Another year – and decade! – well lived and now a distant memory. As we begin 2020, a new year and decade upon us, a renewed sense of hope and wonder takes over. What will 2020 bring? But also, what will the next 10 years of our lives look like?
After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I like to take some time during the first half of January to reflect on the past year. What did I accomplish in all aspects of my life including home life, career, relationships, health and wellness? What goals are left-over from 2019 that can carry on through 2020?
While I don’t like to make New Year’s Resolutions, I do like to set an intention for the upcoming year. While the intention doesn’t necessarily signal a written list of goals, creating a WORD for 2020 can help start the new year off on the right note. That word is a theme word to easily remind you of your intention throughout the year. Sure, a list of goals on a whiteboard or a creative vision board can also be helpful. But a single word can help keep you focused on your goals or overall state of being – your MANTRA.
What’s your word?
Choosing one word to sum up a theme for the upcoming year seems daunting! Is it possible to choose one word that encompasses all of the things you hope to be, do, and accomplish?
In 2014, my word was flourish – a time to see my business grow and expand. In 2015, I couldn’t choose one word so I opted for three theme words for the year. In 2016, my word was nurture; I felt that I had the foundation for my career, and new relationships formed, that it was time to nurture them. In 2017, my word was manifest; working to make my dreams materialize. In 2018, I chose three theme words as I couldn’t narrow down to one. in 2019, my word was pivot.
What is your word for 2020?
Do you have a theme word for 2020? Narrowing your goals for the year to just one word can be a challenge. But what would your word be?
My word is a simple one this year.
OPEN
(Adjective)
- Not closed or fastened
- Not concealed
- Not yet settled or decided
- Honest and frank
- Receptive to ideas or opinions
- Giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation
- Approachable in demeanor
- Able to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances
- Left to personal choice
I’ve done the work on my inner self over the course of the past two years. I’ve opened myself up to self-reflection, dissemination, analyzation, scrutiny, and criticism. Once you’ve taken a good, honest look at your deepest self, you’re able to recognize the negative, often subconscious thoughts that wear you down. Things you’ve held onto for so long that prevent you from being your best self. The negative things we tell ourselves that hold us back.
Some of us float through life making the same mistakes over and over again, and wonder “why does this keep happening?” Why don’t we listen to ourselves and learn from those mistakes, and make the necessary changes so they don’t happen again? Because we haven’t done the work. We haven’t taken a hard look at ourselves to understand where those negative patterns and thoughts and emotions are coming from because they’re too painful to face. But once we face them, analyze them, and accept them, then we can move forward. Until then, we’ll forever be stuck in that same negative pattern of self-destruction and self-loathing.
Once you have done the deep inner work, you can stop the negative patterns of self-ruin and re-wire your brain to be more positive, more self-loving and nurturing. I’ve accepted some things in my life and about myself, I’ve healed some wounds, I’ve embraced some characteristics, and I’m happy with the person I am today. With that inner work and acceptance comes self-love and a sense of openness.
I am open to my breath.
I am open to spiritual guidance.
I am open to my instincts.
I live with an open heart.
I am open to opportunities.
I am open to love and friendship.
I am open to change.
I am open to the universe.