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It’s almost a new year. I’m finding the older I get, the quicker time passes and I wish for a pause button, or at least a slo-mo button because I seem to miss so much.
I’ve never been big on resolutions. I saw them as setting myself up to fail. I didn’t want to tell others my goals or ideas fearing their judgment so I just kept ideas close to my heart.
have you heard of “the word of the year”? According to Elizabeth Rider, “instead of a rigid resolution, a word of the year is your constant (yet gentle) reminder to focus on creating positive change. Use your word of the year to help guide your decisions and continue moving towards what you want.”
So many people swear by this but it hasn’t worked for me. “Persistent” was my word in 2019. And 2020. And 2021! I never gave up on anything so I guess it had an effect, although giving up was never an option.
Sierra Bailey (if you don’t follow her, you want to – mssierrabailey.com) goes with the list method, asking that we identify things/changes/goals we see in the best version of our lives. This year it’s to list 22 things that you want to do in 2022, According to Sierra, think about the areas where you need an extra nudge. It could be Intellectual, Emotional, or Physical, Familial, Social, or Spiritual or Vocational (work), Avocational (hobbies) or Financial. Once you figure this out, Sierra says to make a list, short range, mid-range, long-range. It’s supposed to be fun, not stressful, supposed being the operative word! Unless it’s just a grocery list, it’s stressful for me, but I’ve started:
Physical: walk a 5K try stand up paddle-boarding
Familial: document all the family “heirlooms” with photos and stories for the grandgirls. take a trip with both.
Avocation: unbox the telescope I bought last July. dust off my camera.
That’s only six – 16 more to go!
Maybe
Read 22 presidential biographies. Go to jazz nights on the Seawall. Watch the start of the Harvest Moon regatta. Go to Oktoberfest. Feed my spirituality. Go to ArtWalk. Take one of our bucket list trips with my college friends.
One of the best things about being an Army brat and moving so often was the opportunity to reinvent myself at each new duty assignment. Maybe that’s what I need now!
As for the word of the year: I have realized over the past ten months that I must take better care of myself. I have several who depend on my and even the flight attendants tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before trying to help others. Any word I could think of me-centric, like self-care or self-love or self-aware sounds so...well, self-ish and as someone who is a giver (almost to the point of doormat) that is too far outside my comfort zone.
Maybe reinvent?
Maybe a letter would be better?
F = focus, family, faith, fulfillment.
I am open to suggestions.
My word for you is wonder-filled. Have a wonderful, wonder-filled holiday!
Happy New Year!
