MY WORD OF THE YEAR

I don’t always make New Year’s resolutions. However, when I do, drinking more water and flossing often find their way onto the list. Despite these seemingly manageable goals, there are days when I fall short of achieving them. 

I abandoned the idea of resolutions in 2024 in favor of adopting a ‘word of the year’—the prominent heading on my mood board, so to speak.

My chosen word is ‘FLOW.’ I aspire to embody the attributes of a steady stream: calm, fluid, and adaptable. These are qualities I greatly admire in others. Being in the presence of someone comfortable in their own skin puts me at ease as well. I’ve observed that life appears smoother for those who navigate challenges with grace. It’s not that they are impervious to misfortune, but rather, they possess the ability to pivot and problem-solve when faced with the unexpected.

The moments of greatest struggle for me occur when I resist change and stubbornly cling to expectations. My mind has a tendency to magnify minor inconveniences or irritating tasks, turning them into towering mountains that seem far more daunting than necessary. I tend to overcomplicate matters, becoming avoidant as a defense mechanism. Over the years, I’ve talked myself out of facing difficult challenges outside of my comfort zone.

This year, I am committed to making a conscious effort to flow with change instead of resisting it. I aim to navigate through narrow paths, brushing against the rocks and emerging on the other side relatively unscathed. It’s about less overthinking and more doing. Desmond Tutu’s wise words resonate: ‘There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.’ A subtle shift in perspective can transform challenging situations into opportunities to seize—or, at the very least, into just another small task.

2023 proved to be emotionally taxing, a period I now dub as the year of impermanence. Within a span of 48 hours, I faced the heartbreaking loss of two dear people in my life. Additionally, a family member received a cancer diagnosis for the fourth time and is currently undergoing demanding chemotherapy. My cherished companion, Forest, my sweet soul dog, is gracefully approaching her 12ish years, and the signs of aging become more apparent each day. On a personal level, my own health issues surfaced unexpectedly during a routine doctor’s visit, adding another layer of complexity to my challenges. Amidst these upheavals, I experienced the unsettling act of uprooting from a place where I was deeply connected to. Life had never felt more uncertain, and the fragility of health loomed large. I was hanging on by a thread, navigating a dark room with a profound sense of solitude.

I find myself drawn to the word FLOW because of its versatility, seamlessly applicable in various situations: from celebrating joyful moments to embracing new experiences and overcoming challenges. It serves as my North Star. Embracing the flow of life prevents me from getting stuck in a slump for too long. Life unfolds as a series of peaks and valleys. Swimming with the current how you reach steady waters. 

Flow embodies movement, yet it also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to be still. Initially, I believed that practicing daily yoga, indulging in reading as a cherished pastime, and ensuring a full night’s sleep were sufficient measures for self-care. It wasn’t until I contracted Covid in November that I realized my body and mind resisted embracing true rest. Throughout my adult life, I viewed rest as a reward earned only after being productive. Taking a break in the middle of the day without exerting physical activity or a full workday seemed inconceivable, especially with errands and household chores looming over me. To do lists are my achilles heel. Those 4-5 days of being incapacitated and the subsequent weeks of sluggishness and mental fog prompted a rewiring of my perspective. I learned to prioritize napping when my body required it and indulge in mindless entertainment without seeking permission. The dishes and chores could wait. It felt good to rediscover the joy of convalescing on the couch, reminiscent of the days spent as a kid home sick from school. December turned out to be eventful, with half of it spent away from home. Considering the surge in Covid and flu cases, I’ve decided to embrace my rest era. I’ve become more attuned to listening to my body, recognizing that slowing down is my version of preventative health.

Ever since embracing the concept of “flow,” I’ve integrated it into my daily check-ins. I regularly assess how I’m feeling in the moment and consider what I can do to recenter myself. Recently, I navigated a lengthy work meeting effortlessly—even as new tasks were added to my plate. I held onto my favorite mantra: “one bite at a time.” In my yoga session, I consciously flowed, breathing deeper and slower through the parts I typically rush through. This weekend, I immersed myself in a new book, relishing every page penned by my favorite writer.

The terms “thriving” and “surviving” have become somewhat cliché, causing a reflexive flinch in response. They present a binary view, an either/or scenario, with little room for the nuances in between. Much of where we find ourselves on this spectrum is dictated by circumstances beyond our control. For me, the sweet spot lies in the act of flowing.

Flowing is a dynamic verb, embodying flexibility and complete presence—whether navigating the joys, enduring discomfort, or finding beauty in the mundane. In a state of flow, I hold onto things lightly, allowing for pivots and embracing life’s surprises.

This year, I aim to shift the focus away from mere accomplishments, and instead, emphasize the concept of evolving. Choosing a word of the year serves as a guiding prompt amid life’s inevitable chaos. I can always reach for the light switch to avoid sitting in the dark for long. 

Do you have a word of the year?