My One Word

I really cannot believe that another year has flown by – time seems to move faster and faster each year! With the start of a New Year comes New Year’s Resolutions where many of us choose a goal that we are determined to change over the course of the year. For the past few years I’ve given up setting New Year’s Resolutions, mainly for the fact that the goals that I set December 31 or the weeks prior haven’t changed because the date on the calendar changed. I also believe that as we evolve, our goals evolve as well. Over the next 12 months, the person that I am today is going to change in some format – I am going to continue to grow and develop and my goals should too. I believe that our goals should always be a few steps ahead of us because if they are true goals that match our dreams and beliefs then they should be in part what leads us forward.

Don’t get me wrong, I actually don’t think resolutions are bad in theory – as long as it is something that we follow through on and enhance throughout the year. I actually think that there is beautiful way of thinking that comes with the New Year. What I love about the New Year or New Year’s Resolutions is that it symbolizes the start of something new, something that is fresh and in its infancy because when we get the ability to feel like we can “start over” there is nothing that holds us back. There are no past mistakes or regrets. There are no worries – instead there is excitement that we are about to embark on this great journey. That is really how I hope to start every day, not just the new year; by living presently, by seeing each day in its infancy and allowing my dreams to flourish.

So this year, as my goals lead me in the direction of my future, I have begun to “Begin with the End in Mind.” Side note – that saying reminds me of my high school principal and how that was the theme of one of our school years – I absolutely love how wisdom can be passed down and what we can gain from it…End site note. I began reading about picking one word, instead of a resolution to guide you through the New Year. This one word should encompass the person that you want to be your future self and the characteristics that you envision yourself holding. “Begin with the End in Mind.” I began visualizing who I want to be in year and then started to work backwards writing down all the ways I could potentially get there. Most of the time, I feel like I’m following a to-do list, checking off my goals instead of visualizing the future and allowing that to guide me forward.

My word for the year is AWARE. Being aware implies vigilance in observing and alertness in drawing inferences from what one’s experience or showing realization, perception, and knowledge.

I want to be more aware of…

My thoughts – the ones that give me love and the ones that hold me back.
My relationships so that I can continue to nurture and give them love.
What is going on in the world and what is going on in my own life so I can be always reminded to be thankful.
My body and its changes.
The present moment so that I can live currently and peacefully.