December 10th is the last day for my series on open-hearted living. All 2025, I posted on the 10th of every month, exploring different letters, feelings, and expressions around “open-hearted”.
Some lessons learned…
I’ve developed stronger decision-making skills while staying grounded. Instead of pushing forward, I’ve learned there’s a comfort in stillness. An open heart is sometimes quiet, sometimes loud.
I gained a clearer understanding of what’s easy, what’s right, and what’s simple… and appreciate that they’re not always the same thing. My heart values what, who, and where is kind. I pay more attention.
I’m learning any decision is better than none at all. Every day, I try to open with gratitude. I decide to love myself, my God, my partner, and my life. It is a proactive choice to embrace the day.
And that includes change. Open-hearted living has brought abundant blessings. C and I moved in together. We started new careers. I bought a new car. So many previously unknown spaces are now familiar territories. Being open-hearted, to me, includes taking healthy risks. And seeing change as movement.
Now, I don’t know what’s ahead in the next few days, let alone my word for the next year. But I have more tools, understanding, and self-compassion, thanks in large part to this reflective monthly practice on writing on a word.
How about you, have you set a word for the year? If so, any reflections?