No matter what the year holds, I’ll remember that there’s always a way forward.
Adaptability: Water never resists change—it embraces it, flowing into new forms when the situation demands. In 2025, I want to cultivate the ability to pivot, explore new opportunities, and let go of rigid expectations in favor of growth.
Patience: Water may take time to carve through mountains, but its relentless force gradually creates monumental change. I want to remind myself to move at my own pace, to trust the process, and to understand that progress, though sometimes slow, is always happening.
How a Yearly Theme Can Elevate Your Year
Choosing a theme is more than a simple resolution—it’s a conceptual foundation from which you can build a year of intentional living. Here’s how you can identify a theme that resonates with you and integrate it into your life:
1. Reflect on the Previous Year
Take a moment to reflect on the year that’s passed. What were your defining moments, both positive and challenging? What lessons did you learn? These insights will serve as the lens through which you can define what you want to cultivate in the coming year.
2. Identify What You Need Most
A theme should address areas in your life where you seek growth. Are you craving more balance, creativity, or self-compassion? Perhaps you’re ready to embrace change or become more resilient. Your theme should speak to a deep, internal need—something that feels both grounding and aspirational.
3. Select a Word or Phrase That Inspires You
Whether it’s a single word like “flow,” “resilience,” or “expansion,” or a phrase like “becoming who you are,” your theme should feel energizing and meaningful. It should ignite your imagination and provide a clear direction for your year. Look up inspirational quotes or books that have inspired you to find some ideas.
4. Integrate Your Theme Into Your Life
Once you’ve chosen your theme, consider how it can inform your decisions, mindset, and actions. For example, if your theme is "balance," seek ways to incorporate harmony into your routine—whether through work, relationships, or personal time. If your theme is "courage," push yourself to take bold, calculated risks that align with your long-term vision.
Journaling Practices to Discover and Solidify Your Yearly Intention
Journaling is a potent tool for uncovering your deeper desires and setting a direction for your year. The act of writing brings clarity and insight, allowing you to connect with your innermost values. Here are a few journaling practices to help you choose a theme that speaks to your heart:
1. Begin with Introspection
Start by revisiting the past year. What moments defined you? What lessons emerged from both successes and failures? What qualities would you like to carry into the next year? Allow yourself to be honest, as your reflections can illuminate what’s truly important.
2. Define Your Heartfelt Desire
What is it you want to bring into your life this year? It could be a tangible goal or an emotional state. For instance, you may long for more creative expression, or perhaps you want to cultivate more peace of mind. Write about these desires, and pay attention to the feelings that arise.
3. Visualize Your Year
Take a few quiet moments to imagine how the upcoming year might unfold. What does success look like? What does it feel like to live fully aligned with your chosen theme? Write this vision as though it’s already happening—this exercise can help you embody the energy of your theme.
4. Write from the Future
Envision yourself a year from now, having fully embraced your theme. How have you changed? What achievements have you unlocked? What does your life look like after a year of living intentionally? Writing from the future allows you to see your theme manifest in real, tangible ways.
5. Set Periodic Check-ins
Remember, a theme is not a one-time reflection but a process. Set aside time every few months to review your progress and re-align if necessary. Journaling about your growth helps you stay grounded in your theme and ensures you’re continuously evolving. This is where new moon and full moon check ins come for me but you of course can pick your own check in times.
Practical Ways to Keep Your Theme Alive Throughout the Year
Once you’ve chosen your theme, it’s essential to keep it present and actionable. Here’s how to keep your theme alive all year long:
Make It Visible: Write your theme on a vision board, planner, or sticky notes around your home and workspace. Or even on your bathroom mirror so you see it every day. The more you see it, the more it will influence your thoughts and decisions.
Integrate Your Theme into Daily Practices: Each morning, take a few moments to reflect on your theme. You could incorporate it into your meditation, journaling, or even during your daily walk—whatever resonates most with you.
Use Your Theme as a Decision-Making Filter: When faced with a decision, ask yourself, “How does this align with my theme?” Let your theme guide your choices, big and small.
Celebrate the Milestones: Whether big or small, acknowledge when you’ve embodied your theme. Celebrate the progress and moments where you’ve stayed true to your guiding principle.
The Power of a Yearly Theme
A yearly theme is more than just a motivational phrase—it’s an anchor that helps you navigate the complexities of life with grace, resilience, and clarity. By choosing a theme that resonates with you, you create a framework for personal growth and transformation throughout the year.
I invite you to take a few moments to reflect, journal, and choose a theme that feels deeply aligned with your goals for 2025. Whether it’s inspired by nature, a meaningful quote, or your own inner wisdom, let your theme be a constant source of inspiration and guidance.