Be Radiant

I always choose a “word of the year” rather than setting a strict resolution. The word becomes my North Star, my intention, and my daily devotion. It is the magic word that brings me back into alignment with my goals when I get off course.

In 2025, I chose self-love, because my main intention was to devote energy to myself. I wanted to pour into myself and nourish myself, knowing that I cannot pour from an empty cup to my family, friends, and clients.

Some time later, I learned about “annual profections” in astrology that begin on your birthday (solar return). In 2025, during my 36th year, my annual profection was defined by Cancer in my First House. This meant coming home to myself and building internal emotional security, like the Cancerian crab who carries her home with her. It was about nourishing and strengthening my body, and focusing on my truest identity. How crazy that the word I had already selected was “self-love.” Though, as Aliza Kelly would say, “TANC: there are no coincidences.” The Moon also became the time lord for my 36th year, teaching me to notice my flowing emotional state and embrace the tidal changes.

In a few weeks, I turn 37 on January 26. My annual profection will be defined by Leo in my Second House. My word of the year is radiant — “sending out light; glowing or shining brightly.” I spent a year consciously pouring into myself and building my inner glow, and now being radiant means shining outward. The time lord of my 37th year will be the Sun — the joyful, vivacious, positive, and powerful luminary that keeps the whole world alive. By being radiant, I want to exude joy and gratitude. I want to shine, not with the intention of being noticed, but with the knowing that I deserve to take up space and it is safe to be seen for exactly who I am.

Reflecting on my upcoming solar return, reminded me of something I wrote in 2022. I wrote it before I was even pregnant with my first child. And it still rings true, because it captures my essence and the ways in which I show up when I am living in alignment with my sunny side. The coolest part is that I am this woman today and my desire is to embody her even more fully in my 37th year.

I want a life that sizzles & pops & makes me laugh outloud.

And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even,
and realize that my life was a collection of emails, worries, and unchased dreams.

So, I want to eat fresh pasta
and sing in the car at the top of my lungs with the windows rolled down.

I want to make pizza with my husband
and dance in the kitchen with our babies.

I want an easy laugh and helpful words to be my calling card.

I want to say exactly what I think when I think it
and not give a damn what anyone else might think.

I want to stay up all night laughing and crying with my best friends.

I want to burst with enthusiasm to:
see an old friend, try something new, delight in art,
and make someone else’s day.

I want to throw the ball “one more time”
again and again for my dog
and plunge into the ocean
and eat ice cold chocolate
and write books so good they connect to people’s hearts.