Curiosity - The 2025 Word
As December slides into January each year, I take a little time to Winter. I read a book a few years ago, Katherine May's Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times. It is a beautiful read, and describes the process of wintering as not something tied to the seasons, but rather a time taken for our soul to hibernate, to strip down to its necessities, to heal, to restore and rest. Wintering creates the perfect space to reflect as we pull ourselves inward. I feel like it is so important to be alone with our thoughts and reflect on what we need, what is next and how we want to grow into our lives, personally and professionally.
Each year I choose one to three words that serve as rudders for the decisions and investments I want to make to achieve goals. Last year my word was Thresholds inspired by a John O'Donohue poem from his book "To Bless the Space Between Us." The word and imagery served me well. I crossed so many wished for thresholds -- into a new beautiful relationship, closer ties to my children, a new career and a new sense of happiness and wellbeing. It all feels good.
As I get ready for 2025, there are all kinds of words swirling around in my mind but the one that has the most traction is curiosity. In this new phase of my life, I'm leaning into all the nuance of curiosity. Listening to hear and understand, not to respond. Giving time for each thing to arise and illuminate at its own pace. Learning what is really on the minds of my clients and loved ones and getting curious about their vision for themselves-their work. I'm curious about all the places where Open Window may become a part of connecting, inspiring and driving meaningful change. Curious about where these new realities will take me and curious about how self-care and a healthy body will impact my joy and adventures. Curiosity is also a value of Open Window and using it as a focus in this first year will establish the company on the foundation of quality communication that I believe in.
I've been noticing lately that a fear of vulnerability has made curiosity disappear from so many of our conversations and messages. When we give space to hear and to be heard it feels novel, unexpected. Makes us pay attention. It builds understanding and trust. It creates safety, not vulnerability. I want more of that in my life and in my work.
I hope you also spend a little time Wintering, and deciding what intention you will bring into your life in 2025. I'd love to hear it and know why it's important to you.
