Thank You Notes #37
How One Word Can Bring Cheer to Your Year
A Word Becomes a Mantra
I never thought about a word for the year. In fact, I thought it was a bit hokey. I mean, how can one word change the trajectory of your life?
Until I decided to give it a go. I chose the word — adventure. Actually, I didn’t choose the word. The word chose me. My husband gave me a birthday card (I’m a summer baby) and it screamed adventure. It showed an image of two people, a man, and a woman, jumping off a cliff.
With an upcoming book tour suddenly put on hold because of COVID, I needed some adventure. I remember staring at the card for the longest time, wishing we were the two individuals jumping off a cliff into the ocean. At that moment, I knew that the word “adventure” would be my word for 2021.
That one word unfolded into a variety of cheerful events that summed up the adventure.
First, it was the adventure of closing a business. Then it was the adventure of moving across the country.
Why not camp across? That brings a host of new adventures! I presented the idea to my husband. His eyes lit up and my heart beamed. That one word — adventure — was showing up with cheer in ways unimagined.
Then, the adventure continued as we drove the behemoth UHaul into campgrounds and set up our tent. In one campground, the tires of the UHaul got stuck in the mud. That was a whole other kind of adventure.
The adventure of sitting under the stars at night became a light in my heart, a piece of me stolen away for many years, now returning to whisper into my soul. It was a wonderful time to sense the spaciousness of life and know that I am loved, but my existence is small compared to the vastness of the world. When you stare up at the night sky, the stars can speak amazing things. And, no, I’m not crazy.
So, as I think about the end of this year and what the new year holds, I am aware that choosing a word or two or three, as Trista Signe Ainsworth has done, can keep you focused. It becomes an intention for the year, a gentle reminder, a theme for the year. One word can do that.
Choosing a word for the year instead of a New Year’s Resolution can be less daunting because it gives you permission and clarity. It ushers in intentionality to create something new—perhaps a new you. It becomes a mantra that guides you into becoming a better you.
After two long years of not connecting, I’m adding Connection to my already chosen word of Adventure, because I don’t feel I am supposed to let go of adventure yet.
I hope that through new adventures, I will make new connections. I hope they become lifelong connections and adventures that create lifelong memories.
I hope my gratitude journal grows as I become more aware of all the things I can be grateful for. This brings me to a third word, “New.”
A few years ago, I was promised that new things would happen (Is. 43:19). It was slow to unfold, but I sense more will happen.
I hope my writing evolves into something new, fresh, and inspirational.
I hope to connect with new people through my writing.
I hope my writing takes me on new adventures.
I hope my words pave a way for gentle conversations that are life-giving for myself and others.
I hope to connect with my inner self in ways I never imagined.
What about you? What do you hope for in 2022? Can it become a word(s) for you? Drop me a comment!
If you are not already a Medium member and would like to join the fun, click below. A portion of your membership will be allotted to me, which will help me continue doing what I am called to do. I appreciate your consideration.
If you would like to receive an email every time I write an article, please sign up HERE.
I am thankful for everyone who stops by to read. I recently turned to freelance writing as a full-time job. If you’re interested in buying me a cup of coffee, I would appreciate it! Click HERE.