A few years ago, I started choosing a “word of the year.” A single word that is meant to embody all I hope to gain from the year to come.
While at first, I thought that maybe it was just an arbitrary practice, I’ve come to discover that this word I choose harbors an awful lot of power with it and, more often than not, brings me exactly what I need of it. Every year.
My word for 2022 was Fulfillment. And though there are some elements of this still in process, ultimately 2022 brought me a multitude of opportunities for this very thing. 2022 brought me back to so much of what I love: reading, writing, theatre, music, and spirity things… It helped me learn the ins and outs and dirty secrets of independent publishing. It led me to establish my own publishing company, and release my first book. It reminded me that it's okay to pull back and allow space for growth and development of projects that weren't quite ready yet. It initiated co-creation and collaboration with other talented souls for future projects. It granted me moments of connection to so many of my greatest inspirations and role models whether through live events or social media. It saw me dive deeper into the world of Spirit and Astrology, and experience some of the great ways everything in this existence is connected. It granted me the opportunity to finally portray the bag/blanket lady in Rent. It got me into a pit, back into a recording studio and, through that group project, renew my love and confidence in being a musician. It saw me cast as Diana in Next to Normal, due onstage in January. It let me win Nanowrimo, writing 50,000 words during the month of November, providing a solid foundation for a new/reimagined project. It saw me reach my goal of reading 50 books this year. It saw me conquer fears and issues surrounding self-image and participate in multiple photo shoots of varying theme and design. It set up education and preparation for things I hope to achieve in 2023.
On a more personal level, it saw me witness my baby grow into a toddler and allowed me to watch her experience all the newness this world has to offer. It presented opportunities to connect with, support, and be supported by my husband - who still remains the greatest partner I could ask for, even after 5 years married and 7 years together. It allowed me time and connection with my Mom. It offered chances to work on and heal through past traumas and their resulting fallout. It aided me in growing into the person I am now and preparing me for who I will become within this next linear year of time. It showed me what true friendship looks like, sometimes in unexpected ways. It allowed me to be there through the final moments in the life of one of my best and dearest friends. And though her loss is still extraordinarily sad, I can't help but be grateful for her presence in my life and all that she taught me in the 20 years I was able to call her my friend and sister.
So… how does one follow such a massively transitional year? What word could support the magic that was Fulfillment?
The word I chose for 2023 is..
Celebrate.
Its intent is to help me focus on the gifts, blessings, and occasions full of joy, abundance, and achievement in all things, from love to goals to miracles. I am a deeply introspective person by nature, sometimes I’m too serious for my own good, and I have long struggled with the energies surrounding receiving, worthiness, and fun. My hope then, is to be able to immerse myself in this goodness and be filled with gratitude for an incredible year not just for myself, but for all those I care about. To find occasions all year long to celebrate all that is worth celebrating, from the tiniest to the most extraordinary, and to soak up every ounce of joy along the way.
May you too find every reason to celebrate as this new year brings tides of change for us all.
Happy new year. 💖💫