Do you choose a word of the year? I love picking a word (or two) to focus on each year. These words are overarching concepts that I want more of in my life. They serve as a guiding light , a north star of sorts to remind me of my vision and the direction I intend to head over the next twelve months.
My words come to me as I reflect on the previous year. In November and December, I notice that certain words and themes show up repeatedly in my life. This pattern of recurrence is a clue to finding my words.
It would be nice if the words functioned as a checklist to easily incorporate and mark off, but I’ve found that the destination never comes without the journey. Living my words requires commitment, focus and dedication in the face of life’s inevitable obstacles - in other words, digging in and doing the work.
Last year, my words were Legacy and Ease. It was time to start thinking more deeply about the mark I hope to leave on the world, and I discovered that I feel “ease” when I am giving my best. Fully pursing and inhabiting those words will undoubtedly will be a lifelong pursuit.
This year, my words are RHYTHM and REST.
Health-wise, 2019 was a challenge. Without rest, we crash and burn. Our bodies go too far until they can take no more, and then they demand that we stop. While I didn’t feel particularly stressed, it turns out that I was (and am) in chronic way. All of my health issues can be traced back to stress, so finding a healthier pace through routines and mindset is of supreme importance to me this year.
Establishing better rhythms in both life and business has been on my heart for some time now, and rest is something that I don’t realize I’m missing until it’s forced upon me. So this year I want to be more intentional about developing rhythmic patterns that include rest. Plus, rhythm and rest are both musical terms, which the musician in me adores.
Some of my favorite definitions of RHYTHM:
- an ordered alternation of contrasting elements (Britannica)
- the aspect of music comprising all the elements that relate to forward movement (Merriam-Webster)
- a regularly recurring sequence of events, actions or processes (Oxford)
Some of my favorite definitions of REST:
- cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself or recover strength (Oxford)
- an internal of silence of a specified duration (Oxford)
- be based on or grounded in; depend on (Oxford)
- peace of mind or spirit (Merriam-Webster)
- to be free from anxiety or disturbance (Merriam-Webster)
- to remain for action or accomplishment (Merriam-Webster)
- to remain confident (Merriam-Webster)
Focusing on Rhythm and Rest this year looks like this:
RHYTHM
Remembering that rhythm is the foundation - without rhythm, the whole thing falls apart!
Implementing structure - incorporating more systems and healthy habits into my life, both personally and professionally
Pacing myself - allowing my natural energy patterns to guide my productivity.
REST
Vocal rest - taking care of my instrument by using it mindfully
Scheduling it - dedicating time on my calendar to rest
Choosing rejuvenating activities - light exercise, reading, meditation, beauty care, nature
Less is more - less noise, less things, less rushing, less distraction
My Everyday Action
Neither Rhythm nor Rest are particularly active as words, themselves. I wanted an additional theme for the year that would give me something to do in any circumstance - instructions I could give myself in absolutely any situation to help me feel more in alignment with the person I want to be.
And so my everyday action is to share my heart with Godly confidence.
I don’t consider myself a particularly private person, but I am reserved. That quality sometimes manifests itself by my unintentionally holding back from fully sharing my heart. I want to allow myself to be more open and visible this year through my singing, speaking and writing so that I can be more generous with what I have to offer.
Godly confidence is a term that I heard from my business coach, Polly Payne. Normal, everyday confidence requires us to rely on ourselves and our own abilities. This makes it easy to succumb to doubt, criticism and fear. Godly confidence, on the other hand, allows us to rest our confidence in something greater - God, the Universe, our higher selves…whatever word, phrase or concepts resonates with you. Godly confidence requires stepping into the unknown, acting with integrity and believing that anything is possible.
Do you have a word or theme for the year? If so, I want to know what it is! Share it in the comments below.
