My Word of the Year: Intentional
For a long time, I've felt like life has been moving at full speed - not always in a bad way, just fast. Days can blend together. Weeks fly by. Juggling work, family, commitments, ideas, plans ...and suddenly I look up and realize I've been doing a lot, but not always choosing a lot.
That is why my word of the year this year is intentional. I did some digging to figure out what my word would be. It did not just come to me and after some thinking, I think this is the perfect word for this year.
For me, being intentional means slowing down just enough to ask:
Why am I doing this? Does this matter? Is this aligned with what I want for my life, my family, and my work?
Intentional at Home
At home, intentional looks like being more present in the moment. This last year, I noticed I did not make as much time to actually play with the boys. I was always busy preparing meals, doing laundry, shop work, the list goes on. I wouldn't take the 20 minutes to actually dedicate my whole self to them. This year that is changing. If the house isn't perfect, who cares, those 20 minutes of playing basketball with your kid or playing catch in the backyard can not only boost your mood, it makes your child so happy too.
Letting go of perfection can be hard, but as I enter a new decade in my 40s, it is something I am going to work on. Some of the most intentional moments are the quiet ones too - a shared laugh, a conversation, a simple night at home. Those matter.
Intentional at Work
In work, intentional means no longer doing things just because 'that's how it's always been done." It means being thoughtful with my time, my energy, and my yeses.
I want to build and grow things that feel aligned - projects, products, partnerships, and ideas that serve a real purpose and reflect who I am and what I value. It's less about doing more and more about doing better.
Being intentional also means trusting myself. Choosing progress over pressure. Allowing space for creativity, rest, and clarity instead of constant hustle.
Less Motion, More Meaning
This year isn't about drastic change or overnight transformation. It's about the little things. Being mindful about where I spend my energy. Creating space for what truly matters - and letting go of what doesn't.
Here's to a year of being intentional - in our homes, our work, our relationships and our every day moments. Not perfect. Just present.
Nicole
xo.
