I love resolutions. I make them often and have little problems with seeing them through. One day I can resolve to pick up a daily yoga practice and like that I've got my leg behind my head. The next day I can resolve to stop eating grains and never look back. I can decide I want to see the sunrise over Everest and book a ticket to Kathmandu – all in one morning. I can quit my job and find more success doing my own thing.
But I'm often left in a tailspin of never enough and what's next.
Every New Year's Eve Jeremy and I play this game where we pick one word to describe the past year and one word to focus on for the next.
This year I have four words – four concepts – that I want to focus on defining, capturing, shaping, and sharing throughout 2013. I'll elaborate further, throughout the year, but for now here's where my head is at for now:
Illuminate // From within...
Radiate // This little light of mine...
Liberate // I want to celebrate live-out-loud non-conformity.
Hydrate // I'm thirsty for knowledge, story, travel and adventure. I also need to drink more water.
So this year I resolve to explore these words and how they can bring focus to my present moment. To let the way I want to feel, and the person I want to be, dictate my actions. To forget about the destination and instead focus on the adventure that's happening right here, right now.
What is your word (or words) for 2013?
P.S. The image above is a sunset I was admiring the other day from I-35 in OKC. I tried to capture it on Instagram but it hardly did it justice. You can follow my Instagram here: http://instagram.com/andkathleen
yes!!! So much YES! This is what I do as well---I am a brilliant resolutioner, but also find that I always need to be on the next resolution high. Addicted? Perhaps, but I love this way to self-fulfillment or betterment. Wonderful post, wonderful words. Do you find yourself shocked at how these words shape your year? I found that all resolutions I have written down in the past 3 years have absolutely come true. Oddly the year I wrote 'rejuvenate' I ended up having our 3rd baby. I intended rejuvenate to mean more sleep and rest for myself, but it ended up meaning bringing a deeply energetic and intensely loving/cuddly boy to our family. Framing in resolutions is key, I've learned! Happy 2013 J&K. You add much much-ness to our lives through this blog!
ReplyDeleteMeet The Wahlquists - Oh my, resolution high sounds fitting. My sister once told me that she read that once we make big decisions (like quitting our jobs to work for ourselves) we become addicted to them. I totally feel like a big-resolution addict.
ReplyDeleteLast year my word was Wabi-Sabi - finding the beauty and perfection in the imperfect and impermanent. I think I'll carry that one with me for life.
I also resolve to use the word "muchness" more often.
Happy new year to you and your family!
Your words are so fantastically you, Kathleen. I'm still meditating on mine, and hopefully they will materialize in the next few days. We'll see what sort of magic I can storm up this year -- and I can't wait to see what you do!
ReplyDeleteLove the word hydrate solely based on your definition! What a fantastic exercise, my mind is churning right now. I would say my word would be "necessitate". Lately I've gotten sucked into frivolous purchases, carried on friendships that have passed their expiration date, etc. I need to simplify and really figure out what I need - it's time to be a little selfish. Even with food, I've indulged to the point where I need to bring myself back to center with food that is nourishing, that my body needs to stay energized. With the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I got caught up in food that didn't exactly give me the best energy. I want to focus on clearing up my wants vs. needs and hone in on what I need, and make life practical for me.
ReplyDeleteI spent so much of my young adult life ALWAYS looking so far ahead, I almost missed out on what I was doing. Then the last two years have been spent mourning what I was before my thyroid was removed and my health kinda tanked for two years.
ReplyDeleteMy emotional resolution for 2013 is to embrace the phrase "You are here." To me, it holds so much promise. I can be present and LOVE the present, while I can see this place, this moment, as a jumping off point for the future. I am here. I'm going places, too, but I am here.
And I'm glad you're here. XO
I love that you are choosing more than one word. Me too! So far it's Expand, Hone and Sharpen ... but we'll see ... I still have some time left!
ReplyDeleteLove!
ReplyDeleteI have made a few concrete resolutions, but I love the idea of having words to explore as well.
I think these are great! (And hydrate in the literal sense is something I've been thinking about lately too...)
Happy New Year!
This year my goals are to write more and eat less sugar. Not as profound as yours but they'll be plenty challenging.
ReplyDeleteMy word is Gracious. I re-read your sage burning post recently. I may need to acquire some.
ReplyDeleteFor 2012 my word was growth; and it was not without growing pains, but so worth it.
ReplyDeleteFor 2013 I have 2 words: health and simplify.
Loved this post! You're a motivator and an inspiration :-)
I don't know how to condense this into single words, but lately I've been thinking a lot about my track record of being insatiably discontent. I have been thinking that perhaps the key to satisfaction might possibly lie in delving into the values that Young Me holds dear, and some how making those jive with the values that Adult Me holds close... As the two personalities seem to clash heads in a major way. I don't know what the word would be. Compromise is wrong. Condensing is wrong. Agreement is wrong. But somehow, melding these two shcizophrenic Me's into one functional Me, getting the two to quit arguing. This is what I am looking for. If I am lucky... it will be the great accomplishment of 2013.
ReplyDeleteBe.
ReplyDeletePlay.
Laugh.
Sweat.;)
love those words. i am laying off of word and resolutions. just one aspiration-do the most good and least harm. there are a few experiences i am hoping for but nothing concrete. great photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat game! I guess my words would be:
ReplyDeleteGROWTH - to grow in every area of my life, friendships, leadership, spiritually, personally
Love - to be full of love and show it to others. To be the kind of person who carries her heart in the palm of her hand and just love. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive
HOPE - to never lose hope, to always trust, to jump off the cliff and never give up. To always see the glass half full and be full of positive optimistic thoughts