We are at the end of another year. That means we are ready to begin a new year. Each year we have hope for the future and all it will bring. I used to think it would be nice to know what was ahead, but as I’ve gotten older, I like to believe I’ve gotten wiser. Taking each day as it comes seems to work best for me. Savoring what is now allows me to stay present.
Each year I find a special word to be my mantra for the year. For the year 2021 my word has been RESILIENCE. A photo of a tree I saw in Utah several years ago hangs on the wall above my desk with the word Resilience added to the bottom of the photo. The tree has been around for years and has had many twists and turns in its life but it still reaches for the sky. The tree appears to be growing out of rock, but we know that it has deep roots nourishing it. I feel like that tree. There have been many twists and turns in my life, but my roots are deep and keep me steady, most of the time. Each branch has a story. Some of joy and love, others sorrow or pain, but each one contributes to who I am today. The tree reminds me to keep stretching forward.
So as I consider my word for 2022, I thank resilience for the difference it has made in my outlook each day of 2021. What will your word be this year? Please take time to consider the year ahead. Let your word speak to you as something to strive for, to stretch towards. I hope you will share yours with me in the comments below. I will let you know what I come up with.
