Motivational Words to Inspire Action for 2025

On my wall is our old (but they do still sell these) Lillian Vernon Christmas Card wreath with 2024 Christmas cards inserted. It has become one of my favorite “decorations” with the variety of cards and people poses on them that are a little different each year. But most of all, I like it because it is a display of connection. Connection has been one of my goal words for the past few years, and probably always will be one.

I know Christmas cards and letters are not everyone’s thing, and I understand. “Writing” letters, like in cursive, has become a thing of the past. My mom and I used to write each other letters weekly after I left home into the world on my own. We did this for over thirty years.

Once we had our girls, we typed Christmas letters reflecting on the past year. A nice benefit of this that I didn’t think of when we started, is that I now have a source to refer to recall what year we did this or that and to also giggle and tear up as we relive old memories together.

This past week on FB there was a word maze that said the first 4 words you see will be your words for 2025. I saw gratitude, connection, health, and miracle as my first four words. That’s interesting since my words for the past few years have been connection, compassion, and care, with care meaning self-care including mental, physical, and spiritual health. I even made a necklace with these 3 words.

For 2025, my goal words will continue to be Compassion, Care, Connection, and I’m adding in, Gratitude. I won’t focus on Miracle since that word doesn’t seem like a goal that is within my hands. But I’ll be excited if a miracle or two does occur in 2025.

Expanding on each of these words with actionable steps are below.

Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful lens for appreciating life’s small and profound gifts which ultimately brings forth Joy. For 2025, cultivate gratitude through different ways such as:

A daily or weekly gratitude journal, noting moments of joy, kindness, or beauty.
Pausing to express silent thanks before meals, significant events, or even during quiet moments.
Sharing appreciation with others, such as writing a genuine appreciative thank-you note or verbalizing gratitude in person.

Gratitude can help create a mindset of abundance, deepening both self-awareness and connections with others.

Care/Health (mental, physical, spiritual)

Health is a lifelong journey of balance and priority. For 2025, consider goals like:

Moving joyfully—whether that means daily walks, stretching, or discovering a new activity like yoga or swimming or snow shoeing. My oldest daughter reminds me that motion is the lotion.
Nurturing your body with vibrant, whole foods while still allowing space for indulgence without guilt.
Prioritizing rest and recovery, respecting your body’s signals when it asks for stillness.
Exploring mindfulness practices to enhance mental health, such as meditation or guided breathing.
Nurturing your mind by reading and educating yourself on different practices, places, and things.
Tie into your spiritual being through reflection, reading, nature, and music.

Health flourishes when treated as an act of self-compassion—honoring where you are while striving for where you want to be.

Connection

Connection is a cornerstone of human fulfillment. Build meaningful bonds in 2025 by:

Setting aside regular time to be present with loved ones, whether through deep conversations, shared meals, or long walks.
Practicing active listening and empathy, aiming to understand rather than to respond, a Covey principle I learned many years ago.
Engaging in acts of kindness, like surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture or volunteering in your community.
Inviting spontaneity into relationships—whether that means initiating a reunion, planning an unexpected outing, or simply checking in “just because.”
Writing a letter to someone, just “because.”
Learning, seeing, and exploring new and different places, people, and cultures.

Connection isn’t just about being with others—it’s about showing up with intention and care.

Compassion

Compassion begins within and radiates outward. For 2025, nurture compassion by:

Being gentler with yourself, replacing self-criticism with self-encouragement when things don’t go as planned.
Extending understanding to others, recognizing that everyone carries unseen burdens.
Incorporating random acts of kindness into daily life, such as offering a compliment, helping someone in need, or simply smiling at a stranger.
Volunteering your time or resources to causes that resonate with you, fostering a sense of shared humanity.

By integrating gratitude, care, connection, and compassion, 2025 can become a year of profound growth, kindness, and fulfillment.

What words resonate most strongly for you?

Sonja Wendt

Enhancing children’s sensitivity in human interactions one story at a time.