2024 Seeds and Word of the Year 2025!

As the year came to a close, I asked myself “What are the good seeds that were planted in 2024, that I want to watch bloom in 2025?”

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Here are a few of my seeds from last year, in no particular order:

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1. Monday Mornings​
Volunteering at the soup kitchen on Monday mornings has been transformative. This new rhythm has completely crushed my Sunday Scaries because I know I’ll start the week with a beautiful reminder: life isn’t just about me. Serving my neighbors and seeing my friends there fills me with joy, even in moments that feel heavy or overwhelming. An unexpected gift has been the friendships I’ve formed with people of all age, since I feel like I’m often in a 20s and 30s bubble!

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2. Run Club​
Run club has been a source of so much joy. It’s where some of my favorite friendships have blossomed and where I’ve had some of the deepest, most meaningful conversations—often during our simple three-mile loop. I also love having something to invite people to: “Oh, you run? Come join us on Friday mornings!” Although this community first took root for me in 2022, it continues to grow with new connections and fresh energy, so it definitely deserves its spot on the list this year.

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3. Creative Church Community​
At the start of last year, I was determined to find a strong church community. For a long time, I believed it had to come from a single parish where I could check every spiritual and social box. But that mindset left me anxious and disappointed. Over the past few months, I’ve been intentional about attending events and spending time with friends from all kinds of parishes, and the fruit has been so sweet. Letting go of the “one-stop-shop” mentality has allowed me to experience a fuller, more vibrant community. Spiritual direction, daily Mass, Adoration, Sunday Mass, and friends all come together in different places, and that’s been unexpectedly beautiful.

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4. Bible Study​
Last year, I started a bimonthly Bible study, and it’s been such a life-giving experience. In the past, I’d host weekly studies, but burnout would set in after a couple of months. This every-other-week format feels sustainable and allows me to pour more into it. I love having a space to invite others, and the group of women who come, from all corners of the DMV, have been a blessing. This has been a grounding and joyful rhythm in my life.

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5. Cooking​
While I’ve never been a huge foodie, I decided to branch out this year and experiment more in the kitchen. Thank you, NY Times Cooking app, for introducing me to the joy of creating delicious meals! Over New Year’s, I finished Ina Garten’s book, and it inspired me to lean in more. It’s been a lesson in slowing down and paying attention to detail (skills I’m still honing). If you have any great recipes for winter stews, curries, or chilis that I can make in my beloved Dutch oven, send them my way!

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6. The Power of Scent​
This year, I became absolutely fascinated by the sense of smell. There’s something magical about catching a lovely scent—whether it’s on a person, in a store, or at home. I went on a “scent journey”. I found fragrances I adore: Jo Malone’s Frangipane (sadly discontinued) and Peony & Blush Suede, Valentino’s Born in Roma, Anthropologie’s I Do, and Tocca’s Simone. They’re all floral with a grounded, earthy quality. In 2025, I’m continuing the search for the perfect scent—it’s a small but wonderful joy in my life! (I also recommend Dossier for similar scents to more expensive perfumes!)

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7. Mini Retreats​
One of the most enriching practices I started this year has been my “mini retreat.” On Saturday mornings, I’ll visit a church I don’t usually frequent, spend time in silent prayer, go to confession, and attend Mass. These quiet, reflective moments have been a gift, allowing me to process the noise of daily life. In 2025, I hope to make these retreats a monthly ritual—they’re such a simple yet profound way to reset and refocus.

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So, how about you? What seeds did you plant in 2024 that you want to nurture in 2025? Are there weeds you need to pull out? I love a good gardening metaphor (so does Jesus!), and reflecting on the year this way is such a beautiful way to celebrate growth and bring the best forward.

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In Christ,

Jane

What I’m loving lately:

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2025 Word of the Year Announcement!!

• Join Erica and I for our annual word of the year announcement for 2025!! This is my favorite annual episode, I hope you enjoy! You can find it on Spotify here or Apple Podcasts here.
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Indecisiveness, a podcast with Emily P. Freeman and Emma Chamberlain

• I have been a fan of Emily P. Freeman for ages (and share her podcasts frequently here!), but I thought this convo with Emma Chamberlain was absolutely wonderful. You can find it on Spotify here or Apple Podcasts here.

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Spiderman movies with Andrew Garfield

• I had never seen these!! Wow, so good. My brothers and I watched 1 and 2 back to back while we were in Tahoe, and I thought they were delightful. I’m not a big movie girl, but I do love a good Marvel/action movie!

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The best Christmas Gift

• My mother outdid herself and gave me an INCREDIBLE Christmas gift – a box of 12 historical fiction books, one for each month of the year, all wrapped up. It’s a gift that serves you, too, because I’ll be sharing them here. December’s book: Last Christmas in Paris, January: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ll report back!

Snow day

• As a California girl I have been absolutely delighted by today’s snow!! So pretty, so sweet, so romantic. I hope all you DC girlies have been staying warm!

Prayer requests

• For my friend Kristen who welcomed a sweet baby girl this weekend!
• For Alissa who also had a baby girl this weekend!
• For all those impacted by the snow

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If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!

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