Quietly Intentional
Small intentions, big possibilities: A quiet start to 2025
My granny used to say that January was ‘back to old clothes and porridge’, as a child I hated this idea and still do. After the twinkly lights and social energies of December, I like to think January brings its own magic, a gentler pace, a time to rest and nurture those ideas and wishes for the future.
Quietly Intentional
I’ve always had a funny relationship with goals, they tend to send me running in the opposite direction. My PT finds this endlessly puzzling, but I find them intimidating more than useful. Intentions on the other had feel expansive and energising, inviting curiosity. They allow for exploration, adjustment and joy. Perhaps intentions help me to soften those perfectionist tendencies…
This list of "25 Things for 2025" is my way of quietly setting direction. It’s not about ticking off achievements but about creating space - to think, to grow, and to be bold in my own way.
25 Things for 2025
Light more candles. I’ve recently rediscovered the delight of taper candles and embracing the warm glow of candlelight.
Book a summer holiday. Prioritise time for physical and mental rest (and of course something to look forward to).
Attend more creative workshops. Feed my soul through learning and creating without expectation.
Do more, overthink less. Needs no explanation!
Sea swim 1.5 (maybe 2) miles. Stretch beyond comfort and challenge myself.
Take more micro-adventures. Remembering that the micro can be just as enriching as the grand.
Enjoy beach fires and coffee. Simple joys that ground me in the present.
Visit a ‘wild’ sauna each season. So many saunas popping up around Scotland, time to plan some trips.
Create and launch my hybrid journal | planner | notebook. Bring a vision to life.
More Spring/Summer urban orienteering. A little mental and physical challenge.
Complete a second 365 project. Capture a photo every day and appreciate the year's story.
Use my camera(s) more - not just my phone. Reconnect with the art of photography.
Address health niggles. Stop putting off minor concerns and be proactive.
Balance strength with flexibility. Reconnect with my (physical) yoga practice in a way that is supportive.
Create more - in all sorts of ways. Let creativity flow.
Go to the cinema. I didn’t visit the cinema once in 2024.
Attend more book events. Don’t just wait for The Edinburgh Book Festival.
Grow The Thread community. Foster meaningful connections and shared conversations.
Read, write, and share more on Substack. Lean into experimenting rather than perfecting.
Connect with my secret podcast guest wish list. Reach out and cultivate conversations with inspiring people.
Experiment with new recipes. Being part of Jess Elliott’s recipe testers group helps with this.
Reduce negative self-talk. Replace criticism with self-understanding.
Permission to take more time off in the Summer. Embrace the flexibility.
Use more of my lovely mugs. Small moments.
Carry hope into every corner of my life. Whether it’s hope for brighter days, meaningful connections, or simply the belief that small efforts matter, cultivate a hopeful outlook and share it generously.
Why Hope?
Hope offers a gentle strength. It’s not about ignoring challenges or expecting everything to fall into place, but about holding space for possibility. It reminds us (me) to look for light in the more challenging moments and to trust that progress, however small, can lead us forward. By cultivating hope, we create a foundation for resilience, creativity, and connection. It’s both a guide and a companion.
Gently bold
This list may look simple on the surface, but when I zoom out, its significance becomes clear. Each intention is a choice, a way of setting a rhythm and walking a path that feels aligned. They’re about creating space for curiosity, creativity, and connection. Together they offer structure with flexibility, a gentle guide rather than a rigid map.
What’s on your mind and in your heart for 2025? Your list will look entirely unique, whatever shape it takes, I’d love to hear.
January Podcast Highlights:
This month’s podcast episodes have been all about curiosity, creativity, and stretching beyond your comfort zone. I had the privilege of speaking with two brilliant women,
and Belinda Kirk, whose perspectives left me feeling energised and inspired.These January episodes have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year of conversations.
I’m reminded often that intention doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes the boldest moves are the quietest ones, the small and consistent stiches that weave our lives.
So here’s to hope, to creativity, and to bringing to life the gentle magic of January.
Guiding you through the wood, the trees and the spaces in between. Join me each month as I dive into a theme inspired by my work and the conversations I have.
Gentle Boldness is IT isn't it? Like, 'next tattoo' it :) So glad to be connected Sarah x
I definitely feel you with the do more, overthink less one! This was a very inspiring list. I hope you do reach out to those podcast guests, I very much enjoy listening to your conversations and look forward to many more good ones to come!