I’ve been thinking about my “Word of the Year” for the past few weeks. I thought I had one chosen then realized I had used that word a few years ago. Not wanting to repeat it, I kept searching. I knew the right word would eventually reveal itself and it did.
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2021 Word of the Year
Sometimes I just immediately know what my word should be but when it doesn’t reveal itself immediately, I like to look at suggestion lists such as this one:
Word of the Year Ideas – One Little Word
As I scanned various possibilities I jotted down words that appealed to me for one reason or another. I didn’t judge them at first but simply wrote each one down. Here are a few I liked:
- peace
- imagine
- laugh
- serenity
- sparkle
- delight
- curate
I think I could have chosen any of those and found that they added something positive to my life in 2021.
But then I suddenly knew what my word would be:
JOYFUL
Even though 2020 has been difficult in a lot of ways, there have certainly been good things for me. I’ve appreciated the quiet downtime. David and I have tackled several home projects. I’ve had lots of extra time with Chris. For the most part I have remained reasonably content.
But what was in short supply? Joy. There were occasional moments of it, of course, but not nearly enough. I want 2021 to be the year that my soul sings with joy on a frequent basis.
How do I make that happen? It starts with a list of things I already know bring me joy:
- travel
- art
- music
- fresh flowers
- playing the piano
- puttering about and caring for my home
- stargazing
- connecting with people I care about
I’m going to continue adding to that list, print it out, and keep copies on the bulletin board in my office and in my planner. I will be intentional about making time for these things.
And I’ll let you in on what is sure to be a huge source of joy for me in 2021. David and I have been asked to be honorary grandparents to a baby girl due in May! We couldn’t be more thrilled and since one of my most favorite things in the whole world is rocking a baby, I just know that 2021 is going to have lots of joyful moments for me.
What about you? Do you choose a word of the year? If so, I’d love to hear about yours.
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That sounds wonderful and congratulations on your new found grandparentship.
The word that comes to mind for me is “dream”. I forgot how to dream, how dreams used to fill my soul. I miss that in my life. I don’t want to get into a rut or become narrow minded. I use to be filled with hope and dreams and adventure and I want that back in my life. I don’t know how but I do know that I first must dream it before I can see and feel it.
I love that! I’m a dreamer by nature but I know what you mean about losing that. Daily life can easily take up all of our mental space, leaving little time to dream. I’d love to hear more from you as you go about relearning how to dream.
That sounds wonderful… I hope 2021 is a joyful year for you. Also, congratulations on the impending birth of your honorary grandchild.
Thank you, Tori! Happy 2021 to you and your family!
Congratulations on the grandchild on the way!!! Great post! I’ve also found a Word of the Year … FREEDOM! I just found your blog today and look forward to reading more. We sound very similar and like I can learn a lot from your blog.
Welcome, Heather! And thank you for the congrats. I love your Word of the Year. 🙂