My 2023 Word

For the last several years, I have reflected on the year and established what I want for the year ahead. I used to fall into the same pattern many others have of setting resolutions for the year ahead. Lose weight, run a marathon, do this, and do that. Sometimes I achieved my resolutions; other times, I did not. I realized that halfway through the year, I often lost my focus.

              Last year, I set an intention through a word for the year: FOCUS. I wanted to remain consistent in writing Always Forward. The story had been in my head for so many years that I needed to focus on finishing the book. But I didn’t want to lock myself into deadlines and rush the process. Yes, I tried to remain focused on completing the book, but I didn’t want that to come at a cost. So every time I felt pressure to write or wanted to give up, I repeated the word FOCUS.

               For 2023, I wasn’t sure at first what word I wanted to select. I began thinking about this past year, what I had accomplished, and what 2023 has in store for me. Immediately, the word RENEW came to mind.

      According to Webster’s Dictionary, RENEW is a verb to give fresh life or strength to; revive. It occurred to me that I don’t want to lose sight of what is most important in my life, my family, and my friendships. Yes, I want to continue to write and publish more books, but I also need to renew relationships with those I love. I also want to renew my love for hiking and yoga. I love writing, and I know I will continue writing in 2023, but I want to ensure I hold space for family, friends, and my hobbies.

               Sometimes the beginning of a new year does not have to mean you start something new. You don’t have to quit doing something, either. Maybe you maintain the road your life is currently on. Maybe, just maybe, you take a year to renew the loves you have without adding anything more to the mix.

               I hope no matter if you set resolutions, goals, or words for 2023, you come out the other side healthy, happy, and content with the life you have built for yourself. I hope to renew my life for another year around the sun in 2023.