The Profound Lessons of Soul: Walking Into 2025 With Meaning and Presence
Series: Mental Health in Media
As the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves in a reflective state, looking back at the wins and losses, successes and failures of 2024. This annual ritual often leads to creating goals for the coming year—a list that can feel invigorating, grounding, and hopeful. Yet, at times, these resolutions can also feel daunting, unattainable, and exhausting. Despite this, we persist, fueled by the hope that this will be the year we finally accomplish everything on our list.
But what if our purpose isn’t about ticking every box on our checklist? What if there’s more to life than achievement?
On Christmas Day in 2020, Disney Pixar’s Soul premiered on Disney+, delivering a message that hit at the heart of these questions: the meaning of life isn’t found in a singular, grand purpose but in the simple act of living. Watching it for the first time, I was blown away by its profound simplicity. The film challenges us to rethink how we define success and reminds us that life’s richness lies in appreciating the small, everyday moments. For me, and for so many others watching during the height of the pandemic, Soul was the reminder we needed—to pause, breathe, and embrace simply being alive.
In the film, we meet Joe Gardner, a jazz musician whose singular goal is to make it big as a jazz pianist. Joe’s world revolves around his love of music, and he believes that achieving this dream will give his life meaning. But after an untimely accident lands him “dead” and in the Great Before (a whimsical realm where souls find their purpose before going to Earth), Joe’s journey shifts from pursuing his dream to rediscovering what it means to truly live. Along the way, he meets 22, a soul who’s reluctant to go to Earth and believes life has nothing to offer. Together, their journey reveals the beauty in moments so small they’re often overlooked: feeling the breeze on your face, savoring a slice of pizza, or watching leaves fall from a tree in autumn.
What stood out most to me was the concept of “lost souls” in the movie. These are individuals consumed by obsession or fear, depicted as wandering in a foggy, disconnected state. One poignant example is Joe’s own journey—he becomes so fixated on achieving his dream of playing jazz professionally that he’s blind to the simple joys of his everyday life. How many of us have felt like this? Caught up in the endless grind, consumed by work, or chasing goals to the point where we forget to actually enjoy the process of living?
Fast forward almost five years later, and here we are, back to our checkbox-making, goal-chasing routines. In some ways, we’ve moved on from the stillness the pandemic forced upon us, but in doing so, have we also forgotten the lessons it taught us? Soul serves as a timeless reminder: while goals are important, they should never consume us to the point that we lose sight of the beauty around us.
The film also offers a profound exploration of purpose. Early on, Joe believes that his “spark” for jazz is his sole reason for living. But as he journeys through the Great Before and revisits moments from his life, he realizes that his purpose isn’t confined to a single passion. It’s found in the way he experiences life as a whole—in connecting with others, in teaching, and in appreciating the present. This reframing of purpose resonates deeply, especially in a world that often equates success with productivity.
So, as you write your resolutions for 2025, I invite you to approach them with a different mindset. Yes, set goals—they give us direction and purpose. But don’t let them define your entire existence. Instead, make space to be present and savor the moments that make life truly meaningful. Here are some ways to embrace the lessons of Soul in your own life:
Pause and notice the small things. Think about the scene where Joe (really 22) watches a leaf fall to the ground or experiences the joy of tasting pizza for the first time. How often do we rush through life without appreciating these simple pleasures? Take a moment each day to notice something beautiful, whether it’s the warmth of the sun on your skin or the laughter of a loved one.
Redefine success. In the film, Joe’s big break doesn’t bring the fulfillment he expected. Success isn’t always about reaching a milestone; it can be about the journey, the connections we make, and the experiences we cherish along the way. Reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment, beyond external achievements.
Let go of perfection. 22’s hesitation to live stems from the belief that life needs to have a grand purpose. How often do we hold back because we’re afraid of not doing things “perfectly”? Give yourself permission to make mistakes, try new things, and embrace life’s messiness.
Avoid becoming a “lost soul.” Just like the lost souls in Soul, it’s easy to become consumed by stress, ambition, or fear. When you notice yourself feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, take a step back. Reconnect with the present moment through mindfulness, a walk in nature, or a conversation with a friend.
Make presence a resolution. Instead of focusing solely on achievements, consider setting an intention to be more present in 2025. This might mean spending more time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, or simply slowing down to appreciate the world around you.
It’s worth noting that being present and redefining purpose doesn’t mean abandoning your ambitions. Goals are a vital part of growth, but they should coexist with mindfulness and self-compassion. Think about Joe’s transformation in the movie: when he lets go of his singular obsession, he doesn’t stop playing jazz—he plays with more passion and joy because he’s no longer weighed down by the pressure to succeed. Without the constant need to chase validation or measure up to impossible standards, Joe reconnects with the true essence of his passion. This transformation is a powerful reminder that when we release the fear of failure and the weight of expectations, we create space for creativity, spontaneity, and genuine joy to thrive. In the same way, you might find that by easing the pressure to be perfect or to constantly achieve, your own pursuits can feel lighter, more fulfilling, and deeply connected to what truly matters to you
As we step into a new year, let’s remember the wisdom of Soul: life isn’t just about checking boxes or chasing goals. It’s about finding meaning in the everyday, the in-between, and the moments that take us by surprise. So yes, write your resolutions, but let the most important one be this: to live, fully and wholeheartedly, in 2025.
If this idea resonates with you, and you’re ready to explore how to find balance, joy, and presence in your own life, therapy can be a wonderful place to start. Whether it’s working on mindfulness, redefining success, or processing what’s holding you back, our Angel City Therapy Therapists would be honored to support you on this journey.
At Angel City Therapy, we believe in the power of therapy to help you:
Rediscover your passions and values.
Connect with your authentic self.
Create a life filled with purpose and joy.
Schedule your initial consultation today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and meaning-making.
