The Word For 2025

As 2024 is coming to a close, I reflect on this past year. As I get older, time seems to go by faster. The word I chose for 2024 was breakthrough. Breakthrough of making a decision, of a transformative journey for both myself and for others. I have helped patients with their illnesses. I have helped other physicians achieve what they thought was impossible – to go home on time. 2024 has been an amazing year. I learned a lot and grew a lot.

For 2025, the word I chose is illuminate. Illuminate is a fun word. It is also something that can change someone’s life. I choose to be a person who illuminates others.

When you are in complete darkness, you look for any hint of light. You cannot see in the dark. Sometimes, you are in such a dark space in your mind that you are lost and confused. You need someone to brighten it with a light, so you know where you are. When you are lost, it is helpful to have someone to shine a light to show you the way. I want to share with others that they can rely on me to illuminate them, and guide them to a path they choose.

Illuminate others by smiling. Smiling is a simple gesture that has many meanings. When you smile, it brightens up your day. You tend to think about pleasant things more. The person who sees your smile feels lighter and is likely to reciprocate. A genuine smile opens the barrier between two people, so it is easier to connect. A smile can radiate joy in a room. I always smile when I greet my patients. This starts the patient encounter in a more light-hearted way. It helps me focus on connecting with them and taking care of them. Smiling is the easiest way to illuminate.

Be yourself to illuminate. Over the years I have become clearer on my values. I have also become more comfortable to live according to my values, and not according to other people’s values. It is important to understand who we are and what we think is right or wrong. It is also important to realize that no matter who you are and what you do, you cannot please everyone and that is okay. First be happy with who you are. When you are living in alignment with your values, you show others that it is okay to do that. You also illuminate others by example.  

Be loving and kind to illuminate. When you are filled with love and kindness, people around you can experience that. I find this very powerful in caring for patients. As I am taking care of oncology patients, it is about more than the diagnosis or the mechanism of action of treatments. It is about the doctor-patient relationship. It is about how you help patients in their most vulnerable moments by shining a light with hope and care. Treat others with love and kindness goes with every aspect of our lives, no matter what you do and where you are. This applies to the relationships you have with your family and your friends.

What is the word you choose for 2025?