It’s 2025.
“Where has time gone and where is my life going?” This is a question that many of us have as we enter a new year and what some call the second half of life… Knowing that our time is limited, and there are certain things we have been called, pulled or pushed to do, and are waiting for us.
Time and purpose are two themes that come to mind when I think of prayers and intentions for 2025 (as well as in 2023 and 2024).
We find purpose by knowing who we are and what we are called to do, and then doing it. At AKA, we thrive in purpose-driven work - work that heals, restores, and transforms seven generations.
We lose purpose when we book our days full of tasks and meetings that do not matter… and have nothing to do with our purpose.
We get to purpose by stillness. Some meditate, others pray, contemplate, sing, make art, write, walk in nature, pet their beloved dog, or attend faith-based or spiritual services. There is a stillness in these activities that is not present in the day-to-day grind of living and working, or for some, just surviving.
We live in a world that is dynamic and unfolding. My email signature reminds readers to “take care of your spirit” and this is what I mean.
Thinking – cognitive, intellect, thoughts/dialogue in the head
Affect – feelings, emotions, moods, temperament, passions
Behavior – physical, gender, actions, doings
Relational - social connections, family, friends, animals, humanistic, space, generational
Spiritual - Great Mystery, God, Creator, religious or spiritual-based beliefs
It’s a privilege to ponder time and purpose. Not everyone living on this beautiful planet we call Earth has time to stare at the icicles melting on the deck or write a blog or a book… like me this morning.
Our purpose, my purpose, and possibly your purpose is waiting for you. You just need to get still and listen.
Tips for Living Your Best Life in 2025 with Purpose and Intention
Get sober. I have been sober for three years - four in March. This means I don’t drink alcohol or do drugs. Sobriety also means taking care of my spirit and not engaging in relationships, activities, or thinking that does not serve my highest good. What does getting sober look like for you? Remember, sobriety is not just about alcohol and drugs, it’s about getting honest with yourself and listening with your heart.
Get rid of the junk. Junk clutters our minds and our homes. I look everywhere and see things I want to get rid of... Junk that is not bringing me joy or purpose. Closets full of unworn clothes, cupboards full of cups and Tupperware, garages full of unused craft supplies and skis that will never be worn again. And mental junk of reliving traumas, rethinking conversations, ruminating on people and places that do not matter and will not matter in five years.
Get clear about what brings you joy. Joy is about wellbeing. What brings you happiness and joy? Where in your spirit do you feel joy and happiness?
Get goals for 2025. If you have no goals, you have no purpose. Write down a list of 10 goals you want to achieve in the next year. Select one goal from the list of 10 that you want to work on and achieve. Write a list of steps that you will need to take to achieve this goal. Live with intention and purpose, toward that goal until it is achieved. Once achieved, go to the next goal. Continue this process until all 10 are achieved. It’s really that easy. Sometimes we fall short of our goals, or we walk off the healing path. We must not linger. We must keep moving forward, forgive ourselves and others, and continue to walk in a healing and mindful way.
Get going on living this one beautiful life. An elder asked me, “What is your practice?” I looked at her and thought to myself… I don’t know. Practice is how we choose to live our life. It is in the routines we embrace. For me this is waking up and reading a daily meditation and sitting in stillness. Praying or examining what is on my heart and mind.
Today is the day,
2025 is the year,
For you to begin living a sober, joyful, balanced, and beautiful life.