As we step into 2025, many of us are reflecting on how we want to live, grow, and thrive in the coming year. Choosing a word of the year is a powerful alternative to a New Year's Resolution. Unlike a resolution, your word serves as a steady reminder of your values, aspirations, and priorities—a guiding light for the months ahead.

Choosing a word doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask yourself:

• What do I want more of in my life?

• How do I want to feel every day?

• What mindset will help me navigate this year with grace and purpose?

For 2025, my word is meaningful. I want to focus on the things that bring value and fulfillment and let go of the rest. I’ll keep aiming for depth and clarity in myself, my creative endeavors, and my relationships and keep things in my life as authentic and real as possible.

If you need help choosing a word, here are 25 inspiring ideas for 2025, grouped by themes that might resonate with you.

Words for growth and happiness

If you want to feel like you’re evolving and being your best self, these words can help you stay focused and motivated.

Ambitious — having an endless amount of determination and drive, working hard to achieve one's dreams, goal-getter state of mind
Authentic — staying true to yourself, bravely showing vulnerability, genuine and real
Growth — positive evolution of one's own character or spirit, choosing to learn, improve, and flourish, progression
Joy — the result of doing things that fill your heart, an act of gratitude, sense of wonder, pleasure
Thrive — to be your best self, to live a life filled with joy and purpose, to flourish

Words for savoring a meaningful life

In a fast-paced world, these words remind us to slow down and cherish each moment.

Calm — a state of being that allows one to let go of worries and fear and embrace contentment, a soothing comfort, rest and relaxation
Contentment — a state of soulful satisfaction, feeling at ease and reassured that everything is exactly as it should be, peace
Peace — calm assurance, even in the midst of chaos, freedom from negative thoughts and emotions, powerful healer
Meaningful — focusing on things that bring value and fulfillment, aiming for depth and clarity, and authentic and real
Savor — to revel in the pleasure and depth of each connection and experience, to slow down and enjoy one's life, to indulge

Words for creativity and adventure

Ready to explore the world or yourself this year? These words inspire discovery and bold steps forward.

Adventure — a deep longing for the unknown, an experience of a lifetime, what lies ahead
Creativity — breaking free from convention and coloring outside the lines, bringing wonder to life, inspired imagination
Explore — to travel to new and interesting places, to fill life with beautiful adventures, to wander
Passion — fuels energy and excitement, inspires endless determination and drive, guides us toward a life filled with meaning and purpose
Unlimited — free from limits and expectations, living an expansive life with infinite possibilities, and defying gravity (like the musical Wicked!)

Words for strength and resilience

Life has its challenges, but these words can serve as a reminder of your inner power.

Courage — the ability to make a move despite fear or uncertainty, strength to keep trying, bravery
Hope — to believe anything is possible, the only thing stronger than fear, deep-rooted faith
Perseverance — endless willpower and determination, persistently pursuing life goals, never giving up
Resilient — showing courage and strength through all of life's ups and downs, rising up after every fall, persistent
Strength — powerful force, courage in the face of pain or grief, rising up after every fall, holding on to hope

Words for making a difference

If you want to create a more compassionate world, these words are for you.

Compassion — giving the gift of empathy, understanding, and love, a desire to alleviate suffering, kindheartedness
Impact — to significantly influence an outcome, to have an extraordinary effect on others, to make a difference
Inspire — to fill others with courage and purpose, to move someone to action, to guide
Kindness — love in action, heartwarming generosity, thoughtfulness, the most powerful way to change the world
Shine — to spread light and love, to radiate warmth and beauty, to glow, beam, sparkle

How to make your word stick

Once you’ve chosen your word, don’t let it stay in your head—bring it into your daily life!

• Write it in your planner, journal, or on a sticky note where you’ll see it often.

• Create a visual representation, like a vision board or framed print.

• Share it with friends or family for accountability and inspiration.

Read about how my friend Morgann uses her word as an anchor throughout the year.

If you’d like a print featuring your word, search in my shop or I can create a custom word print for you.

What’s your word of the year for 2025? Let me know in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear how you hope your word shapes your year.

Happy New Year!

With love,

Alison Rose

Social media: @alisonrosevintage

Shop: alisonrosevintage.com