Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

Do you pick a word to represent the year ahead? I have done this in the past. I think I would like to, but I don’t know where to start.

Wordwise

Dear Wordwise,

I do pick a word every year. I really like the practice. There have been times when I have been more serious about picking and keeping it in the forefront of my mind. This year is one of those times. I love my 2022 word. My word for next year is Excellence. I heard a podcast on this word and it was so inspiring to me. My word can be a little scary until you break it down. Excellence does not mean Perfection. Perfection would be a bad word for me because I already struggle with that work. I feel when trying to compete with the word Perfection, I actually fall further from excellence.

I believe it would be great if you picked a word for 2022. How to pick the word is a worthy question.

Spend some time with the question and consider what you would like 2022 to bring into your life. Center your word around those experiences.

Is there something that you want to change in your life or a skill you want to improve? Your word can be a word that inspires you to do that work.

Is there a word or topic that keeps showing up in your experience? Those are great clues.

Pick a few words. I think three to five words so you don’t get overwhelmed with deciding. Spend some time with each word. How does the word make you feel? I know, I know mushy stuff, but really you want to feel good when you think of your word. If your word overwhelms you, it is not the right word.

Remember this is not set in stone you can also change your word anytime you feel it isn’t right for you. Go strong with the word you choose or the exercise is not very effective. That being said, you can always and everytime do it your own way. Maybe you want a word a week or a word a month. That wouldn’t work for me because I would just get lost in the choice and abandon the process. However, you do you.

Now once you have picked your word, decide are you serious about the word and what it represents? Are you committed to make the changes you need to make to become your word? What do you need to put into place to help support you?

Do you share your word? Again a very personal question. I do share my word, but only with those who support me. You know who those people are. To me those are the people that respond with enthusiasm and are happy for the stretch I am giving myself. Not the people who respond with sarcasm and “well isn’t that cute” responses.

Have fun with this. By the way, “fun” is my secondary word.

Love, Aunt B

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