What’s Your Word for 2020…
10...9...8...7.... Happy New Year!!!!
I don't know about you, but sometimes I meet the "New Year = New You" remark with a massive eye roll. I find myself replying back “um, New Year, Same Me”.
Yet, here I am, with just one more day before January 1st, feeling energized about the New Year - a new decade! Anticipatory about all I can become, all I will embrace, all the changes and joys and challenges I will intersect with this coming year.
I believe we are a people longing for rejuvenation. We are a people primed for growth and change. Perhaps in the routine and structure of every day life we don't get enough of it? We have grand plans and beautiful ideas and eagerness for healthy habits, yet we put them off for the ever-looming "tomorrow".
December comes barreling in as the last month of the year and the hustle and bustle of the holidays descend upon us…
We travel.
We make merry.
We reflect.
We spend time with loved ones.
We cry at the drop of hat because this life is just so dang beautiful and emotions run high during the holidays (…anyone? Just me?)
And everything about our routine is shaken up.
And then, the final days of a year inch forward and we find ourselves encouraged that we are able to start anew.
Of course, January 1st is not a magical day.
We have the choice each and every moment to start anew!
To choose wellness, love, curiosity, kindness, courage... but there is something about a brand-new chapter - and fresh start back at the count of one - that I think triggers something in us to say, “Why not?” “Why not lean into this rejuvenation and start something new?”
Are you familiar with that popular CliftonStrengths Tool? It's a favorite of mine for self-awareness (I’ve been a personal fan of the assessment for years and utilize it with clients when appropriate). There’s plenty we could unpack about this resource, but let me tell you why it relates to the New Year.
I have a confession for you.
Of all the 34 Strengths possible “Achiever" comes in dead last. Ha! Pair that with "Competition" finding it's way at the bottom of the list at #32 and suffice it to say that the idea of a bunch of New Year’s goals and resolutions is certainly not innately appealing to me. I come alive with the Strengths such as “Developer, Connectedness, and Adaptability” (all in my top 5).
But, what I have found over the years is that while setting a goal and getting myself all amped up to achieve it doesn’t resonate with me, setting an intention for the year has been extremely meaningful.
For example, my word for 2018 was Grace. I was young in my business and the reminder for 365 days to give myself (and others) heaps and heaps of grace was just what I needed.
My word for 2019 was Cherish. It’s been helpful to reflect on how this intention impacted actions and relationships throughout this year in such a beautiful way.
And ...drum roll please...my word for 2020 is EXPANSION. Oh, I just love it! I can barely let it roll off my tongue without wanting to stretch my arms out wide, puff up my chest, and smile. =)
The beautiful thing about setting an intention like this is that it’s incredibly personal and unique to YOU. For instance, I get to choose for myself how to define “expansion”. I have the gift of envisioning expanding in all the different areas of my life that I wish to.
And you do to.
On these final days of 2019, my wish for you is to reflect on the prior 363 days with gratitude. To be in awe - truly - of how strong you are. How resilient, how brave, how generous, how committed, how compassionate, how ________ (you fill in the blank).
Even though it’s quite possible there are things undone, goals unmet, or wounds from the year to assuage, these 365 days have made you who you are today. So, even if you’re in the camp of “I don’t need New Year’s resolutions!” (More power to ya.)
I simply encourage you to not let the rejuvenation of this season pass you by.
But to take a breath, reflect, and find your word for 2020.
