Every year I choose a word of the year — something to guide and inspire me, something that reflects what I want to work on or what I’m yearning for. Past words (or phrases) have been: Grateful, Accept, Delight, What If?, and Abundance. And yes, it can be a phrase, a word, a noun or adjective. (It’s my word and I’ll grammar shift if I want to!)

It took me a while to come up with my word this year. I knew what I wanted to express, but I couldn’t figure out, at first, how to boil the sentiment down to a word or two. But, as with so many things in our lives, it came to me in a flash:

Bravo!

The Weight We Carry

I’ve been dealing with a lot of heavy things over the past six months or so. And I’ve realized that I don’t always give myself credit. Like a lot of women, I tend to look at what I have not done, where I’ve fallen short. I don’t focus as much on patting myself on the back for what I have done well, or overcome, or figured out.

And compliments? Let’s just say I’m much better at deflecting them than receiving them.

So this year I want to spend more time patting myself on the back. Telling myself “Bravo! Well done!”

Beyond Self-Kindness

It goes deeper than just being kinder to myself (though that is a profound step not to be underplayed!). Recognizing myself for what I’ve done well or accomplished is also a subtle bow to that pill that is so hard (for me) to swallow: I can’t control everything. In fact, I can’t control most things.

The best we can do is… doing our best. In the moment. With the knowledge and gifts at our disposal.

And THAT deserves to be celebrated.

A New Practice

I’ve written before about how deeply my Gratitude practice impacted me, the incredibly positive impacts of noticing and being grateful for even the smallest things that bring me comfort or joy or support. This year, I’m going to experiment with a Bravo! practice.

I look forward to seeing what changes and shifts that fosters.

What’s your word of the year? I’d love to hear what guides and inspires you!

---

Don’t miss out on new ideas and great tips on fundraising, leadership, writing, philanthropy, and lots of related topics. Join the PITCH list to get Lauren’s monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox, and get a free gift when you sign up!