How To Choose a Word To Guide You Through 2024
Will you welcome in the power of an annual word?
You are not the same person today as at the start of 2023.
Whether you like it or not, you’ve changed. Some of this change may be intentional, some may be incidental, and some may simply be part of the natural flow of life.
Tell me, do you ever feel like a passenger in your own life, being taken for a joy ride and completely out of control? Maybe you feel like life is happening to you, as opposed to something you have any influence over.
If you could take total control over your life, what influences would you introduce?
Guiding words from the past
At the start of 2022, inspired by my writing friend Sandra Pawula, I chose a guiding word to help steer me through the year.
“Perseverance” was my word of 2022.
Whenever I felt lost or helpless, I returned to my guiding word. The echo of perseverance encouraged me to harness my inner determination; it gave me the focus and mindset to proceed through setbacks and perceived failings without surrendering to defeat.
On reflection, 2022 was a year of trial and error; my guiding word stopped me from giving up when things didn't go according to plan.
“Truth” was my word for 2023.
Throughout this year, I reminded myself of my guiding word whenever I wandered away from my own path and strayed from my authenticity.
How many of us live a life that is true to ourselves? And how many of us show the world our true selves?
In the poem The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, she says:
“I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul…”
This year, I have left a trail of disappointment in my wake. I have learned to live by my truth without feeling compelled to mask it, fade it, or change it for the comfort of others.
There’s a famous line in the film A Few Good Men where the character Jessop, played by Jack Nickolson, shouts, “You can’t handle the truth.” These five words are still quoted regularly today because the fact is that many people can’t handle the truth.
The truth is raw, ugly, and unapologetic.
The truth hurts. But it is also liberating.
On reflection, this year has been one of liberation. My guiding word gave me the courage to live authentically and stand by my convictions.
Guiding words for 2024
For the last few weeks, I’ve been musing over my guiding word for 2024. I was torn between two, so I have decided to be greedy and adopt both words to help shape my 2024.
For 2024, I would like to “breathe” more! I mean, really breathe. I want to calm my nervous system down and reassure it through deep, intentional, rhythmic breathing. I want to dedicate more time to breathing exercises and meditation.
And at the same time, I want more “fun.” I have always been a big kid. I like silliness and giggling, splashing around in puddles, and doing daft things. Over the last few years, I seem to have become quite serious. I’ve allowed my healing journey to distract me from enjoying my fun side. I’ve lost my effervescence.
Maybe it’s time I went trampolining or to a regular comedy club. I want to slide down rainbows and roll around with puppies. It’s time I navigated myself back to some light-hearted, belly-aching laughter.
What about you?
I encourage you to choose a guiding word for 2024. Give it a bash and see how you get on. You don’t have to share this word with me, but if you feel comfortable sharing, I would love to hear the inspiration behind your selection.
Once you have your words, write them down in conspicuous places. I write mine on my book marker and in my diary. I jot it down on Post-it notes and stick it all over my house. I also tell some friends and ask them to hold me accountable.
Throughout the year, every time I find myself in a quandary, I return to my guiding words, reflect on them, and allow them to work their magic. Past experience has shown me how powerful a guiding word can be. I have high hopes for 2024.
I hope your guiding words help you as much as mine have helped me.
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