Each January, I choose a Word for the Year. I don’t choose a word that’s about a goal or accomplishment. I choose a word (or a couple of words) focused on how I want to FEEL, or what I want to experience. This year, I’ve chosen the word DELIGHT.
Why DELIGHT?
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it: 2024 was a rough ride. It was one of those years where I really had to hunker down and deal with a series of crises and unexpected twists and turns. Things like self-care, time with friends, and new adventures often fell by the wayside. When I was feeling glum, I would tell myself that it was a “season.” A tough season, but a season that will eventually ease.
I turned to many of the tools I’ve developed over the years to keep myself as grounded and healthy as possible. This included meditation, writing three things per day that I’m grateful for, and doing something creative every day (Every. Single. Day. Creativity is my therapy!). Still, things have felt heavy.
When I reflected upon how I want to feel in 2025, I realized that as I slogged through 2024 I’d lost a sense of lightness and joy that I want to get back. I want to find light even when things feel dark. I want to get my spark back. (Notice all the “light” metaphors?). I want to experience a sort of bubbly feeling, excitement and joy.
What does it mean to experience DELIGHT?
I’m sure this is different for everyone! But here are some of the things I’ve been thinking about:
- Getting excited about the little things.
- Laughing.
- New experiences and adventures.
- Keeping a sense of perspective — not sweating the small stuff (or, at least, sweating the small stuff less!).
- Noticing, and finding, beauty and grace all around me.
- Feeling inspired.
- Seeing possibilities.
- Flourishing, bubbling creativity.
I think that my definition of DELIGHT, how to experience it, and how to encourage or curate it, will continue to evolve. For now, I’m on the right path.
Do you have a Word for the Year? What is it? How did you arrive at that word? Please share!
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