My word for 2018

I don’t do resolutions for the New Year. I can’t see making a vague declaration at New Years’ that I’m going to lose weight, stop shopping on Amazon, or quit my beloved coffee addiction.  Crazy, right? Maybe not, when you consider that only about 8% of people stick to their resolutions.

Instead, I have designated a word for the year for the past several years. This word (or sometimes, a phrase) describes for me the shape of the year, and provides a reminder of my overall intention. And setting an intention can be a pretty powerful first step toward manifesting your dreams and goals.

My word for the year also gives me room for growth and new goals as others are achieved and the year unfolds. And sometimes, if you listen hard enough, it speaks. It will guide you, if you follow it.

The past couple years, I’ve kept the same phrase, because it didn’t feel quite “done” yet — it wasn’t ready to leave (it still isn’t, but, I’m letting a new word step up as well). That phrase was “be the light.” This phrase is now something of a mantra for me, and comes up now and then to remind me of my path. It still speaks to me now and then.

For 2018, I’ve designated the word CREATE. Or maybe, it might be better to say that it chose me. As these things do. Bottom line, it’s my word this year and I’m absolutely over the moon for it.

Create:

to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes; to evolve from one’s own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention; (Theater) to perform (a role) for the first time or in the first production of a play; to be the cause or occasion of, give rise to; to cause to happen, bring about, arrange, as by intention or design…

As I was letting it sink in and roll around in my mind that this would be my word for the year, I jotted down the following in my journal.

CREATE.

 

CREATE moments of stillness.

 

CREATE space to breathe.

 

CREATE movement in my body.

 

CREATE nourishing and healthy meals.

 

CREATE new, healthier habits.

 

CREATE attainable goals for self-care, and more.

 

CREATE playtime and instances of wild joy.

 

CREATE opportunities for healing.

 

CREATE a safe space for people to reconnect with both their bodies, and the sacred.

 

CREATE and nurture meaningful, authentic connections.

I can see so many ways this might manifest for me this year – and how I might tap back into my neglected creativity, to reawaken it. Just thinking about it now, I feel energized and motivated all over again. This year is going to be fabulous!