The Power of Naming Your Year
So, we're well into February now, and you might be thinking, "Wait, isn't this the time when everyone's supposed to have their New Year's resolutions all figured out?" Well, yeah, usually. But hear me out—what if we take a different approach? What if we embrace the idea of naming our year a little later when we've had a chance to feel out who we want to be and what we need? Let's dive into why being authentic in naming your year can truly make a difference in your journey of personal growth.
Naming Your Year
Picture this: Instead of scrambling to come up with some big plan for the year in December, why not take your time and wait until February? By then, you've got a better sense of what's working for you and what's not. It's like giving yourself permission to tap into your intuition and figure out what truly matters to you.
Forget about those long lists of resolutions that you'll probably forget about by March. How about picking just one word or phrase that captures the vibe you want for the year?
A Story of Play
I adore this time of year, especially February. Not because of the weather but because it's the perfect time to sink into the essence of what the year holds. Last year, I took this approach, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
As I reflected on what lay ahead, I couldn't help but notice areas where I felt a bit, well, not deficient per se, but not fully aligned. I had this inner longing to tap into what the universe was nudging me toward, to let go of the urge to force things into place.
That's when it hit me—I needed more playfulness in my life. Not just as a superficial theme, but as a fundamental approach to everything I did. It was like a grounding force, a guiding light that anchored me amidst the chaos of daily life.
Suddenly, challenges didn't seem so daunting anymore. Stressed about Ananda (my retreat space in Broken Bow)? Well, why not brainstorm ridiculous ideas, like inviting a fictional Sasquatch onto our property? It sounds silly, but those moments of playfulness infused joy and creativity into even the most mundane tasks and challenges.
So, when I talk about how I brought playfulness into last year, it was not just about adding a fun theme—it was about finding that underlying essence that brought everything into balance.
It's about asking myself, "What's the playful underpinning here?" and letting that guide me through life's ups and downs.
Practical Application
Grab a journal, make yourself a cup of tea, and just let your thoughts flow. Take a breather and look back on the past couple of months. Ask yourself:
What's been lighting you up?
What's been bringing you down?
What has been working? What hasn’t?
What are you noticing?
What has been showing up?
What feedback are you getting from people?
Reflection doesn't have to be all serious and stuffy. Don't overthink it—just tune into your gut and see what comes up. Whatever speaks to your soul.
Okay, so you've got your theme locked in—now what? Well, it's time to sprinkle that magic into every aspect of your life. Write it on a sticky note, stick it on your mirror, or you could even get a bracelet like mine. Below is an image of the little bracelet a client gave to me.
It has a scroll inside of it. I write down my word for the year inside the bracelet. And then I wear the bracelet. The idea is to keep it front and center.
Self-Fueled Intentions
Your chosen theme isn't just some random word—it's got meaning. Maybe it's a reminder to take better care of yourself, embrace change, or let go of what's holding you back. Think of it as your personal mantra for the year.
It’s not about setting goals or endless rumination—it's about getting in touch with your innermost desires and dreams. Take some time to dig deep and ask yourself what you truly want out of this year. You might be surprised by what comes up.
And when you get the feeling that you're tapped into something bigger than yourself, that's the collective consciousness at work. Pay attention to the vibes in the air and see how they align with your chosen theme. It's like riding the wave of universal energy.
Let’s make a pact!
Let's make a pact to check in with ourselves regularly throughout the year. Life's always throwing curveballs our way, so it's important to stay flexible and adaptable. Revisit your word of the year often and see if it still resonates with where you're at.
And hey, if it doesn't, no biggie—just pivot and keep on going.
Final words…
So there you have it: The power of naming your year in all its authentic, soulful glory. By tuning into your gut, choosing a theme that speaks to your soul, and staying open to the magic of the universe, you're setting yourself up for bliss.
Here's to a year filled with growth, adventure, and all the good vibes!