As Hoda Kotb prepares to bid farewell to Today after January 10, she shared heartfelt reflections on embracing change, prioritizing family, and entering the New Year with intention. The longtime co-anchor, known for her warmth and authenticity, is stepping back to spend more time with her two young daughters while hinting at continuing some work with NBC in the future.
During an interview with mental wellness advocate Yasmine Cheyenne, Kotb opened up about the challenges and opportunities of life transitions. “I think it’s scary to restart,” Kotb admitted. “Somebody gave me some good advice once: They said when you are taking a leap or a jump, you have to imagine yourself on the other side. It’s almost like imagining what your new life would feel like when you repot or start over again.”
Prioritizing Family and Community
Kotb has been candid about her excitement for this new chapter, especially the chance to walk her two daughters to school every day. “I’ve noticed about myself that I’m more about doing things in community with people,” Kotb shared during a segment with co-host Jenna Bush Hager. “I just decided that I like community better. I go to workout classes—even if I’m not having big conversations, I’m around people who are feeling the same vibe.”
This desire for connection and presence aligns with Cheyenne’s advice for the New Year. The author of The Sugar Jar: Create Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life encourages choosing a single word to guide intentions instead of setting traditional resolutions.
Words to Live By
Kotb resonated with this idea, sharing a friend’s guiding word: “enough.” The phrase encapsulates gratitude and self-acceptance: “I have enough, I am enough, this is enough.”
Cheyenne noted that her own word for 2025 is “abundance,” a theme that Kotb agreed feels uplifting and empowering as she transitions into a new phase of life.
A Message of Inspiration
Kotb’s reflections offer a reminder that change, while daunting, can be an opportunity to grow and rediscover what matters most. With her focus on family, community, and gratitude, she leaves Today with a message of optimism for viewers.
As Kotb steps into her next chapter, may her words inspire us all to embrace life’s transitions with courage and hope—and to have an abundant and fulfilling year ahead.
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