This year, my motto is simple: I will thrive in 2025. I have stepped into early retirement, and for the first time, I don’t have to juggle a million things at once. No more rushing. No more multitasking. Just living—intentionally, joyfully, and with purpose. But that doesn’t mean the journey has been without its challenges. We’ve all heard it a thousand times: Life is what you make it. But how many of us truly live by this? How many of us wait for the “right” moment, whether it’s for a doctor’s visit, a raise, or some future milestone to celebrate? What if we could flip the script and live with joy and intention today, regardless of where we are on our journey?

When faced with early retirement, I decided to slow down and make life intentional. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the small moments. Whether it’s offering a smile to a stranger at the grocery store or saying “thank you” to the person in the cubicle next door—those moments matter. In fact, I think about how even on my hardest days, a simple smile can uplift me when I’m feeling overwhelmed by my chronic illness. We all have the power to share a little positivity, no matter what’s going on in our lives.

Being intentional is key. I’ve learned to find the beauty in every day—whether it’s in the blue skies, the birds chirping, or the sun peeking through the clouds. The challenge for all of us is to be intentional with our time. Even when you’re struggling, you can still live with purpose. On the days when I’m feeling my worst, I make the decision to be intentional by conserving my energy. On the days when I feel good, I take the time to reach out to a friend, go for a walk, or simply appreciate the world around me.

You might wonder, How can I live with purpose when I can barely get out of bed? Trust me, I understand. Living with multiple sclerosis for 20 years has taught me that it’s okay to have bad days. But even on those days, we can be intentional. Sending a quick text or giving someone a kind word, even from bed, can make a difference. And let’s be clear: how much you do doesn’t determine your value. It’s about why you do it—because you have purpose.

This year, let’s commit to thriving in 2025. We don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect to start living intentionally. Your life is valuable, and you have purpose. So, let’s celebrate today—whether it’s through a smile, a word of encouragement, or simply appreciating the little moments that make up our lives.