Word of the Year 2023
Do you choose a word of the year?
I posted on my new Instagram account about my word of the year this morning.
My word of the year is ‘Grow’.
I like the idea of a word of the year, it’s simpler than resolutions. Last year I didn’t for the first time in a few years. I still had Long Covid, and did not know what the future held. I also had terrible brain fog so couldn’t express intentions in a word as my brain fog was still strong, and I was fearful of whether I would recover - which I thankfully have.
Choosing a word of the year can set an intention for the year, in the simplest form.
I chose the word ‘grow’ because I intend to grow myself, my Therapy Toolbox course, and help other women to grow too. It will be a slow-grow. I don’t believe adding additional pressure on myself or to others is helpful when many of us are having a hard time at the moment. An attitude of self compassion and kindness must underpin all our actions.
Past words for me have been ‘inspire’ ‘create’ and ‘courage’. I didn’t think too much about them on a daily basis. Rather, the word floats into my mind now and then, and it helps me focus, make decisions, track and notice how I am living and being.
I love mulling and chewing over my word that arrived in my head today. Grow. It is in one of my favourite expressions too:
‘Feed what you want to grow.’
A mediation teacher once said it while I was on a retreat over a decade ago, and it stuck. I refer to it somewhere in my Therapy Toolbox course; I think in the habits section. If we feed the parts of our life that are important to us, and stop feeding the parts that aren’t, or no longer serve us, we find clarity in our decisions and actions each day.
We set our compass and follow where it leads - like our word of the year.
Better than New Year’s Resolutions
Many prefer this to making new year’s resolutions. January is the hardest month of the year, for me and for many. We can feel fragile after all the festivities, a time that brings pain for many of us. The days are so short; it is cold and wet here in the UK, often low light which can affect our mood and even our sleep. Although New Year can offer hope and renewal, it also brings the unease of uncertainty. Take care of yourself today and every day.
How to Choose your Word of the Year
How you want to feel this year?
What is your biggest priority?
What do you love most about yourself?
What inspires you at the moment?
If you were to choose a word for this year, what would it be?
Happy New Year! Wishing you a peaceful and growthful 2023.
The Therapy Toolbox Course is available from January 9th 2023. Join the mailing list and see the full outline here.
