(My word born on this chilly day in January after Rye had her first “under dog” on the swing!)
Ok, it’s January 23rd…and I am calling a do-over on 2020!! One of us has been sick or recovering since the first day of the year. I need to remember this next year, January 1 doesn’t mean that suddenly we fall back into our routines and new intentions are flowing. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! The post holiday “hangover” as I keep hearing it called is real. So if the start to the year has been anything but meal prepping, clean closets and long walks – you’re not alone!
If you have a natural desire to slow down, stay inside, rest more, and be “anti-social” in the winter – listen to your body! This is the time of year to do all of those things, or should I say none of the things. We live in a go-go, busy-busy culture, and frankly it doesn’t serve us well when we want to slow down and change our pace. Slowing down is productive, necessary, and essential. And this is the time of year to do it! It may feel odd if you resonate with being busy and productive all of the time (me!), but really, try it. We have this book and while you don’t need a book to tell you how to slow down and get cozy…but maybe you do!
So, as you might know, I take my word of the year very seriously. No resolutions for me, but my word – it’s important.
Let’s recap.
2018 → Consistency.
2019 → Enough.
2020 → JOY!
I have been trying to land on my word for 2020 since, well, October! ENOUGH was literally the most fitting word I could have ever chosen for 2019, I was tempted to keep it with me for another. But after a year of practicing enough…in my business, my mom life, my home…it is time to move on to a new word.
Words that were in the running for me: rhythm, rest, flow. I was pretty set on flow for a while…because my life feels anything but “flowly”, so I thought if I choose that word, maybe I’ll get me some more flow! But eh, will more flow really make me happier? I don’t really think so. Then I settled on simplify. GOSH DO I NEED THIS!! My pantry is a mess, we have clothes to donate and sell all over our 3rd floor, and more toys than we know what to do with. But again, is simplifying what I need for this year? My first full year with a one and four year old? You could argue yes, but in the end…not really.
So here it is…JOY! Joy is my anchor. When I am faced with 27 potential things to do during nap time, I check in with JOY. Work? It brings me joy, but not always. Cleaning the kitchen? Sometimes brings me joy. The house is messy, but making my kids muffins – sometimes that’s joy. It’s 4:30pm and we’re all needing dad home? Head outside, leave my phone, and put the kids on the swings. That’s JOY. 4 loads of laundry to fold, but my kids want to play?
Trying to choose presence and just being, because all of a sudden it feels like the years are really going by fast. And some days, joy is having a babysitter and being alone to work, eat, grocery shop. The things that bring joy change every day.
Suggestions On How to choose a word:
- Think about what you need in your life, what are you after for the year? This takes a good deal of reflection (one of my most favorite things to do!). What word feels like it would be a good reminder for you to come back to?
- Think of your word as an anchor, or a mantra, and when you veer off course, are having a tough day, or need a reminder of what you’re working on – this word will bring you back.
- What will create more happiness for you? Another REALLY fabulous exercise, write down the top 5 things that are important to you. Then make a list, or take a look at your schedule, and see how you’re spending your time. Do they align?
I would love for you to share in the comments what your word of the year is if you have one!
Here’s to a fresh start on February 1, but also remembering that there are ups and downs in every day, and certainly every season. <3
Sara
