December 27, 2024
Each year, I choose a Word of the Year—a meaningful term to guide my personal and professional focus. As the Executive Director at The Westbury Senior Living in Columbia, Missouri, the start of a new year always feels like a fresh opportunity to reset, refocus, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. My 2024 word perfectly aligned with my season of life, acting as an anchor and influencing how I led my team, supported families, and cared for residents. Looking back, I’m amazed at how much my Word of the Year shaped 2024.
In 2024, my Word of the Year was balance. As a new leader with Arrow Senior Living and a seasoned Executive Director with over a decade of experience, achieving balance felt essential. Having raised a family and navigated the challenges of the pandemic, I aimed to rediscover the personal and professional satisfaction I experienced earlier in my career.
To create balance in my work life, I prioritized building an inspired and empowered leadership team. Knowing The Westbury is guided by knowledgeable and passionate individuals allowed me to achieve a sense of peace. It also created space for the work-life balance we all strive for. At home, as a newly empty-nested parent, I shifted focus inward. I made time for yoga, reconnecting with friends, reading, and exploring creative outlets. While maintaining balance wasn’t always easy, the reminder above my desk—a simple Post-it note reading “Balance”—kept me centered.
Balance became both a theme and a challenge throughout the year, requiring intentional effort to uphold. It meant fostering a culture of support and collaboration within our team. Building a dedicated group of leaders required understanding when to step forward and when to step back. By empowering others, we cultivated a shared confidence that strengthens us as a team.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’ve chosen creative as my Word of the Year. This word embodies my intention to innovate, think outside the box, and bring fresh perspectives to challenges and opportunities. Creativity will shape how I lead, engage with residents, support families, and collaborate with team members. It’s an invitation to infuse energy and inspiration into all aspects of life and work.
As 2025 approaches, I’m reflecting on the lessons of balance and preparing for a year of creativity. Choosing a Word of the Year is not about having all the answers—it’s about setting an intention and remaining open to the journey it inspires.
What will your Word of the Year be for 2025? Let’s make this a year filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful moments.
To create balance at work, my priority was building an inspired and empowered leadership team. Knowing The Westbury is guided by capable, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals creates a sense of peace and allows for the work-life balance we all strive for.
Are you looking to join a workplace where collaboration and support are at the heart of everything we do? At The Westbury Senior Living, we’re dedicated to empowering our team members to thrive personally and professionally.
We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team.
View Open PositionsThe Westbury Senior Living in Columbia, MO offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near University Hospital and Boone Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mizzou Tigers, Columbia Mall, The Broadway Shops, MKT Nature and Fitness Trail, Finger Lake State Park, and LA Nickell Golf Course.
