Each year, as the calendar turns, I take the time to choose a word that will serve as my guiding light for the year ahead. As mentioned in my previous blogs, this tradition has become a meaningful way for me to set intentions and embrace the direction I wish to take in my personal and professional life. Over the years, my words have woven a warm quilt of purpose and growth—each one a square that adds depth and meaning to my journey. My past words include Balance, Focus, Connect, Create, Explore, Joy, Abundance, Harmony, Believe, Embrace, Thrive, Shine, Time, and Amplify. Each has shaped me in profound ways, and this year, I’m adding a new square to the quilt: Cynosure.
Reflection on 2024: Amplify
Choosing “Amplify” as my word for 2024 was both a challenge and a triumph. When I look back at the list of things I wanted to amplify this year, I’m proud to say I succeeded in so many ways:
- My Wellness: Opening up Pandora’s box of my health was daunting, but it was necessary. Addressing Medical PTSD—my greatest kryptonite—was a significant step toward healing both my body and mind.
- My Marriage: My husband and I began using the Paired App, which has revolutionized our communication. We’ve grown closer through better understanding and connection. Let me tell you… I just LOVE that man!
- My Relationships with My Children: Watching my children blossom in their new activities and engaging in deeper conversations has been a joy beyond measure.
- My Friendships: This year, I focused on relationships with those who value reciprocation and commitment. Meeting one of my best friends, Brittany and her family, in person during Thanksgiving was an unforgettable highlight!
- My Work: Amplification took center stage with the building of our new virtual community, participating three times in the World Building Expo, and, of course, releasing my film, The Friendship Paradox.
- My Gifts, Talents, and Skills: Finishing the film and creating the virtual community required me to stretch and grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.
- My Finances: For the first time, I maintained a consistent budget and monitoring of accounts all year, proving that focus and discipline can pay off in big ways.
- Joy: Oh, the joy! In-person hugs and fun, trips to my favorite places, and seeing so many live bands—my year-in-review reel of all the concerts we attended was 10 minutes long because I couldn’t leave anything out!
- Love: I amplified the deep love I have for myself and others through consistent effort and time.
- Changing the Vibration of the Planet: I’m trying! Through my work, my shows, and my film, I hope I’ve contributed in some way to a higher vibration.
- The Voices of Others: Regular co-hosting opportunities and amplifying the messages of others through my shows and film brought this part of my word full circle.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Self-worth was my biggest challenge this year. Despite all the good, I struggled daily with feeling like I wasn’t enough or wasn’t doing enough. Releasing The Friendship Paradox became the pivotal moment that solidified my success with “Amplify” and reminded me of my worth, giving me a focus for the year ahead… which brings me to my word for 2025….
Why I Chose Cynosure for 2025
My journey to “Cynosure” began in the most unexpected way—a roast by ChatGPT. Yes, you read that right. I had stumbled upon a social media post where someone asked their AI assistant to roast them for fun, and I thought, “Why not?” So, I asked ChatGPT to give me its best shot and not hold back. Amid the playful jabs and quips, one line stood out like a neon sign: “Jessica, the queen of juggling a million things at once and still managing to procrastinate on her own brilliance.”
Ouch, right? But also, wow. That one sentence hit me like a ton of bricks because it was painfully true. I’m known for taking on a lot—probably too much—and somehow, my own brilliance tends to get lost in the shuffle. That roast sent me spiraling down a rabbit hole of introspection, and as I explored words like “brilliance” and “focus” in my trusty dictionary and thesaurus, I stumbled upon a word I had never seen before “Cynosure.”
At first glance, “Cynosure” intrigued me with its primary definition: something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc. But it was the second definition that truly captured my heart: something serving for guidance or direction.
This word felt like it had been tailor-made for me. I’ve always struggled with patience and focus—two things the stork forgot to include when delivering me to this world. “Cynosure” felt like the perfect word to inspire me to channel my energy into the areas that truly matter.
What sealed the deal was learning about the word’s origin. “Cynosure” comes from the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. The North Star, part of this constellation, has guided travelers for centuries. As a child, I remember looking up at the stars in the night sky, searching for the Big and Little Dippers. When I found them, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe—a connection to something vast and timeless. This imagery of being a guiding light resonated deeply with me. I want “Cynosure” to be my North Star—a word that helps me identify and prioritize my focus points, illuminating the path forward in my life.
But it’s not just about my journey. I also want to embody the brilliance and guidance that “Cynosure” represents. I hope to be a cynosure of joy, love, and peace for others. Whether it’s through my work, my relationships, or my personal growth, I want this word to inspire me to show up as my best self—for myself and for those around me.
Looking ahead, I see “Cynosure” guiding me in unpacking the physical challenges I face, growing my business, deepening connections with my family, and most importantly, continuing to grow in self-love and appreciation. This word feels like the perfect compass for 2025, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
A Wish for 2025
As we move into 2025, I wish for everyone reading this to embrace their word of the year with intention and purpose. During my recent workshop, my attendees chose words like Euphoric, Better, Development, Openness, and Cynosure. Each word holds incredible potential to shape their year and guide them toward their goals.
Here are some practical ways to live by your word in 2025:
- Incorporate your word into daily journaling or affirmations.
- Create a vision board that reflects your word’s essence.
- Use your word as a mantra during meditation.
- Set monthly intentions aligned with your word.
- Share your word with accountability partners or loved ones.
I hope your word becomes a guiding light for your journey, just as mine has for me. Here’s to a brilliant and intentional 2025—may it be your best year yet!
xoxo
Jessica