Every year I choose one word to help guide me. Some people call it their word of the year, or one little word. I’ve done this for 9 years now, and I’ve always loved how my word shapes my year, or helps me become better. Some of the words I’ve chosen in the past are brave, trust, be, light, simplify, focus and create.
For 2020, I chose the word joy. It was definitely not a word I would have chosen had I known what this year was going to be like, but I did make a short film about my word and how it helped me be more grateful amidst COVID-19, quarantine and cancellations. You can check that out in my Gratitude + Joy post.
When I was thinking of what word I should choose for 2021, there were many that came to mind that swirled around COVID…like hope, patience, wish, desire, etc. I got to thinking that maybe I shouldn’t let the frustrations of 2020 influence my word, but that I should choose something on what I want to be better at.
It’s usually during December when I start thinking and looking for my new word, and this December has been no exception, except maybe that I started thinking about my 2021 word in April… 😉
Something I love to do, is listen to self-improvement books as I do chores or drive. This year I have listened to a number of amazing books that have really had an impact on me and have influenced me in more than one way. In no particular order, they are:
Essentialism by Gregory McKeown
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White
(I HIGHLY recommend any or all of these books for your next read!)
As you can see, these books focus on either habits, home or less. I think I had a theme this year without even realizing it! All of these books have had an impact on me and the choices I’ve made regarding my home, my work and my habits. Essentialism was the last book I listened to, and it inspired me so much that I decided I wanted my word for 2021 to focus on something around choosing how to live my life better. I listened to it a second time just to hear it again because it was that good–and my word hit me smack dab in the face as I was pondering on a particular chapter. The word is:
mindful
I knew as soon as I thought of “mindful” that it had to be my word for 2021! I’m hoping that as I go through 2021, I’ll remember my word and let it help me to be more mindful in all aspects of my life!
I’m excited for 2021, and can’t wait to see how mindfulness will help me learn and grow into a better human being. If you have a word for 2021, I’d love to hear what it is!
Wendy
Interesting post Emily. Love your images as well.
Will have to think about a word for 2021, but love this concept.
You have an interesting book list. I read “The No Spend Year” by Michelle McGagh. It was really interesting but I wasn’t as disciplined as Michelle at the art of no spending! Maybe “discipline” should be my word for 2021. Yikes!