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2021 Word of the Year

Happy Beginning-of-Another-Year-of-Life my friends.

This is my fourth year of choosing a word to guide me through the year.

2020 was a bust in so many ways I can’t even count them. My word last year should have been survive instead of conquer.

I did conquer a few things, though The baseboard in the kitchen and most of the closets for example. I’m not sure, but I think that might be my only example.

After all the craziness of last year, and knowing that it’s not over by a long shot, this year I choose the word breathe as my word.

The word breathe feels calm to me. It feels like sitting outdoors in fresh air.

It feels like a blanket of fresh fallen snow, pristine and quiet.

It feels like sitting in a rocking chair in front of a fireplace on a chilly evening with a cup of hot Earl Grey.

Breathe is a word that conveys to me a sense of presence, a sense of stepping back from the chaos and realizing what is truly important.

It’s being on top of a mountain looking into the valley below and having a clear view of what I couldn’t see when I was down in the valley.

I need that right now.

With all that has been lost this year–friends, family, civility, understanding, decency, trust–I just need to step back and breathe.

I know those things aren’t really gone.

I know that friends and family will live in my heart forever.

I know that there is decency and understanding and kindness out there and I know that these things reside in you and in me.

Still, the world out there feels broken.

I know I can’t fix it but I refuse to join it.

In the time it takes to slowly breathe in and out–in that brief pause–I can see the bigger picture.

I can steer my reaction away from hurtful.

I can still be the kind and loving soul that I strive to be.

~~~

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4 Replies

  1. Lou

    Excellent post dear sister. Last year my word was launch. Even within all the chaos of the world, of my world, my word came through for me, or should I say I came through for myself with the help of my guiding word. Don’t get me wrong, there was much heartache and struggle throughout the year, but I am in a much better place than I was.

    2019 my word was “ready”. In 2020 my word was “launch”. For 2021 I intend on continuing my work towards a better me and a better life. With that in mind, my 2021 guiding word is
    “SOAR”. I believe, with a lot of work and some deep soul searching, things are going to really take off for me… as long as I keep my eye on the prize and allow myself to work out of my comfort zone, that is. It will be tough, but well worth it.

    Along with that, I pray the rest of the world falls in line with a better future. I have to believe things will get better. And if it doesn’t, well, like my sister said, “I know I can’t fix it but I refuse to join it.”

    1. carol

      Amen, sister. Amen! ❤

  2. Susan Manry

    Hey. I love your word for this year. Breathe is perfect and powerful. I have not thought about a word for this year but I will set my word as learn. Since I have retired, I have found I research and read about subjects I am interested in reading about all while learning new things. You are never too old to learn. There are some projects I want to do this year such as house and yard projects. I am reading and studying the bible more, particularly the history in the old testament which I love now in my adult life. I got some amazon cards for Christmas. I have always been fascinated by the sun, moon and stars. I know very little about the stars except a general overview. I plan on purchasing a nice telescope and start learning more about the constellations while I learn how to use a telescope. I am excited about this new learning. I have a perfect back porch to do this from and am looking forward while I star gaze and to new learning experiences in 2021. LEARN – never to old to learn. Love you girl.

    1. carol

      LEARN is an awesome word for 2021. One of my nieces also chose that word. Looks like you’ll be having a great time this year with so many cool things to look forward to! I agree-you’re never too old to learn! Enjoy this year… Love you too!

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