Word for 2023: Release
What's your WORD for this next year?
(yes, like from the Harry and Megan Documentary on Netflix but no, I copied this from someone on Instagram a few years ago!)
My word is Release.
Release Expectations, limitations, and fears. Release living in the future or past. Release the weight of other’s needs. Release.
Why Release? Because it communicates I’m in control, to “own each day.” I choose to release something, to relinquish any power over me, or move forward without. In the final form, releasing myself. Allowing myself to not be hindered or weighted down by things outside of my control or inside my mind. How often do we feel unworthy as we set goals? Release that feeling. How often do we replay untrue or unhelpful narratives that allow our former selves or our fears to rule our future and our present? Release.
Your WORD should center you, inspire you, support you, and help you live more aligned with your values this next year.
How did I come up with my word and how to think about yours? First, don’t make this something you take 20 hours to discover. Go with your gut. Your word/phrase could be, “Boom Shack-a-lacka” if it conjured the right emotions! Think:
In the past year, what gave you the most life/energy/joy? What was most draining? When you think through those experiences, emotions, people, what words come to mind?
Looking forward, how can I guard against the things that rob me of joy and lean into those things that propel me forward? What word helps you bring about this mindset?
This word will come and go out of your mind but it’s more about something simple, easy to remember, concise, and clear to center yourself on when life feels like it’s getting away from you. There are no rules. You can change your word mid-way through the year. Do whatever serves you best.
January 1st is just another day. Same as June 12th, September 3rd, whatever. Remember, each day we can choose to begin again and Own Each Day.