Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly.
It’s your masterpiece after all.
Nathan W. Morris
As writers, we know the value of editing our work and welcoming feedback from others. But have you ever thought about applying that same principle to your life? As we step into 2025, let’s go beyond making resolutions and consider the idea of life editing. Just like we cut, add, and polish our writing, our lives deserve that same level of attention.
Reflecting on 2024, I realized how important it is to take stock of where we are and where we want to go. Last year was a bit of a struggle for me. My mental health wasn’t at its best—though I wasn’t deeply depressed, I felt on edge and had trouble sleeping. Procrastination became my companion, and I found myself grappling with unexpected anger. Despite these challenges, I pushed through to finish a rough draft of a book and focused on improving my physical health through weight lifting and a sprint program.
Towards the end of the year, I started therapy, which has been a game-changer for me. Sharing my story has empowered me to think critically about my life choices.
I’ve found myself asking some big questions:
- Should I continue writing, and if so, what direction should it take?
- Does traveling for months at a time still serve me?
- Is it time to shift my life story in a new direction?
- What are the key elements of my life that I want to keep?
These reflections have led me to stronger decisions than ever before. In Romans 12:2, Paul encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. It’s a gentle reminder that we can seek clarity in our choices.
Practical Steps for Life Editing
- Edit commitments: Take a moment to evaluate your obligations. Are they aligned with your current goals?
- Edit responsibilities: Consider what truly matters in your life right now.
- Edit busyness: Make space for quiet reflection—sometimes less is more.
As writers, we often find ourselves deep in thought, analysing everything around us. So, as we enter this new year, what do you want to edit out of your life?
What would you like to add? Journalling could be a helpful tool as we kick off 2025. Here are some prompts to consider:
- What areas of my life could use some pruning?
- How can I better use my writing skills to connect with others?
- What new habits or practices could enhance my well-being and creativity?
Remember, our worth isn’t tied solely to our achievements or how others perceive us. As we embark on this journey of editing our lives, let’s embrace the process with curiosity and grace. Here’s to a year filled with thoughtful edits, personal growth, and renewed passion for our writing.
Hi Elaine, I prayerfully pruned a whole lot of stuff in my life last year, which is similar to a life edit. I burned out in my writing life in 2023 and family/caring responsibilities absorbed my time for a large part of 2024. I limped through the last few months of 2024, exhausted and dealing with my own health issues. I’m starting 2025 in a better place with a routine that prioritises my physical, mental and spiritual health. I love your practical steps for life editing. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Narelle, thank you for sharing about your journey the last couple of years. The tome of life when you’re in a caring sandwich is difficult. It’s so easy to be squeezed in the middle and neglect ourselves. I’m glad you’re looking after yourself. If you look after yourself, you’ll be more able to look after others.
Editing out things fine-tunes our purpose. Praying you find your way through it all this year. 🙏
Thank you for your thoughtful post! 2024 was both emotionally and mentally draining for me, and I was more depressed than I realized – not deeply (I have suffered deep depression before) but enough to know I need to change a few things. I do need to edit busyness, I can get so overwhelmed by all the things I have to do and not carve out enough time for rest as much as I need to. I have been able to rest these last few weeks and I do feel a sense of hope for 2025 that I did not feel last year, praise God!
Thanks for sharing, Rochelle. I’m glad you have had rest. I think we underestimate the need for it. We’re designed to sleep, work, and rest. Resting our bodies, minds, and souls brings more strength in the end. Praying you find more rest and a good rhythm for the rest of the year. 🙏