2022 is here! Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve personally given up on making specific promises to myself in the beginning of each year. I know that I tend to break them or forget about them as the demands of my daily life takes over and something more worthy of pursuing comes up. Then, I would feel guilty about breaking or forgetting my promises so this idea of creating new year’s resolution does not really contribute to my happiness and well-being.
Instead of coming up with New Year's resolutions, my ritual is to think of a key word that captures my vision, intentions, and hopes for the year. This word serves as my compass that helps guide my thoughts and actions. It keeps me focussed and centered.
In 2018, I had the word “COURAGE”
The year brought in a lot of changes in my life, both expected and unexpected. Some of them were exciting and some of them were downright disheartening.
By exercising courage to let go of things and situations that I could not control, I freed up space in my mind, heart, and body. That year, I was able to stay open to new ideas and experiences despite all the challenges that came my way.
2018 was the year I decided to pivot completely, resigning from my job, leaving behind a very secure source of income, and a place that over the years had provided me with a sense of purpose, security, and community. It was also the year I became a full-time student again and started a program in Transformative Leadership and Spirituality, my second Master’s degree. Many people I know told me that they admired my courage.
While I did demonstrate courage, it did not come naturally to me. I had to develop it, exercise it, and hang on to it, especially when the going got tough.
MY word for 2019 was “TRUST”
I knew that I had to allow myself to open up and expand to new experiences that truly serve my growth. I reminded myself to trust the process—my own and that of the Universe. I reflected on where I could benefit from having more trust and releasing the beliefs that were no longer serving me.
In 2020, it was “HOPE”
When I thought of my word and theme for the year, I did not know that in the spring of that year, the world would be on a standstill and that we’ll be participating in some kind of global retreat and meditation.
Hope was my anchor. I obtained my second Master’s degree and started a social venture in the midst of the pandemic. I was feeling hopeful.
The year, 2021, was about “CONNECTING”.
I had moments where I felt alone, disconnected, doubtful. A part of me was having some regrets about my life decisions, afraid to fall on my face and fail. So I asked myself, “How can I connect and build meaningful relationships with others?”
I spent most of the year consulting with women professionals from across the world discussing their current issues and challenges about embodying and expressing their authenticity, well-being and leadership.
Before 2021 wrapped up, my new word became obvious and clear to me.
SERVICE. This is my word for 2022.
To honour all the women who were generous and open enough to share their honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom with me, I will do my best to be of service, and to contribute to everyone’s well-being.
I know to be of true service to others will have its challenges so I also have twelve reminders for each month to promote my own happiness and well-being.
