Is it really important to pick a word for 2018?
Perhaps you are hearing or seeing people post on social media “their word” like surrender, embrace, inspire. Maybe you’re thinking “Oh, that’s nice but I don’t do that” or “What is my word for 2018?”, choose one, and then forget about it like a good ol’ resolution.
Well, here are 3 reasons why it is important to choose a word for the new year and practical tips on choosing the right one for you.
# 1 – It Helps You Reflect
The process of choosing a word is therapeutic and offers a moment to reflect and review where you are, where you’ve been and where you are ready to go.
Tip: The end of every year I do a “life review” of the past 365 days. I list everything I have accomplished in my personal and professional life and in that it makes me aware of how I feel, what worked, what didn’t work, what I learned about myself and life and what I am now ready to bring forth in the next year.
#2 – It Helps You Move Forward
As mentioned, from a life review, you will discover what you learned, how much you’ve grown and gained from the past year but here is where you can take it up a notch!
Tip: Ask yourself the following…
What is a natural next step for me?
Who do I want to be this year?
What this does is honor where you are while pulling out your innate gifts and power within to step forth in the most natural way. (Yup, your word may become crystal clear here!)
Again, your word represents a natural next step. It should not feel forced, wished or far out of reach but still allow room for growth and expanding.
For example: Say you want to find a significant other, settle down and have kids but you’ve been single for a while and you’re starting to lose hope or don’t know what else you can possibly do to attract “the one”. Instead of suiting up with a false sense of optimism to convince yourself this year “will be the year!” or choosing your focus to be about relationships, upon your life review you will be in a better place to choose the next logical and needed step for yourself that will ultimately lead you to your desired goal. Perhaps your focus for the new year will end up being about self-love, peace, happiness, compassion or forgiveness. This highlights what you need to do for YOU in order to get “there”!
#3 – It Helps You Anchor & Get Present
Your word becomes your testimony for your life for the coming 365 days (or however long you choose – you can always choose another word as you grow and hit the next level).
Growth opportunities will arise (a.k.a challenges) so when trying moments make you doubt your progress or yourself, your word helps bring you back to the present, your power and propels you forward.
What is my word for 2018, you ask?
‘BUTTERFLY’
Here is a quick explanation of how I choose this word.
2016: I was a like a caterpillar – I was just in my first year of business and marriage and starting a brand new career as a Life & Spiritual Coach. Things weren’t moving as fast as my efforts or hopes. But I kept going…
2017: I was in a cocoon – I was building the bones of my business, transforming as a new person and better coach, I started to see tangible changes but still felt like so much was percolating and waiting to bust out of its shell. Yet, I still had to be patient, I cannot rush the incubating process…
2018: I am a butterfly – I am ready to fly, people! 🙂 Finally, I feel my wings and ready to soar. Everything I have been working towards is becoming real. My business, my marriage, friendships/relationships and now a new baby on his/her way are in full bloom.
Today in my yoga practice, our teacher reminded us to connect to our 2018 word and to fully embody our word especially in moments where I feel “I can’t” or “Can I actually do this?” when it comes to pain. As I connected to my word “Butterfly” it reminded me I will fly, I will soar through whatever pain child labor or any labor may arise. Immediately I felt at peace, self-assurance and ready to fly again!
My hope for you is that you choose a word that really connects with you at a heart level and reminds you of your innate power and beauty.
Here is to (your word) for 2018!
Love & Light to you,
Minerva
P.S- YES! I am pregnant – expecting July 4th, 2018! My husband, puppy and I are overjoyed! Here is a pic of our holiday announcement.
