I’ve found that setting intentions for the year—rather than resolutions—offers a guiding light, a North Star, so to speak.
Each year, I choose a word to focus on. The word typically takes on a life of its own, manifesting in ways I rarely anticipate. Words from past years, like courage, adventure, and flow, chose me, just as much as I chose them; the words instinctively pointed toward something I needed to explore.
When we set intentions, the Universe listens. Writing our intentions down feels a bit like planting a seed; it holds us accountable, but more than that, it softly permeates our subconscious throughout the year, allowing the intention to grow and take root.
This past year, my word was love.
Early in the year, I began seeing love in a new way – and I began to notice it everywhere. (I had been single for over seven and a half years, and romantic love was absent in January 2024).
I took note of the love from my family, my friends, and my community.
I felt my self-love growing.
I observed love in everyday interactions – a parent gently brushing their child’s cheek, a woman walking hand-in-hand with her grandmother, friends joyously reuniting after time apart.
The Universe kept sending me these quiet glimmers of how much love was around me — and I learned to celebrate the love already present in my life.
And then, the Universe gifted me with even more love.
I met JP on a Saturday afternoon in March at a beachside restaurant outside Lisbon.
I was enjoying the spring sun with one of my best friends and a few new acquaintances, when a man with wavy brown hair and kind eyes approached our table.
I remember the moment our eyes met—there was a quiet spark, and a voice inside me whispered, “He seems interesting.”
I didn’t pay much attention to the murmur, and continued my conversation with a friend sitting next to me, instead.
Eventually, JP introduced himself, and we started speaking about things that interested us – psychology, relationships, and life in Lisbon. Our initial chatter turned into a four-hour conversation.
At one point, a lively party swirled around us, friends coming over every so often to check in on us and ensure we were “doing okay.”
We were caught in our own slipstream. That first conversation was the start of many.
The early weeks of our connection challenged my notion of romance. I had always thought I needed to feel an intense rush of butterflies at the start of a romantic connection, but I learned that it felt much better to be around someone with whom I could be myself, someone who made my heart calm, instead of jittery.
My connection with JP slowly, unhurriedly grew on a foundation of friendship, long conversations, and shared values – things I had read about and desired to find in a love interest, but never quite felt was possible.
Since we committed to a relationship, JP and I have been on a messy, expansive, challenging, yet rewarding journey—learning, growing, and uncovering how to love one another – and how to receive love (which is equally important!).
Our backgrounds affect the way we perceive and define love. Much of the love I had experienced from men in the past was conditional— tied to how I looked, carried myself, or fit their blueprint of a woman or girlfriend. I often gave without receiving back the depth of love I craved.
With JP, love is different. I feel seen, appreciated, and accepted for who I am. There’s no pressure to mold myself into something I’m not. I’m able to communicate with him openly (and he, with me). We take the time to understand one another. Our relationship is both exciting and peaceful.
I’ve learned that romantic love has the same characteristics as friendship or familial love.
What I mean is – love is kindness.
Love is acceptance—the freedom to truly be ourselves. It’s having the courage to tackle tough conversations, not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow together. True love challenges us to rethink, unlearn, and break free from the unhealthy attachments we once mistook for connection.
Love is about understanding. It’s not just about being heard—it’s taking the time to deeply understand someone else, just as much as we wish to be understood ourselves.
Love calms us—it soothes, brings peace, and balances our inner world.
Love has been expanding my heart. It’s helping me notice the places where I resist letting her in (often due to old fears, learned behaviors, and my perfectionism).
Love, I’ve realized, isn’t just about how we connect with others; it’s also about how we connect with ourselves— and it’s showing me how to accept myself more fully, and to treat myself with more kindness, grace, and compassion.
Our greatest purpose on this earth is to love. Not just romantically, but also platonically – our families, friends, communities, and those who are different from us. Especially those who are different from us.
2024 was a curriculum in love – reminding me to keep my heart open, give and receive more fully, and consistently notice the abundance of love that’s surrounding me each day.
As I think about 2025, the word I’m called to is spontaneity (with a splash of serendipity). This past year has been full of planning, organizing, and life admin—renovating an apartment, moving to a foreign country, and building roots in a new city. Now, I feel a pull toward unstructured moments and a little more magic. That’s the energy I’m inviting in.
What about you? Is there a word that’s resonated for the past year? What might be your word for the year ahead? What energy would you like to invite in?
Outstanding share, and I love the pictures. Life and love look good on you.
What a wonderful read and terrific pictures. I love how you see love. Stay contagious and courageous with who you are...and are becoming! Fabulous!