Two weeks ago, my blog post Word of the Year talked about how beneficial it can be to name the outgoing year with a single word. It can act as the period at the end of the year’s sentence—the summation of a whole year of highs and lows, insights and feelings, growths and setbacks.
I also find this to be a good time of year to set an intention for the twelve months ahead. Rather than making a number of unrelated New Year’s resolutions, I set one word as my intention and then let the resolutions and goals flow from that word.
We are wrapping up a year that many of us experienced as unprecedented, difficult and even traumatic. But the year ahead is full of possibility, hope and new beginnings. So let’s leave 2020 behind and focus on the good that can—and will—come in 2021.
I invite you to try the following exercise to help you establish your word of the year for 2021:
- Set a timer for five minutes. On a sheet of paper, brainstorm your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. (This may include things like “nurture friendships,” “save money” or “get healthy.”)
- When the timer goes off, reread your goals and underline key words. What patterns do you see? What words appear more than once?
- Summarize your goals in one word or short phrase.
- Make your word prominent so you can’t forget it! Draw it in pretty letters on the cover of your journal. Write it in big, bold letters and hang it on your refrigerator. Make it into a screen saver on your phone. Do what you need to do to make sure your word is front and center all year long.
- Once you have your word, your goals or resolutions should come naturally. And in the year ahead, when you have a decision to make about how you spend your time or energy, refer to your word for guidance.
In the year ahead, I am aiming for Balance. Balance in my work and home life. Balance in the way I care for my mind, body and spirit. Balance in meeting my needs while caring for others and for the planet. Balance.
What word is calling to you for 2021?
—Andi Lewis, Prairiewoods marketing coordinator