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Around 2015, I noticed many of my friends picking their “Word” for the upcoming New Year.
If this concept is new to you, let me explain: choosing a yearly “Word” is a January tradition (not unlike New Year’s Resolutions) where people choose a specific and poignant word that sums up what they want to accomplish/achieve in the upcoming year.
Basically, you pick just one word that will inspire you all year. Love this idea. Simple, powerful and to-the-point. So I hopped on the bandwagon.
That year, my Word was “ReFocus.” Back then my main priority was to re-focus my business efforts and grow my writing work. The following year (2016) my word was Wellspring.
Many times my Word means nothing to anyone but me. For example, my word for 2017, Anchor, was inspired by this meme:
In 2018 my Word was Intentional. Instead of spending days frantic, frazzled, rushed by the never-ending need to keep my home and business “boat” afloat, I want to be Intentional; done on purpose; deliberate, calculated, conscious, intended, planned, meant, studied, knowing, willful, purposeful.
For 2019, my word was Roots; yet another oddball word that means nothing to others, but means the world to me.
Usually, I start pondering my Word in November and know by mid-December what my Word for The Year will be. This year, I was behind schedule…a lot.
It took me until New Years Day to find the Word that really summed up my direction, vision, and yearning for 2020. My Word for this year is…
Light
The official definition of Light is; the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. To illuminate.
To me, it also means the opposite of darkness, oppression, and heaviness. All of which apply to why this word resonates with me.
Other thoughts on why Light is my Word of the Year for 2020.
Light/ Sunshine: I love the sun. I love the heat on my skin and know darn well I need the vitamins from the rays to stay upright and positive. I’ve always been one to wake up early and (most of the time) am able to greet the day with enthusiasm and it’s the fresh light of a new day that spurs that. The sun’s rays and Mother Nature’s healing touch is going to be an even bigger part of my life in 2020.
Light/Lighten-Up: I am a chronic over-thinker and tend to be pretty uptight. But as I get older, the wisdom that comes with age has really helped me understand to NOT take on the heavy load of other people’s opinions. This year, I want to lighten up a bit more and let some of the situations I tend to “swirl” (my code-name for overthinking) in, go.
Light /Lighten The Load: I have worked very, very hard these past two years to downsize reduce clutter and clear out the excess that is emotionally weighing me down. I haven’t reached *clutter-free* status yet, but I am getting there. I want to create and maintain streamlined systems to lighten up my environment. I want to create a home that feels calming, nurturing, and NOT look like wolves live there.
I’m still a work-in-progress, but there is a renewed hunger to lighten my load in 2020.
Live Light: It’s easy to be a drag, dump on everyone, and find fault in virtually everything in life. I feel like I’ve done well NOT being that way, with the exception of parenting. In 2020, I need to remember my kids carry burdens of their own and it’s time for me to *lighten* up on my Helicopter Parenting habits and let them be the young adults they are destined to be. I want to be an example of light to them as well and do a better job of encouraging, lifting, and strengthening my kids…and those around me.
Reflect Light: My faith is complicated. I am deeply spiritual, but not a church-goer by any means. But I also know God is my light and salvation. (Psalm 27:1) I want to be a light, to reflect His light fill my life with more service to others.
Seek Light: I am so attracted to yellow these past few months. Maybe its because Minnesota in deep in the throes of an exceptionally cold and dreary winter…but I think it has more to do with sun and brightness. The color makes me smile, brings me comfort, and reminds me that the Light always wins.
I was binge-watching Good Bones (a DIY show about a mother/daughter team who renos old homes) and they created a spectacular home with heavy artist/creativity influence. When I saw the final reveal on the TV screen, a cheery yellow house with green trim, I immediately thought, “Sunshine House!”
I plan to have my own Sunshine House (inside and out) in 2020. More details to come on that. 🙂
Radiate Light: I want to let my inner light shine, and not dim for anyone. Or dim anyone else’s light.
In 2020, I want to live life in Brightness and Light. I want to seize every moment of every day, feel the sun on my skin, bask in the smiles of my kids and stretch my legs and Shine.
So, my advice to you is, show up, do your work, and Shine your Light in the world.
Let there be Light.
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