Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, there’s an energy in the air—a chance to begin a new chapter and leave behind anything that no longer serves us. But let’s be real, January can feel overwhelming with all the pressure to become a “new you” overnight. Social media will be flooded with promises to lose weight, get fit, land a dream job, or start a new hobby. And while those aspirations aren’t inherently bad, they can make us feel like we’re only “good enough” when we’ve achieved some distant goal.

This year, let’s take a different approach. Instead of resolutions that focus on external achievements, we’re focusing on the promises we can make to ourselves—promises rooted in self-love, growth, and resilience. This is The Shona Project’s 2025 Manifesto, and it’s a guide to help us all step into the new year with grace and purpose.

Our 2025 Manifesto

We’re committing to showing up for ourselves this year. These are the promises we’re making, not just for January, but for every moment when we need a little reminder of our strength:

1. I promise to trust my gut; she knows me better than I know myself.
   Your intuition is your superpower. Listen to it and let it guide you.
2. I promise to be kinder to, and more appreciative of, my body.
   This body carries you through life—it deserves your care and love.
3. I promise to look for more opportunities to grow, learn, and connect with others.
   Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Be open to experiences and people who inspire you.
4. I promise to support my sisters—all of them.
   When women uplift women, incredible things happen. Let’s celebrate and stand by each other.
5. I promise to never again apologise for being myself.
   You are enough, exactly as you are. Own it and never dim your light.
6. I promise to forgive myself for past mistakes; I know better now.
   Growth is messy, but every mistake is a lesson. Let’s move forward with compassion.
7. I promise to ask for help when I need it.
   You don’t have to do it all alone. Lean on your people; they’re there for a reason.
8. I promise to take one day at a time and live in the moment.
   Life is precious, and the present is a gift. Let’s not let it pass us by.
9. I promise to always pick myself back up, no matter how many times I fall.
   Resilience is not about never failing; it’s about always trying again.
10. I promise to be kind to myself first, so I can be kind to those around me.
    Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation of how we show up in the world.

It’s Okay to Be Human

We’re not perfect, and we’re not meant to be. This manifesto isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about embracing the journey. If you stray from these promises, that’s okay. What matters is that you keep coming back to them, keep trying, and keep showing yourself grace.

2025 is your year to own. Let’s take everything we’ve learned from the past and use it to create a future we’re proud of. With open hearts and heads held high, let’s step into this year together. We’ve got this.

Ready to Join Us?

This manifesto is for all of us. Let’s hold ourselves accountable and support one another as we grow. Share this with someone who inspires you or join us on Instagram to share your own promises for the year.

Here’s to 2025—the year we celebrate ourselves, our resilience, and our power to keep moving forward. Let’s make it one to remember x