Woty-Word of the year
It is inevitable you and I both expect to continue being flooded with New Year's everything for weeks, even months. It seems daunting for so many: the pressures, the incentives, the never-ending battle with what's trending versus what your vessel might actually need. You may have contemplated committing to another health program, gym membership, or eliminating sugar for real this time. All this is not to poke fun at those who resolve to add these goals with good intentions into their existing routine and lifestyle but to realize the insane pressures we sometimes assign to ourselves.
Last year, I recognized this for myself. I decided to have a word that I could use to help navigate my thoughts, actions, etc. "If I can be led, at any time, by a word as a reminder and guide, I will be able to hone in on the excitement of things to come and change." Kudos to any of you who remember the word that guided me, but in case you didn't know, the word was discipline.
"Small moments of intent grounded in and propelled by a single, powerful word. A word that reigns command and control while being simplistic in form. The form of a collection of letters put together to make a sound that absorbs into my soul."
Now, the good part you are waiting for: did my word lead me, or did I dismiss it like a typical resolution made in years prior would have been denied? The truth is, I didn't always utilize the word or meaning I attached to my year. I could have used it more intentionally during interactions, decision-making, boundary-setting, etc. But the part I wrote about loving my body, I did that! Let me explain. I found the link between gut health and brain function, the idea that mushrooms have extraordinary health benefits beyond immune health, and that good walking shoes actually make you want to walk. I also disciplined my thoughts when I look at the sagging anything on my body, and I realized if I don't start loving "it" now, I may never. Even sitting at the dinner table, being open and authentic with my boys on topics I never thought I would be able to have. So, I will commend myself and clap for the times I was disciplined to recognize the shift happening in real-time. An adjustment in discipline also took place with what some call, the art of doing nothing. Many cultures celebrate and encourage this, literally scheduling time to do nothing. Why don't we? Listening to your body tell you to sit down, read, or rest and just be doesn't make you un-disciplined to being a workaholic or thinking you must always be doing something. It makes you in tune with your body.
This year, I have discovered, not only through my own experiences but through all of you, that we all could use a "word" of encouragement this year ahead and maybe even for life. Let me explain. I've met and heard so many of you and your life's journey. Some of you have battled cancer, and some of you lost someone to cancer. I've prayed for those who are going through fertility battles and custody battles. I have even talked to you about your travels and the inconvenience of getting to the said destination. Many of us question the "right" next step, whether with kids, marriage, career, or a new skincare routine. And at the end of the day, you and someone you know or have met is persevering. Through life!
You can commend yourself proudly at the end of the day (and year). You persevered through! It may not have felt like it, and it may not feel like it now, but you did. And you will. Because if you wake up, you are still living in your purpose. And when you don't know what to do, remember waiting is an action. And if you make the wrong decisions, be assured your destiny can not be for anyone else; the universe and your inner knowing will get you back on track. Just keep doing one thing: persevere.
The real question is, how do I plan to persevere when I feel like quitting? That small, still voice won't leave me alone when I don't push through. I will continue to listen and trust that guiding voice. I will tell someone I trust. Its accountability. It’s speaking it out loud to the universe. And, I'm aware that when I tell someone, and it changes five more times, explaining myself could look a certain way, and that's okay. Lastly, I think it's important to remember your why: Why you started, had the interest, once loved it, or have always been curious, WHY!? That alone can guide you back to why persevering now is exactly what you need to be experiencing.
So this year is not a "new year, new me"; it's the same me, but evolving through experience, discipline, and perseverance. Whatever your resolution or word, I support you. This journey is yours. Trust yourself, be kind to yourself, and love others along the way. And remember:
"We are never starting over. We are moving forward in a perfectly planned progression of lessons."-unknown
Caveat: To get there, you must persevere.
Happy New Year.