Each year instead of setting a New Year’s resolution, I come up with a Word of the Year. It’s been a really fun exercise in mindfulness and self-compassion.
Because it is so vague, there aren’t any specific goals I could later beat myself up over not achieving, and there is also a lot of flexibility on what the year could look like. I don’t remember exactly when I started this practice; at least a decade ago. I’ve themed my year around words like
Creativity
Athlete
Simplify
Minimalist
Bliss
And as I’ve said, this year is Thoughtful. In just the first few days of this year I’ve already noticed myself being more kind to others, more helpful, more generous, more patient. I hope this year looks like one where I am more clean and orderly because I pay more attention to my environment. I hope I become known as someone who responds authentically and with presence. I hope my meditation practice deepens. I hope I am less wasteful and slow down.
If this idea inspires you, go ahead and give it a try. Comment below if you’d like to share how you can honor yourself with a Word of the Year.
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