Word of the Year...

by Lindsey Roy

I was visiting with friends on New Year’s Eve regarding this trend of choosing a word of the year. Do you do this? I never have before, but have been pondering it for a couple of days. I want the notion to be additive to my normal consideration set. My “natural” words are GRATITUDE and PERSPECTIVE. I use these lenses frequently and talk about them constantly. And they are helpful in living my every day life.

So for 2019, some additional choices rattling around in my brain…

• THRIVE - what are the choices I can make every day to thrive? I think this one would help me focus on my body/health as well as help me make the most of every day… I have always loved a quote by Maya Angelou that says, “my mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”. I like it. But I also fear I will feel guilty every time I decide to binge on Netflix.

• FOCUS - how can I better be in the moment? How can I be more intentional? This choice could help me remember to not get lost in the abundance of thoughts and to-dos, but really focus on what I deem important. I also like the implied nod to being more intentional. I tend to be more of a serendipitous type of person, so maybe this one will really stretch me. Or is too unaligned with my natural way of being?

• NOW - I am 100% pressure-prompted. Always. I think the proverbial “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today” adage would be quite good for me. If I choose this one, I wouldn’t have a grandiose expectation to change my behavior entirely - nor would I want to (I operate very well under pressure and swear I am quite efficient!). But…I might just save myself a fire drill now and then or accomplish a goal that has been alluding me.

I’ll let you know what I decide… I’m looking forward to hearing what you choose, too!