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This might be the fastest year on record in my 57 years on this earth. I know that’s not technically true, the globe did not spin faster, and we didn’t skip a few months out of our customary twelve.
But it sure felt that way.
This was a year of huge highs and some soul-crushing lows, and I know that’s not unique to me. The good news is, I made it. I’m still here. All of those who I love the most are still here. We are all walking upright and taking in air; I am incredibly grateful.
As I plunk away on my keyboard writing this post (and many others this week), I can see birds in the feeder outside, and I know my teenage daughter is snoring happily in her bed. My son is blazing a new trail for himself in Florida, and all five of my pets are fat, sassy, and healthy. And I’m living the life I love.
I saw and heard the most amazing thought on Facebook the other day. It went like this: “I have joy in my life in ways that no one can ever take away from me.”
Is life perfect? Eff no. Will it ever be “perfect?” Of course not. But I have deep and profound joy that I can enjoy and feel joyful every day because of the peace, calm, and simplicity in my life. I am lucky and blessed and won’t be wasting any time complaining about 2022.
This is also the time of year that I come up with a word or a phrase to inspire my upcoming year. This word is like the guiding star that will keep me on tracked, focused, and reminded as a as the year trucks on forward. This is something I’ve enjoyed doing for years, and you see some of my past WOTY choices here and here.
Because “normal” is a setting on the dryer, I chose TWO words for my WOTY in 2022-Gentle Prosperity.
I love those two words so freaking hard. And despite all of the hills, valleys, and rough patches in 2022, there was even more grace, joy, healing, and prosperity.
I think my Word of The Year for 2023 will reflect my current state of mind too. My word is Simplicity.
What will your word be?
