Let’s never speak of 2020 again, shall we? I don’t think there’s ever been a year people around the world have collectively wished to be OVER than this past year.  While the pandemic won’t magically disappear in 2021, there is a renewed sense of hope for better days ahead.

With the promise of a number of vaccines, and the eventual trickle down of people receiving it, we can hopefully see our lives returning to normal at some point this year. But the process will be slow… and it makes me wonder how many more months of this limbo-state will we have to endure.

Usually, I like to take time during the first few days of January to reflect on the past year, and then create a WORD, an intention for the upcoming year. A mantra of sorts.

But because of Covid, I think it’s fair to say we’ve all had much more time and reason to reflect. Many of us have been forced to get back to the basics, and practice gratitude for good health, family, and even food and shelter.

So how can I drum up the desire to create a new word for 2021 when 2020 was such a disaster?

Well, it was also an eye-opener, in many respects. Sure, it was frightening and precarious. But it was also eye-opener in many respects. Grounding. There are always lessons to be learned from difficult periods, as long as we realize them and use them towards positive change. And we must hang onto those simple yet profound moments (and people) that make life truly meaningful.

Despite the hardships and challenges of last year, I do think it’s still worthwhile to create a WORD for 2021. After all, with all of the lessons and reflections, that word might be greatly different than previous years – and possibly simpler too.

Do you have a word of the year?

Choosing one word to sum up a theme for the upcoming year is no easy task. What one word can represent all of the things you hope to be, do and achieve?

My word in 2014 was flourish as I looked to expand my business. I couldn’t choose one word in 2015 so I opted for three, while in 2016, my word was nurture. In 2017, my word was manifest; In 2018, I chose three theme words as I couldn’t narrow down to one. My 2019 word was pivot, and open in 2020.  

What is your word for 2021?

Do you have a theme word for 2021? 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.

Most of us spend many of our waking ours thinking, planning, analyzing, and worrying. Add in technology and social media, and it’s a recipe for mental overload, overstimulation and exhaustion.  This past year has been particularly challenging, pushing many of us into a psychological tailspin. Those who never suffered anxiety or depression were suddenly catapulted into caring for their mental health and prioritizing self-care.

Part of that self-care means more people were taking walks outdoors, going on nature hikes, baking and cooking, spending more time with family, taking up a new hobby, starting a new exercise regimen, practicing yoga or meditation – simpler things in life, unmaterialistic things, that ground us.

So my word for this year is grounding.

Grounding

A practice I began some time ago but truly made priority this past year. It must continue through 2021 – and always for that matter.

There’s a scientific reason why grounding, or earthing, is good for you; connecting with the Earth’s electrons has been found to promote physiological changes including better sleep and reduced pain.  

Grounding also connects us with the here and now, the present moment. Grounding creates calm, contentment, decreases stress and anxiety, and allows us to live in the moment and appreciate what matters most in life. It’s a way to connect deeply with the earth and our own bodies and souls, reminding us of our part in this vast universe.

Grounding for me also means feeling stability and security, something that has been lacking for some time. While last year, I was open to receive opportunities, this year I must stay grounded and nurture what I have.

What is your word for 2021?