Here we are on the other side of that magical divide that makes up a year. And, like each of the previous years, I’ve picked a word to be my guiding focus for the year ahead.
Thinking about last year
Last year, 2022, my word was Illuminate. I was astonished at how many different ways the word showed up for me throughout the year. Certain things were made clear, or illuminated, for me as I moved through the year. Then, on more than one occasion, I realized the word was at work when people told me I had helped them to see things from a different perspective. In effect lighting the way.
Although at times 2022 had its fair share of challenges, (doesn't every year?) overall when I look back I do see a clearly illuminated path and feel grateful that we managed to navigate a number of difficult situations.
I was once again struck by how very powerfully a word can show up in your life and business when you choose it to be your primary focus for an entire year.
Choosing a word for 2023
Now for 2023! I had thought I had my word but then realized it wasn't resonating or sitting very well. I picked another word and during a gathering of a sisterhood of amazing women I belong to shared it with everyone. I was positive that this new word was the one and now that I had spoken it aloud in the presence of others it would be so. However it soon became clear that wasn't my word either.
Feeling more than a little off-kilter I decided to stop trying so hard and trust that the word would come to me. It's amazing sometimes what happens when we let go and let flow simply move through us and the situation at hand.
While it didn't happen immediately, my word did eventually reveal itself. For me there's a sense of “click” or rightness that happens when I somehow stumble on the word that I believe I'm meant to focus on for the year ahead. This year it's
Celebrate.
Definition of Celebrate verb (used with object), cel·e·brat·ed, cel·e·brat·ing.
to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities:to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.
to make known publicly; proclaim:The newspaper celebrated the end of the war in red headlines.
to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice, as through newspapers or novels:a novel celebrating the joys of marriage; the countryside celebrated in the novels of Hardy.
to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize:to celebrate a marriage.
Thoughts about Celebrate
When I think about Celebrate I feel infused with a sense of joy. An almost it's-about-time feeling. I've realized that the last few years have been so challenging for so many of us on a number of different levels that perhaps we've not been celebrating as much as we should. Plus I know stress levels are high. A number of clients have expressed a sense of blah and frustration with what is going on in the world.
Having chosen Celebrate as my word of the year my initial thinking is to make room in my life to celebrate every thing. The big things, certainly, but even the little things. To find ways to incorporate more celebration into my everyday.
I'm also creating a goal for myself to be more mindful, to help family, friends, my clients, and others I'm working with to celebrate more. Perhaps we'll create celebratory rituals or find ways to help us all infuse that sense of celebration into life. I really can't say what will show up. But I do know I'm excited for the year ahead and cannot wait to see how this world reveals itself throughout 2023.
