A New Year Begins

It’s that time again!  A new year!  A time when many of us reflect on the year that was and the year that is to come.  Many of us use this time to set goals, strategize, create vision boards, and implement plans for changes or to maintain successful outcomes.  Some of us use this time to select a “word for the year” used in meditating, prayer, or as a focus tool.  I’ve done all of these, and I try to change it up a bit each year. One year I used a MindValley class to help me express what experiences I wanted to have, what growth I needed to obtain, and what contributions I would make in the world or at least my part of the world.  One year I took Jon and Missy Butcher’s Life Book class and developed a book around twelve areas of my life where I wanted to see and maintain positive changes. 

At the end of 2022, like most years, I put great thought into how I would challenge myself in 2023.  What I needed to change, what tools I needed to learn and use, and how I would measure the return on my efforts until I decided to take my own advice.  I stopped to breathe, reflect, and breathe again.  2022 was a year of challenges like many other years, there were teaching moments and trials to overcome.  Successes and failures. There were times of laughter and tears, of strong faith and wavering moments.  Good friends were made and a few were lost.  There were times of health and times when health had to be restored.

I’ve written about Centering Prayer, and as I practiced Being Still….I was given the word for the year…BE.   Very simple, yet very complex.  It ties into my life scripture 1 Chronicles 28:20 “Be strong and courageous and take action; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God is with you.”  What if I could just BE this year? Stop focusing on what I “need” to do and create a vision of who I want to BE. The more I meditated on the word “BE” the more expansive it became.

What if we could all practice Being this year? We are all unique, all wonderfully and thoughtfully created, so “Being” will look different for every one of us.  What would the act of “Being” mean to you?  For me, the list keeps growing.

• BE still more often
• BE present and grateful each and every day
• BE kind to others (and to myself) despite the situation or differing opinions
• BE authentic, without reservation
• BE consistent and disciplined
• BE the healthiest version of myself – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally
• BE a “fair haven” for someone in need
• BE willing to hear with an open mind, listen more, and talk less
• BE ready to take that risk, have that adventure, and go on that trip
• BE joyful and be the person that spreads joy
• BE __________________________

How would you fill in the blank?  I’d love to hear your thoughts for the new year and how you plan, strategize, or set your intentions. I’d love to chat about what you will BE when 2023 is closing and 2024 is upon us.