Summary

The author reflects on the past year's chosen word, "Strength," and its significance in navigating personal challenges and transitions, while contemplating a new word, "Explore," for the upcoming year.

Abstract

The article is a personal narrative by an individual who selects a guiding word each year to shape their experiences and mindset. This year, the word "Strength" was pivotal in facing the loss of a friend to bowel cancer, supporting family through cancer diagnoses and miscarriages, enduring financial hardships, and coping with multiple house moves. Despite these challenges, the author also celebrated positive developments, such as a daughter's upcoming birth and a new romantic relationship. As the year concludes, the author is drawn to the word "Explore" for the next chapter, signaling a desire for both physical travel and emotional growth.

Opinions

The author finds the practice of choosing a word for the year to be beneficial for personal focus and growth.
"Strength" was not just a passive concept but an active force that helped the author and their family persevere through difficult times.
There is an acknowledgment of the emotional toll of miscarriages and the importance of discussing such topics openly.
The author believes in the power of positive thinking and its role in overcoming adversity.
The transition from "Strength" to "Explore" represents a shift towards new experiences and optimism for the future.
The author values the act of sharing one's word for the year with others as a form of connection and support.

New Beginnings| Fresh Start

Did My Word For the Year Get Me Through?

Reviewing the year, choosing your word for the new year

Each year, I choose a word to carry me through the year.

One year it was ACTION.

HOPE was needed on another.

This year, STRENGTH has kept me going through some challenging moments.

As we approach the end of the year, I find it mindful to take time to review. Examine how my word has served me.

I also take time to allow what word will find me for the next year.

Strength has seen me through 2023.

In January a friend lost her battle with bowel cancer. I did my test, and you should too. In November, my best friends of over 20 years, husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He took the test, and thankfully it was found early. He has just had his operation and is recovering. Strength.

January and March strength was needed when my youngest daughter suffered two miscarriages. I haven’t had the strength to write about those yet, but maybe I will soon. Strength was needed to help her through that emotional period.

Strength came through on my youngest daughter’s wedding day in April, filled with happiness but also sadness as they had planned to announce their news. She would have been three months pregnant, but there was nothing to share. We didn’t even tell guests. There is this mystery around miscarriage that no one talks about. Yes, maybe I should write about it.

Financially, the first six months of the year were tough. I was financially obligated to two houses; I was renting to be closer to my daughter whilst having rented out my own house. My tenant gave notice, and I planned to move back to my house. However, there was an interim period where I had to meet the costs of both homes before I could do so. To say it was a tough financial period was an understatement! Strength was knowing this would pass. And it has. Strength came when I moved into my own house in May. The financial relief was immense.

After over 20 house moves over the years, this last move got to me. I was simply tired of moving. As I unpacked the last box, I vowed never to move again, unless I’m leaving in my own box.

June and July are the anniversary months of the loss of my mum, dad, sister and husband. 💔

August saw my brother-in-law being diagnosed with terminal cancer. I spent a week with my sister in Spain trying not to think of the inevitable and what was ahead. I wrote of my travels; I couldn’t tackle the sadness. We lost him a week ago. 💔

But strength also took me over some positive periods, like my daughter and son-in-law announcing that they are expecting again, a baby due in March 2024, and the strength to think positive thoughts.

It took strength to move forward and start again. I started dating after a 10-year gap. Quick update, we are still together entering six months since the first meeting. I often catch myself smiling when I am thinking of him.

Strength has also been positive and has given me the courage to move forward. It has served me well this year.

Picking a word for the year, helps me focus on ways that I want to emphasize in my life in the coming year.

I usually take time to sit with myself.

Here are some of the words that have come to me as possibilities for the next year. Feel free to use them if they resonate with you.

Healing. Happiness. Calm. Joy. Experience. Explore. Connect

The one that’s calling now is Explore.

I’ve been wanting to travel more, Thailand, in particular, has been calling my name.

Maybe 2024, will be my year to explore.

But not just physical exploration.

Emotionally too, the time to explore where my new relationship will go.

Explore what is ahead in the next phase of life.

I invite you to choose a word for the year.

Tag me, I’d love to know what word found you.

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