Permission to Forget the New Year’s Resolution

Wizz, Co-founder of Valerie here. January often arrives with a tidal wave of expectations: start a new diet, hit the gym daily, conquer a thousand new habits. But let’s be honest—January is the darkest, coldest month. It’s the time to hibernate, not hustle. The spring equinox is when nature comes alive, and so do we. Someone once told me this, and it completely changed how I viewed the start of the year. The pressure lifted. Instead of forcing yourself into overdrive, what if you focused on just one thing?

A word of the year is more than a resolution. Resolutions often come with a sense of pressure and expectation. Words, however, are open-ended and transformative. They act as a mantra, a lens through which to view decisions, challenges, and opportunities. Pick a word for the year ahead as an anchor to help you navigate with intention.

Defining your word is a declaration—a rebellion against the New Year’s resolutions whispering that you must hustle harder, look better, or achieve more to prove your worth. It’s a reminder to embrace who you are in this moment. Use your word to align all areas of your life: how you feel about your body, your career, your relationships, and your ambitions. Anything that doesn’t align with that word? It’s getting left behind.

After navigating an intense cloud of brain fog, anxiety, and extreme self-doubt at the end of last year—hello, perimenopause! I was reminded by the people around me just how strong and capable I am. Despite feeling small and lost in my darkest moments, others saw a different version of me. Their words of encouragement and support allowed me to recognise what they saw. The word repeated to me over and over was “powerful.” When I chose to believe them, something shifted.

I’ve done a lot of inner work to own this word, and I thank myself for that effort. At the end of 2023, I pulled a card that said, “I have a gift, and I am responsible for sharing it with the world.” It struck a chord. As we prepared to launch Valerie, I realised I’d found my life’s purpose—to help more women.

As I move into 2025 and choose “powerful,” I’m committed to owning my power. Even when I’m scared, it’s my responsibility to work through those fears to help others. This feels like a bold, beautiful act of self-acceptance and courage. There is strength in all of us, even in our weakest moments. We just need to figure out how to tap into it.

I truly believe perimenopause gives us this gift of self-reflection, forcing us to make big changes to live as our authentic selves.

When I reflect on the challenges I’ve faced, so many stem not from who I am but from what I thought I “should” do. For too long, I’ve shrunk myself, hidden parts of who I am, and denied my instincts. I’ve minimised myself to fit into spaces never designed for me.

No more.

Choosing the word “powerful” is my way of reclaiming space—my space. It’s about shedding the weight of others’ expectations and embracing my authenticity. It’s about refusing to measure my worth against unattainable standards. Most importantly, it’s about allowing myself to be exactly who I am without apology.

Stepping into my power means pushing past fear and self-doubt to live and lead authentically. It means using my voice to make a difference. For me, power isn’t about dominance but about the courage to show up fully as myself.

Choosing a word is just the beginning. Living by it is where the magic happens. Here’s how:

• Use It as a Filter: When making decisions, ask yourself: Does this align with my word? If not, it’s not worth your energy.
• Incorporate It into Your Daily Practices: Whether through affirmations, journaling, or mindfulness exercises, connect with your word regularly.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise moments when you embody your word. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
• Share It with Others: Let your friends and family know about your word. Their encouragement can help you stay inspired.

Words hold immense power—not just for ourselves but for those around us. When we live by our words, we inspire others to do the same. By choosing your word, you show others that they, too, can embrace their strength and own their gifts.

Together, these words remind us that we are not projects to be fixed but people to be celebrated. They encourage us to show up authentically and unapologetically, rising above challenges.

What will your word of the year be? Take some time to reflect and choose a word that resonates with you. Let it guide, challenge, and uplift you. Remember, you are unique, and you are capable of incredible things.

Message me at wizz@wearevalerie.com I’d love to hear your word!

Wizz x

If you do one thing this month, try Valerie. Give yourself the gift of energy, clarity, and balance. Take a month to recalibrate and prepare for the year ahead. With Valerie, you’ll have more energy to exercise, a clearer head to smash your goals, and better blood sugar regulation to support weight loss goals.

Skip the January overwhelm. Start your resolutions when spring is on the horizon. Permission granted to rest now and rock later.