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Christie Hawkes's avatar

This sounds perfect for you, Denyse. I love the thoughtful way you spelled out what CAPACITY means for you. Here's to remaining mindful of our capacities in 2025 and being compassionate and gentle with ourselves.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you Christie, is sure seems so. I am actually using it in my conversations with myself...about 'what capacity do I have for...this' etc.

I love coming up more to help me learn what my focus is and spelling out the letters of the word was that for me.

Always lovely to connect here!

Denyse x

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Susanne's avatar

I love how you focus on self-care, boundaries, mindfulness and self-compassion in so many ways and your word for 2025 collects all this perfectly. I wish you a restful year to recover from your recent overwhelm and enjoy life.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Over the years of managing the many, many emotional and physical hurdles that were for this somewhat worrier type and anxious person, I can attest to the need for self care being so important.

However, it took a bit of a back seat as Dad was very much of a focus from when we came back to Sydney, and the times of his 100th and then his decline, along with eventual death, showed me just how much my practices were needed.

It's almost a year since his 100th (which went well for us all) but I am going to say, I am glad those kind of events are over and he is at peace.

Thanks Susanne for being here again and I look forward to connecting more and all good wishes to you in 2025.

Denyse x

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Donna Connolly's avatar

Hi, Denyse - This is such a thoughtful and inspiring way to approach the new year! I love how you’ve woven capacity into a holistic and self-compassionate framework. Your acronym is not only creative but also empowering, serving as a gentle reminder to honor our limits while staying true to our values.

Here’s to a mindful and meaningful 2025! 🌟

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you so much Donna. It has been quite the way in which for me to make meaning of change approaching 2025 this way. 2024 was big and left me flattened physically & emotionally so I knew I need to find a new way through. I too am liking that it’s mindful as well. Thanks so much for being part of my on line friendship world! Denyse x

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Deb's World's avatar

Hi Denyse, thanks for the idea of doing a linkup, it's great to read everyone's posts! I like your word and it fits you well especially the words you've set beside Capacity. You've been through a lot and I'm sure you will be more mindful this year and not over extend yourself. A great way to approach the year ahead!

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thanks Deb, and look how late I am replying. An indication that I have not been mindful of my capacity has meant a week away from linking up for WWWhimsy too.

I am making some inner changes of thinking after a few weeks of things not being wonderful...and am feeling that need to be mindful of my capacity far more.

Warm wishes, and I hope the power is back. We didn't have a blackout with the storms in our area in Sydney last night but many did. It was eerily similar to the night 24 years ago when grandson Ben was born and I came out of the San to trees down, no traffic lights or any power on all the way home!

Denyse x

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Leslie Clingan's avatar

We are thinking along the same lines, Denyse. My word is nurture. I want to nurture relationships starting with PC, my children and grands. I want to nurture my interests and spend time doing things I love doing most. And I want to nurture myself!! This past year took a toll on me and I need to love myself back to a healthier place.

Your acrostic for CAPACITY is spot on. I could say ditto to the line you wrote for each letter in the word. We need to remember to give ourselves the same grace we would give those we love. Anxious to follow along with you this year to see how you progress.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

YES...to this word too. I know we women who 'please' others put ourselves last often then get cranky/sad when we become over tired and OVER IT!!

We are on very similar paths and we are both here to support and care for each other in this year as we both make changes that are, in their own way, big ones for us!

Take care, dear friend, take care.

Denyse x

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Leslie Clingan's avatar

We can cheer each other on and support each other this year!! XO

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Leanne | crestingthehill's avatar

This is a really great Word Denyse - I love how it's a positive take on what you're capable of, while also recognizing where your limitations lie. Focusing on what you can achieve rather than on those limitations is a recipe for success indeed!

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thanks so much Leanne. I know it will continue to be a 'work in progress' as my old tendencies will rush at me first but I am MINDFUL of that. See what I did there.

In all seriousness, the past year gave me a lot of lessons of what works for me and no longer serves me and I am planning to be better at caring for me first.

Take care, and thanks for your support too.

Denyse x

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Jennifer Jones's avatar

I absolutely love your word Denyse, and I look forward to following you through 2025 as you live to it. I can see the thought you have put into it and it's not a word that I would have thought of, but being aware of my capacity to handle things... and to say no at times.......is definitely something I should also give thought to.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Oh thanks Jennifer. It came to me because I had to recognise my physical and emotional limitations this past 2 or so months. And I want and need to be more comfortable within myself after a lifetime of pleasing others! And being the ‘good girl’…so yes, a completely different way for me to be/do and I am mindful (!) that it’s not going to be smooth! Take care, Denyse x

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Sue Women Living Well After 50's avatar

Love this Denyse and I think it is the perfect WOTY for you. I can't wait to see how you 'live' your WOTY but it reminds me that we all need to be aware of our capacity and not to drain our energy reserves. Thanks so much for suggesting the link up and joining us as we share our WOTY. xx

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you Sue. I had a few weeks of tossing up different words and ideas and this one…is where I know I need to make changes that work for THIS Denyse now. No more people pleasing for the sake of it. I will need to do a lot more ‘pausing’ before reacting or doing because my natural tendency is to ‘go, go, do, then flop!’ It will be interesting indeed. Thanks for the one off link up too with friends. Take care, Denyse x

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Joanne Tracey's avatar

That's a really thoughtful word. Until yesterday evening I had no idea what mine was going to be.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thanks so much Jo. I am glad you said that..now to live it!! I had a few contenders but like you it tends to come closer to the time. I am sorry too, that I didn't have your link in that post (if I added it the whole post would be re-sent...) so thank you..and to readers here is the link to Jo's post: https://substack.com/@brookfordkitchendiaries

May your days and weeks ahead be kind to you.

Denyse x

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