(Reading Time: 3 minutes)
I choose a one word theme every year. It’s a good catalyst to review the past 12 months and look forward to the next. My word focuses and inspires me too. It’s not a goal, it’s not a resolution – call it an intention if you will.
I’m in good company since Gretchen Rubin, Dean Shareski, and Chris Kennedy choose, talk and write about their words for the year. Rubin in particular makes it a cornerstone of what she wants to accomplish and tries to make the word multi-layered and interesting. For example, one year her word was “Salt”. So creative!
My word in 2023 was Nurture. I needed some gentleness coming out of a tough year and also wanted to nurture my fledgling plans for this third act. It was a good reminder of what’s important as I took time to listen, reflect, ask others’ opinions and consider my experiences, my hopes and my dreams.
In 2024, I’m building: business, new routines, relationships, interests and passions. My job over the past years was stimulating and rewarding and kept my mind and spirit active and engaged. My career in education was absolutely amazing, and I’m so grateful to everyone who had a part in it. Even so, when you have an intense and demanding job, a lot of stuff goes by the wayside. You make a tradeoff between career goals, and, well, other things. I did prioritize so I had time for my partner, exercise, a little singing and reading, but it was never enough.
So what might this year look like? I’ve come up with six categories where I can build:
Reaching Out: There are so many wonderful people in my life. This year I will reach out to those who I’ve seen sporadically and go for walks, have coffee, maybe see a movie. I’ll help my sister celebrate a big birthday coming up. I’ll spend more time with my mom and dad. I’ll make connections with friends more regularly and entertain at our place.
Raising My Profile: I have a good network in the province and in Hamilton, especially in education. I want to expand that to connect with more people for conversations, community events and volunteerism in board governance.
Reflecting and Writing: Renew my blog and write more. Plain and simple. In 2020, my one word was Write. And then the pandemic intervened and I lost the will to do it. Looking back, I can see how it happened – I simply didn’t have the bandwidth. But now I do.
Reading More Non-Fiction: I read a lot, but mostly fiction. I have lists of non-fiction books to read, and especially on anti-racism and Indigenous topics. I’ve made a start and am currently reading both Yardwork by Daniel Coleman (a Hamilton author) and Mamaskatch by Darrel McLeod. I usually have a couple of books on the go depending on what I feel like reading. I’ll admit one of them is always fiction – can’t fight what you love.
Rehearsing: Joined another choir (that makes two) and still singing on my own. It’s the best way I know to achieve flow and that feels great.
Regular Swims, Walks, Yoga: These are all things I really enjoy and I want to do more of them.
Have you chosen a word or an intention for this year? Why not share in the comments and start a conversation.
Here the full list of my previous #OneWord posts.
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