When I think of 2025, one word rises above all others: intentionality.

2024 was a year of healing and growth—a year that tested me in ways I never anticipated. It wasn’t a gentle process, nor was it linear. Healing wasn’t about patching up wounds and pretending they didn’t exist; it was about peeling back the layers, facing the raw, unfiltered truth of my pain, and allowing myself to feel every ache. That’s one of the many things I learned from months of therapy.  I’m healing not by avoiding pain but by confronting it head-on, breaking apart what no longer serves  me, unlearning patterns that had quietly held me back for years, and reshaping myself into someone stronger.  Someone more deserving of the love and care I had, for too long, withheld from myself.

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To say this journey was difficult would be an understatement—it was a battle and still is. I vividly remember a time when I was sitting on the floor with  my therapist, in her office, with so much heaviness in my heart. We were unpacking layers of trauma, tracing the patterns and behaviors that had kept me so guarded for so long. The weight of it all felt unbearable, and for a moment, I just sat there in silence, struggling to find the words. Finally, I looked up and said, “I’m ready to give up. This journey of fixing what’s broken feels pointless. The more I try, the more it hurts, and I don’t see the point anymore.”

 I felt like I was pouring every ounce of myself into a process that only revealed more cracks and more pain. Every step I took felt like it pushed me fifty steps backward, dragging me deeper into the hurt I was trying to escape. It felt endless, like I was breaking apart instead of coming together.

But that was the point. Healing wasn’t about avoiding the broken pieces—it was about facing them, holding them, and learning to put them back together in a way that made me whole again. My therapist gently reminded me that this pain wasn’t evidence of failure but proof of progress. Every crack revealed a place that needed my attention, every backward step was part of clearing the path ahead. Healing hurt, but it was leading me somewhere better. Growth doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from the discomfort of stretching, breaking, and rebuilding.

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I’ve come to embrace three words: strong, worthy, and capable. You’ll see me repeating these affirmations often here—*winks*—because they’ve become my foundation. They remind me of what I’ve endured and the transformation I’ve fought for. Yes, last year broke me in places I never thought could crack, but it also planted seeds of resilience and hope. And those seeds? I know they’ll bloom into something extraordinary this year

From the lessons of 2024, I’ve come to realize something powerful: healing isn’t passive—it’s intentional. It doesn’t happen when you sit back and hope for time to fix things. It requires showing up for yourself, even when it feels like the hardest thing to do. It’s about being deliberate in your choices, aligning your actions with your values, and holding onto a vision of the life you want to create, even when that vision feels far away. This realization has shaped my commitment to 2025 as my Year of Intentionality.

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 Intentional in my healing journey, because I deserve to keep nurturing the strength I’ve rediscovered. Intentional in my relationships, valuing depth and connection over convenience. Intentional in my academics, pouring myself into my studies with purpose and pride. Intentional in my health, honoring this body as the sacred temple it is. Intentional in my decisions, big and small, knowing that each choice shapes the life I’m building.

Intentionality isn’t about perfection—it’s about mindfulness, about care, about showing up fully. It’s about moving through life with purpose, knowing that every moment, every interaction, every breath is an opportunity to plant seeds for the future.

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Intentionality in Every Area of Life

Healing  Journey𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

Healing is never “done.” It’s a journey, not a destination, and that realization has been one of the hardest truths for me to accept. This year, I’m choosing to approach healing with deliberate care because I’ve learned that it requires active participation—it doesn’t happen by accident.

For me, this means listening closely to my body and mind, especially when they signal that I need rest. It’s pausing in the middle of a busy day to breathe deeply when my chest feels tight or canceling plans when I know I’m stretched too thin. It’s reminding myself that rest isn’t laziness—it’s a vital part of recovery.

Practicing mindfulness has also become a cornerstone of my healing. It’s in the quiet moments when I ground myself by noticing the sensations of my breath or the warmth of a cup of tea in my hands. Mindfulness helps me stay present, even when the weight of the past tries to pull me backward. It’s not always easy, but it’s a practice I’m learning to return to, moment by moment.

Setting boundaries has been another vital part of my journey. For so long, I let others dictate my energy and time, often at the expense of my own well-being. Now, I’m learning to say “no” without guilt and “yes” to what truly nurtures me. It’s about protecting my peace, even if that means stepping away from relationships, habits, or environments that no longer align with the person I’m becoming.

Healing, for me, is also about creating a safe space to feel, process, and grow. This means allowing myself to grieve when needed, to cry without shame, and to sit with my emotions rather than suppressing them. It’s recognizing that growth often comes from discomfort and that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.

Being intentional with my healing is more than a choice—it’s a radical act of self-love. It’s a declaration that I am worth the effort it takes to rebuild. It’s giving myself permission to move at my own pace and celebrating even the smallest victories along the way. Because every step, no matter how small, is a testament to my resilience and commitment to becoming the best version of myself.

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Relationships𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

In 2025, I want my relationships to reflect the values I hold dear—authenticity, respect, and mutual growth. I’ve come to realize that relationships, like anything worth having, require intention and care. This year, I’m choosing depth over surface-level connections, focusing on building bonds that truly nourish my spirit and align with who I am becoming.

For me, this means being deliberate about who I give my energy to. Not every relationship deserves the same level of access to my heart or my time, and that’s okay. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity—seeking friendships and connections where love and respect are mutual, and where both of us can show up as our true selves without fear of judgment.

Fostering meaningful conversations is one way I plan to be more intentional in my relationships. It’s about asking the deeper questions, listening with my whole heart, and being present in every interaction. Whether it’s with a close friend, a family member, or a new acquaintance, I want my relationships to feel like safe spaces where we can explore, challenge, and uplift each other.

But intentionality also means facing the harder truths. It means letting go of relationships that no longer serve me, even when it’s painful. Sometimes, growth requires us to release the familiar to make room for something better. I’ve learned that not everyone is meant to walk every part of the journey with you, and that’s okay. Letting go doesn’t mean there’s no love—it means honoring the lessons that person brought into your life and moving forward with grace.

Intentional relationships aren’t just about what I expect from others—they’re also about how I show up. This year, I’m committed to being authentic in my connections, showing up as my whole self, and being vulnerable when it matters. It’s about being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable, and meeting others with empathy and understanding.

For me, intentionality in relationships is about creating spaces where both parties can grow together, rooted in trust and mutual respect. It’s about choosing love over fear, kindness over criticism, and connection over convenience. This year, I’m not just building relationships—I’m cultivating them, knowing that the seeds I plant with care will grow into something truly meaningful.

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Health𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

My health—physical, mental, and emotional—is my foundation. Without it, everything else feels unstable. This year, I’m prioritizing it with intention, not just as a task to check off but as an ongoing commitment to myself. For me, this means embracing a holistic approach to well-being, where every small choice contributes to the larger picture of balance and vitality.

Physical Health𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

When it comes to my body, I’m focusing on movement that feels good, not just movement that burns calories or checks a fitness box. It’s about tuning into my body’s needs—stretching when I feel stiff, walking when I need fresh air, or challenging myself with a workout that leaves me feeling strong and accomplished. This year, I’m creating a workout routine that isn’t about punishment or perfection but about joy, strength, and self-love.

Nourishing myself with foods that energize me is another key focus. It’s not about rigid diets or restrictions but about learning what my body thrives on and making choices that honor that. Sometimes it’s a colorful plate of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes it’s the comfort of my favorite indulgence. Balance is the goal—listening to what my body needs and feeding it with care.

Mental and Emotional Health

Rest is no longer something I view as indulgent; it’s essential. This year, I’m learning to integrate rest into my daily life without guilt, whether that’s a quiet moment of meditation, an early night after a long day, or simply allowing myself to be still. Rest doesn’t just restore the body—it nourishes the mind and soul.

Practicing gratitude is another intentional step I’m taking for my mental and emotional well-being. It’s a simple practice but a powerful one—pausing to reflect on what’s good in my life, even on the hardest days. Gratitude shifts my perspective, reminding me that even small joys are worth celebrating.

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Trusting My Instincts𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

Intentionality also means trusting myself. For so long, I second-guessed my decisions, looking outward for validation or reassurance. But this year, I’m learning to trust my instincts, knowing that I carry the wisdom I need within me. That doesn’t mean acting impulsively—it means listening to the quiet voice inside that knows what’s right for me, even when fear or doubt try to drown it out.It’s about pausing to ask myself: Does this align with my values? Does it reflect the kind of person I want to be? Does it move me closer to the life I’m striving for, or does it pull me away from it? These questions serve as my compass, helping me navigate both the everyday and the extraordinary.

Giving Myself Grace𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

Intentionality doesn’t mean perfection. There will be times when I make decisions that don’t turn out as planned or when I act out of fear instead of faith. In those moments, I’m learning to give myself grace. Every choice, whether it leads to success or a lesson, is part of the journey. What matters is that I’m trying—that I’m showing up and choosing to live with purpose.

This year, I want every decision to feel like a step forward, no matter how small. I want to look back and see a life shaped by choices that reflect my values, my growth, and the person I’m striving to become. Because ultimately, intentionality isn’t about controlling every outcome—it’s about living in alignment with who I am and who I want to be.

Starting Small: A Gentle Reminder𓂃⊹ ִֶָ

I know that starting a journey of intentionality can feel daunting. You might wonder, Where do I even begin? What if I don’t have it all figured out? The truth is, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Start small. Choose one area of your life—maybe it’s your self-talk, how you approach relationships, or the way you spend your mornings. Ask yourself: What’s one small change I can make today to live with more purpose?

Intentionality isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about taking one deliberate step at a time. Over days and weeks, those small actions add up, creating a ripple effect that transforms not only your habits but your mindset.

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To you, my loves—those reading this—I invite you to walk this path with me. Be intentional in the way you live. Move through life with purpose. Be deliberate in how you treat yourself and others. Take time to nurture your dreams, to cherish your relationships, to honor your body and mind. And as you move through this season of intentionality, extend yourself the grace to grow at your own pace. Let what you sow today flourish in its time, because the harvest will come. I’m curious, What would your life look like if you lived it with deliberate care? What seeds will you plant this year, and how will you tend to them?

With love and care,

Akosua ❤