Words of the Year

Instead of a New Year’s resolution, I am choosing a word for the year. Every time I say this word it will act as a reminder of what I am trying to achieve for myself over the coming months. It’s also a way of having a strong intention or purpose. Choosing a word also invites introspection in a simple non-judgmental way.

If you want to choose a word for yourself, sit comfortably and quietly, don’t try to think of a word, just gently observe what comes to you. A word may pop in your mind before you fall asleep or as you wake up. Once you have your word, let it guide you in your decisions throughout the year. It’s a good idea to pin the word on a mirror where you can see it every day. Or make your word a work of art with crayons, paints, glue and scissors. Cut our letters from a magazine and paste them in your journal.

I’ve chosen a lot of different words over the years, and this year I have 2 words that are important to me. SLOW and HOME.

For most of my life I have done things quickly, excited to be alive and inspired doing what I love. It wasn’t a bad thing. As a mother, artist and entrepreneur, life needed daily attention, deadlines and goals. It was wonderful. But now I am retired and it’s taken me 2 years to realize I don’t have to hurry any more. I can turn off the news, radio, t.v., phone and take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. The project I started can be finished tomorrow or the next day. I can eat cookies for breakfast and lunch in front of the t.v. I feel so free and grateful. I am even washing and wiping my dishes by hand every day. It feels meditative, quiet, and reminds me of being a little girl, washing and wiping dishes with my older brother. No t.v. No radio. Just the two of us standing over a tub of soapy water and me wiping the dishes.

Then there’s my second word. HOME. This word is very important to me and I believe you might feel the same way. The world outside is moving dizzyingly fast.The noise and news does nothing to nurture our souls. But as we come home and open the door, we should be entering a place of peace, refuge, safety and comfort. I am trying to make my home cozy, extra pillows on the sofa and on my bed (bed is Number 1 on my comfort list), family photos on my shelves and walls, playing in my studio, organizing paints and craft materials, making home cooked meals and fresh flowers on the table every week. Right now Mr. Goat has a pussy willow hat. He makes me smile. I understand each of us will have a different idea of what home is, but if you chose that word for yourself, you’ll likely make adjustments in your home that bring you peace and joy. I know I will. It feels like having words is an adventure. I am the keeper of my life, my home, and I can choose to rush through these precious days, intentionally savoring every moment…slowly.