 My friend Sarah recently shared that for the past few years, she has selected a word as a theme for her coming year and used it to serve as inspiration for the entire year. It’s worked out well for her, and I love the idea. She told me it’s a part of the “My One Word” movement. A quick search on the Internet led me to http://myoneword.org,* which provided an explanation, sample words, testimonials and a book and class on the subject.
For some, the end of one year and beginning of another is a time for reflection. This can lead to thoughts about what we’d like to do differently in the coming year and/or the setting of resolutions (which for many, are just doomed to failure). I rather liked the simplicity of a one-word theme, and it spurred me to think about what my one word could be. I am cognizant of some regrets and unhappiness at the moment, centered on mostly three things: 1. Not going somewhere or doing something because I don’t have the time, money or (fill in the blank) to spare, and 2. The sad state of affairs amongst family members on both sides of the aisle, and 3. My penchant to feel unloved, unwanted, un-included or unappreciated by family and friends (feelings which I’ve been lugging around for quite a few years now). If I had to choose a word to address #1, I think it would be “Go.” Go to movies, go to Portland, go hiking, go to your reunion, go to Virginia and move into that house waiting for you already! I always have reasons why I can’t do these things, or nodding to responsibilities before play, but in the end, I have missed out on some important moments and opportunities that will never come around again and I deeply regret them. Finding a word for #2 and #3 seems harder: Accept? Release? Love? In the end, as much as those two need work, they just doesn’t call to me like “go” does, and because I can’t necessarily resolve the conflicts, in the case of #2, it’s more passive vs. “go,” which puts all the onus on me. I share this with you as you might find a one-word theme might be a nifty concept for your coming year. You might even follow Sarah's lead and get your chosen word created into a piece of art so you can look at it as a reminder of your theme throughout the year. The simplicity of one word instead of a list of mind-numbing resolutions seems doable, rememberable and even fun. Some word themes from the website included Joy, More, Progress, Hopeful, Consistent, Strong, Blameless, Balance, Intentional, Grace, Disciplined, Silent, etc., but I encourage you to try and think of your own before perusing the website. That way it will be more "yours" based on what's truly on your mind to change. And you can see how even if you’re still trying to shed those same twenty pounds that you were last year (or the last five years), using a word such as Disciplined or Consistent might cover that as well as other topics, and seems significantly nicer than berating yourself to stop eating ice cream. Just something to think about. Gotta go! (heh heh) Katherine *There seems to be issues with the website. Not sure if it's becoming defunct or having hosting issues.
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