The end of a year is always accompanied by end of year round ups. People reflecting on their highs and lows from the past 12 months.
Last year, at the end of 2019, lots of people looked back at the previous decade, and were excited to see how 2020 would turn out. It may not have been the #bestyearever that people had eagerly anticipated, but as I reflected on New Years Eve last year, not everything in life is perfect, and sometimes we just have to roll with it.
“The greatest thing we can do is enjoy every day and be kind to each other.”
Me, NYE 2019
2020 was crazy, but I know how lucky I am; stable employment, good health, friends and family, it hasn’t always been easy, but it definitely could of been a lot worse. I miss my parents enormously and I worry for those who have been hit the hardest.
Amongst the many social media posts by friends about the last year, one in particular has struck a chord with me. She’s an old friend, an exes friends wife, who I don’t necessarily interact with anymore, but we always had a lot in common so we stayed in touch. She wrote about her word of the year, intentionally, and how it had helped her through the tough times of 2020.
I looked into this more, and apparently it’s a thing, and to be honest I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before as it is right up my street. Instead of a New Years resolution, you pick a word and this word sets you up for the year. As an example, you might chose the word determined, and that would be your focus and you would apply it to any tasks or challenges you were undertaking. An affirmation of sorts, you become determined to run that 5k, get that new job or save that deposit. What ever you are faced with, you do it with determination.
Ever since I saw the post I’ve been thinking about what my word will be for 2021, no #NewYearNewMe, no New Years resolutions, just a simple word, a statement of intent, for the year ahead. An opportunity for personal growth without the pressure to succeed, or the underlining potential for failure.
The word I have chosen is bloom.
It has been said that 2020 showed us the things that were really important.
I definitely was lucky enough to take some time to slow down and think about what was important to me and what I wanted. My anxiety is much better, as is my confidence, but what I really want now, is to keep doing what I already do, but just do it better. To be the best nurse I can be, to get outside more, write more, to practice compassion, to myself and others. To bloom.
I questioned my hubby, “do you think that word is a bit naff?” “It’s your word” he replied, “it doesn’t matter what I think.” He’s right of course, if I’m struggling at work or unable to get off the sofa for a walk, it needs to be my word that motivates me to step up or, quite literally, step out. The universe also threw out its approval as I drove past a sign in a shop window today that said ‘it’s your time to bloom!’
So here’s to 2021, an opportunity to bloom. What that will end up looking like, I don’t know. What challenges and set backs the year might hold, I also don’t know, but I will try my hardest to approach them all with positivity. I might not get it right first time, but blooming is about growing, and that’s what I’m aiming for. What will your word for 2021 be?
Ali's Writing Space 
That is inspirational! Thank you!
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I’m so glad you liked it. Did you pick a word?
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That was inspirational! Thank you!
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