A year ago, I chose peace as my word for 2024. Back then, it sounded so soft, so whoo-whoo, like something that would simply happen if I lit a candle, brewed tea, and whispered some affirmations. (Spoiler: it doesn’t work that way.)

Peace turned out to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever pursued. It’s not a fluffy blanket you curl up with; it’s a shield, a foundation, a full-body strength workout for the soul. Peace demands surrender—not the rolling-over-and-giving-up kind but the knowing-when-to-let-go kind. And if there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that true peace is a warrior’s gift.

Let me explain.

We live in a world that loves hustle. It feeds us the belief that if we just do more, push harder, and sacrifice everything, we’ll finally “arrive”. But peace doesn’t exist in that world. Peace says, “Stop striving, you’ve done enough. Now trust.” And let me tell you, trusting—especially when you’re used to controlling every little thing—is terrifying. But it’s also where the magic happens.

Adding Surrender to the Equation

For 2025, I’m not choosing a new word. I’m adding to the one I already have: peace with surrender. You can’t truly have one without the other. Peace needs surrender to thrive, to flow. It’s about doing your best—your absolute best—and then stepping back. It’s saying, “Okay, God, I’ve done my part; now it’s in Your hands.”

This isn’t wishing or hoping or throwing in the towel. It’s a quiet confidence that comes from knowing—not guessing, not doubting—but knowing that you’ve given it your all. And then, you let it be.

Jesus understood this so well. After every miracle, every healing, He said, “Go in peace.” Not just because it sounds nice but because peace is powerful. Peace protects your mind and body from the chaos of fear and anxiety. Peace heals. It’s the ultimate gift, and it begins with surrendering everything that’s not meant for you to carry.

Now, if you’re reading this as a graphic designer, freelancer, or creative, you’re probably nodding along. Let’s be real: our work can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Deadlines, revisions, client feedback (some of it questionable at best), and the constant juggling of personal life? Peace? Ha! Where?

But here’s the thing: peace isn’t found in crossing everything off your list. It’s found in surrendering the idea that you have to do it all, be it all, fix it all. Do your best work, set boundaries, and trust that what’s meant for you won’t miss you. You’re not here to burn out; you’re here to shine.

What Peace and Surrender Look Like for 2025

For me, 2025 will be about leaning into this balance. Yes, I’ll show up and give my best—but I won’t tie my worth to the outcome. I’ll plan, but I’ll leave room for flow. I’ll work hard, but I’ll also rest. And when life feels overwhelming, I’ll remember that surrender isn’t weakness; it’s strength in its purest form.

So, here’s to peace with surrender. To letting go of fear, anxiety, and the endless hustle. To embracing flow and trusting in something greater than ourselves. And to finding the kind of peace that not only protects us but strengthens us for whatever’s ahead.

As Jesus said: “Go in peace.” Let’s take that into 2025, my friends. Let’s design lives that are rooted in peace and powered by surrender.