Unravelling...from my word of the year!

Is belief the true super power?

Photo by Jovan Vasiljević on Unsplash

Happy Friday to you all! It’s only day 17 of the year, and already the weight of my chosen word for 2025 — power — has left me feeling wobbly. In moments of self-doubt, I’ve quietly recited a tentative mantra: I believe in my power. Yet, the familiar swell of imposter syndrome often engulfs my self-esteem.

Who am I to think I could boldly achieve the aspirations on my vision board? Am I even worthy of the work I already do, let alone the dreams I’ve dared to put out into the universe?

It’s probably tiredness talking — or perhaps PMDD spinning its monthly narrative — but I’ve been batting away negativity. Power? Pfft. At this point, I’d be lucky to feel adequate.

Reflecting on Past Words

Still, this isn’t unusual for me. Back in 2023, I entered the year with two guiding words: gratitude and abundance. But life had other plans. That year brought plenty of loss — my job, a baby, my confidence. Gratitude and abundance felt like distant ideals, almost mocking me at the time.

Yet by year’s end, I found myself reflecting on the wonderful opportunities I had welcomed, the incredible people who supported me, and the resilience I uncovered. I closed 2023 filled with gratitude and a surprising sense of abundance.

Then came 2024. My word for the year was relax. But those early months were anything but relaxing. I wasn’t sure if my freelance career was going to stretch beyond the spring and I wrestled with a deep sense of uncertainty about my future — especially my fertility, as I neared 40. The universe seemed to challenge my resolve, with not one, but seven close friends announcing their pregnancies.

Yet, somehow, I emerged from 2024 surprisingly at peace. I embraced my age, my decision not to pursue more children, and the joy of welcoming (other people’s) new babies into my life. I entered 2025 truly relaxed — ready to step into my power.

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

The Rocky Road to Power

And yet, here I am, less than three weeks into the year, questioning my place, my worth, my “enoughness.” I look around and think: I’m not the best writer. I’m not the best editor. I’m not the best cook, the best with money, or even the best at fitness!

As others seem to effortlessly step into their power, I retreat into doubt. Perhaps I was naive to think I could simply step into self-belief after spending 40 years hiding in self-doubt.

But then I read something recently: Manifesting isn’t just about the end goal— it’s about the journey. You need to visualise the process, not just the destination. And maybe that’s what this year will be about: discovering my power, piece by piece, rather than magically “entering” it.

Finding Power in the Everyday

Reflecting on the past 17 days, I can already see glimpses of power in my everyday life. I’ve spoken out and set boundaries. I’ve focused on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. And I’ve made room for moments of quiet self-belief.

Power doesn’t have to be a grand, sweeping transformation. Perhaps it’s built from small, intentional actions that accumulate over time. Maybe believing I can become more powerful is, in itself, the most powerful step I can take right now.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Leaning on My Past Words

For now, I’ll lean on the lessons from my previous words. Gratitude for all I have. Abundance in opportunities and support. Relaxation in trusting the process. Perhaps belief will lead me to power — and perhaps that belief is the very essence of power.

By December 31, 2025, I hope to look back and marvel at the power I’ve discovered, nurtured, and grown into. For now, I’ll remind myself to be patient. Power is a journey, not a destination.