Here’s to 2020THRIVE
Welcome to 2020THRIVE. It’s a concept I love. I talked about it recently with Liz Earle Wellbeing and it taps into so many brilliant ideas that are close to both our hearts. But what does it mean to you?
For me, 2025 isn’t about random resolutions. It’s about setting a single intention: to grow and to flourish, to empower myself in the best ways I can. As women in midlife, putting ourselves first isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for our survival. And that’s the first step in allowing ourselves to thrive.
So what if this were the year you put your needs at the top of the priority list? The year you really thought about what brings you joy? The year you acted on your goals? We’re all busy. We’ve all got a lot to juggle. But the idea of joy in our lives is crucial – and putting our wellbeing first is one way to achieve that.
I feel optimistic about 2025. I’m looking forwards. I think about women like Debbie Harry who, at 80 this year, is still an icon of cool. I’m filled with admiration for what she’s achieved. She’s still her strongest, most confident self, rocking all of those assets – the beauty, the energy, the drive – that society associates with youth. And she does it with dignity and grace.
When asked by The Times last week how she felt about turning 80, she said: “My mother used to say in her head she was 25 and I’m the same. But I don’t really want the same kind of life I did when I was younger. I’ve done that! That’s the beauty of ageing – you know what it’s about. You have it in your heart and soul and your memory bank… or does that sound like an excuse? Should I go out and party every night?”
I hope that’s where I’ll be in 20 years’ time. I’m certainly thinking about the best ways to get there. I’m carving out time to reflect and reset, looking back on last year’s experiences to create momentum for what’s to come. I’d invite you to do the same. Maybe choose a guiding word for 2025 – it might even be “thrive” – to serve as a compass, to help you keep your intentions front and centre throughout the year. You could brainstorm a few buzzwords that reflect your goals and aspirations, then choose the one that inspires you the most.
It might be “onward” – a plan to move forward and stay motivated. It might be “joy”, to remind you to lean into those moments of creativity and calm. It might be “community”, to help you gain support from those around you. And it might be “freedom”, for those moments when our responsibilities seem to be holding us back.
My word for 2025 is – obviously – “thrive”. The idea of it is helping me step into this new year with renewed clarity and purpose. I hope it might do the same for you. So here’s to 12 months of flourishing. Let’s make the most of 2020THRIVE.
