Embracing New Beginnings in 2025: Moving Forward from 2024

As we step into a brand new year, I want us to take a moment to reflect—not just on what was, but on what could be. The transition from 2024 to 2025 can stir up all kinds of feelings. Maybe you’re carrying disappointment because you didn’t accomplish everything you set out to do. Maybe your canvas remains blank, your blog drafts untouched, or your dreams feel as distant as ever. If that resonates with you, I want you to know this: it’s okay. What truly matters is that you’re here, standing at the threshold of a fresh slate 2025 a whole new year to chase your creative dreams.

The Leap to 2025

Acknowledging Your Journey

Every artist, no matter their medium, has faced obstacles in their creative pursuits. Statistics show that nearly 70% of creatives feel unproductive at some point in their journey. If you’re among them, remember that it’s normal. But as we transition into 2025, let’s take the time to acknowledge what we achieved last year, however small.

I’ll be honest with you—2024 was one of the hardest years of my life. I faced challenges I never saw coming, and there were times I felt like I’d hit rock bottom. I felt like a failure, like I wasn’t good enough like I was completely and utterly worthless. And yet, somehow, I made it. If you’ve been through something similar, if 2024 tested every ounce of your strength, I want you to know you’re not alone.

Creative planning for the year ahead.

Last year was my final academic year as a student. I passed, and I’m deeply grateful for that, but it wasn’t easy. There were moments when I questioned whether I even wanted to continue. It was draining in every possible way—mentally, physically, socially, financially, and academically. There were so many times I wanted to give up. But I had loving, supportive people around me who helped me push through. I’m grateful for them every single day.

And then there was my book. I published my debut book last year, something I had dreamed of for so long. But I had a financial target, and I didn’t even reach 1% of it. That hit me hard. I felt like a failure. But after reflecting, I can now see the mistakes I made and the things I need to improve on. I’ve realized that even if I reach just 10% of my target this year, it would still be an improvement. A win is a win, man, no matter how small.

That’s what I want us to hold onto as we move into 2025. Acknowledge your journey—the victories, no matter how small, and the lessons learned from the setbacks. Maybe you wrote a few poems, painted a single picture, or launched a website. Each step matters. Let’s celebrate those steps and be proud of where we are today.

Reframing Your Mindset

Now, let’s talk about moving forward. I know how easy it is to get stuck in a mindset of regret or self-doubt. But 2025 is a new chapter, and we get to write it however we want. Here’s how I’m reframing my own mindset, and maybe it can help you too:

• Set Realistic Goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of ambitions. Pick a few specific, achievable goals. For example, instead of aiming to write an entire book, maybe focus on finishing a short story or a few blog posts.

• Be Kind to Yourself: Please, be gentle with yourself. I’m learning to do the same. Creating takes time, and our journeys are unique. Give yourself grace for what you couldn’t do, and celebrate what you did.

• Capture Inspiration: This year, I’m creating a vision board. It’s going to be filled with images and words that represent my dreams and goals for 2025. It’s a small act, but it keeps me inspired. Maybe you’d like to try it too?

Vision Board.

Harnessing Your Creativity in 2025

This year, I want us to prioritize our creativity like never before. Let’s make space for it, nurture it, and allow it to grow—not as an afterthought or a fleeting pastime but as a vital part of who we are. Creativity is not just about producing art or writing stories; it’s about how we see the world, solve problems, and express our innermost truths. It’s a way to process our emotions, connect with others, and leave our unique mark on the world.

Let's prioritise our creativity by giving ourselves permission to dedicate time and energy to it without guilt or hesitation. It’s about understanding that creativity doesn’t flourish in chaos or neglect—it needs intention, care, and a supportive environment. Maybe it’s clearing a small corner of your room to serve as a creative haven, setting aside uninterrupted hours for your craft, or simply keeping a notebook handy to jot down ideas as they come. Every small effort matters because it signals to ourselves that our creativity is worth investing in.

But nurturing creativity is just as important as making space for it. That means being gentle with ourselves on the days when it feels like nothing is working. It means trusting that the process—no matter how slow or chaotic—is still progress. Creativity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, trying, and learning from each attempt. Feed your creativity by trying something new, breaking out of routines, or surrounding yourself with things that spark your imagination.

And perhaps most importantly, let creativity take its time. Growth doesn’t follow a straight line, and neither does the creative process. Some ideas may take months to develop; others may evolve in ways you never expected. Allow yourself to enjoy the journey, free from the pressure of immediate results. What matters is that you’re giving your creativity the attention and care it deserves.

This year is a chance to reconnect with that part of yourself that dreams, experiments, and creates. Let’s nurture it, trust it, and watch it grow into something extraordinary.

Surrendering to a Higher Purpose

For me, creativity is deeply connected to my faith. As a Christian and as an Artist, I see my artistic gifts as tools given to me by God, entrusted to me to glorify Him and bring light to others. This year, I want to align my creativity and embrace the act of surrendering my talents, thoughts, and life to His purpose in a more intentional way. My prayer is for my art to glorify Him more and to reflect His work and will in me, as Colossians 3:17 reminds us. Just open my heart more to His guidance and trust that what I create can have a meaningful impact, even if it’s in ways I can’t foresee.

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

This is how I’m inviting faith into my creative journey, and maybe these ideas can inspire you too:

• Pray for Guidance: Before diving into any creative session, I’m committing to a moment of prayer. It’s a simple act of asking for clarity, inspiration, and the wisdom to create with integrity and purpose. It’s a reminder that my gifts are not just mine but a reflection of His love and grace.

• Create to Serve: This year, I’m shifting my focus to how my work can uplift, heal, or inspire others. You know, I’ve been reflecting and realized that I’ve been trying to focus on the wrong things. My focus should be on ensuring that everything I do is for the glory of God, letting it serve His will and His kingdom. Maybe it’s through a story of hope, a painting that speaks to someone’s struggles, or a blog post that offers encouragement. The act of creating with others in mind transforms it into a form of service—a way of spreading kindness and faith.

• Faith in the Process: Sometimes, I feel pressure to make everything perfect, but I’m learning to let go and have faith that whatever I create, as long as it’s rooted in Love, will serve a purpose beyond what I can see. This surrender is freeing—it will allow me to focus on the joy of creating rather than the outcome.

Creative tools alongside a Bible for spiritual inspiration.

When we create with a higher purpose in mind, it elevates our work beyond ourselves. It becomes a way to connect, to inspire, and to remind others of the beauty and hope in the world. Let’s make 2025 a year where our creativity becomes a reflection of our faith, serving not just us but the people around us in ways that truly matter.

By aligning your creativity with prayer, you can cultivate inspiration that transcends your immediate goals, reminding you that your talents can have a far-reaching impact.

The Power of Community

Lastly, as you embrace 2025, recognize the importance of community. I also want us to remember that we’re not in this alone. Creativity thrives when it’s shared, nurtured, and supported by a community. Surround yourself with people who understand and celebrate your journey. Build and strengthen those connections:

• Join Local Workshops or Classes: Look for opportunities to participate in workshops or classes that align with your interests. These settings are not just for skill-building but for connecting with like-minded individuals who can inspire and motivate you. There’s a special kind of magic that happens when creatives come together to learn and grow.

• Engage with Online Communities: Social media, forums, and dedicated platforms for creatives are incredible spaces to find your tribe. Share your work, seek feedback, and engage with others. Sometimes, the simplest interactions—a comment, a message, or even a shared post—can lead to deeply meaningful connections and collaborations.

• Organize or Attend Meet-Ups: If possible, take the initiative to bring creatives together in your area. Host informal gatherings where you can exchange ideas, provide constructive feedback, and uplift one another. These meet-ups can become a safe space where inspiration flows and relationships are cultivated.

• Collaborate on Projects: Seek opportunities to work with others on creative endeavors. Collaboration not only broadens your perspective but also enriches your creative process by integrating diverse ideas and approaches.

Remember, creativity is not a solitary pursuit. It’s a journey best traveled in the company of others who share your passion and understand the challenges. Let’s build these connections and let them fuel our growth in 2025.

Moving Forward with Courage

So, here we are, standing at the beginning of 2025, give yourself permission to reset and re-energize your creative ambitions. Every new year is a chance to breathe life into dormant ideas and projects. Remember, it’s not about comparing your journey with others. Rather, focus on the progress you’ve made and the potential ahead.

Visualize your goals and take actionable steps toward them—whether it’s setting aside creative time, adjusting your mindset, or partnering with your faith. 2025 is your opportunity to transform your creativity from dormant dreams into vibrant reality.

Embrace the adventure ahead, trust your process, and never hesitate to share your gifts with the world. This year, commit to doing better—not only for yourself but for the community surrounding you.

Embarking on this journey with an open heart and a determined spirit will pave the way for a fulfilling year. Here’s to creativity, faith, and the brave steps ahead!