*deep breath in*
*deep breath out*
repeat

I’ll start by being completely honest: I’m really not in the mood to write today. The current state of America has me feeling quite unenthused. I’d rather be getting a mani-pedi or watching the latest episode of Real Housewives of Potomac, but instead I am forcing myself to sit with my feelings and write about them. Not fun…at least not today.

In times of despair, uncertainty, and outright grief, I’ve found that focusing on things that are within my locus of control helps to alleviate a tiny bit of the stress weighing me down. In my last post, I wrote about my theme for this year being Less is More in 2024. As I look ahead, I’ve started to think about 2025 and what I want to embrace as my central focus.

Here’s what I’m holding as my core values in the new year that will ground me in joy and hope for a better future:

Family: I plan to love on my family even more. More hugs. More kisses. More I love yous. And I’m not just talking about my nuclear crew. The family I’m speaking of goes beyond my bloodline. I will be more intentional about being in community with those I love and admire, people who feel like a safe space, a warm embrace. Over the past few years, I was definitely guilty of being somewhat insular. Juggling work and mom life had me quite consumed and left me with little time to be truly present with extended family and friends. But I’m grateful that that tide has turned. I’ll still focus on quality over quantity as I seek to build community, but I’m glad to have family back at the clear forefront.

Philanthropy: Service to others has been a core value of mine since I was about 8 years old. What started as trips to my church’s food pantry to stack and organize the shelves evolved into a fulfilling 15-year career moving dollars and resources to communities through fundraising and philanthropy work. Once I became a mom, I wasn’t able to do as much hands-on volunteer service but my love for service never wavered. I am grateful for groups like District Motherhued Society who have rekindled my flame for grassroots volunteerism. Over the next four years (and beyond), I will look to philanthropy and service as a way to lift my spirits while helping to uplift others. This blog will be one way I plan to also make an imprint on the world. I appreciate you for tuning in as I get started.

Freedom: Last but certainly not least is the pursuit of Freedom. By definition, freedom is “the ability to act, speak, and change without restraint or hindrance.” As I think about the life I want to live and the world I want my boys to grow up in, I envision us relishing in the joys of freedom – freedom to choose, freedom to thrive, which ultimately means freedom from oppressive, corrupt, hate-filled systems and cultures. Freedom will be my pursuit, the name of my learning journey, my north star.

And so there you have it. Family, Philanthropy, & the pursuit of Freedom.

Let’s see where 2025 takes me.

Thanks for reading.

Emerald