2022: The Word

Two years ago, as I sat contemplating my 2020 goals, I read an Instagram post from a college friend in which she described her word for the year. She described it as what she wanted to feel at her core for the coming year, a theme that would provide direction and clarity.

I loved the idea so much that I borrowed (stole) it.?

My word for 2020 was PRESENT and while we were all forced to do things differently in 2020, I made an effort to be more present in many areas of my life and I succeeded. There are still "PRESENT" post it notes scattered throughout my office. In 2021, my word was FORWARD and I used it as a hashtag in my daily Instagram “quote of day” posts to my stories. Looking back, I wanted to run away from 2020 as fast and as far as I could for many reasons and I am sure I am not alone in that sentiment.?

That same college friend, who is now also my executive coach, and I discussed the the concept of a word for 2022 and she said, "the word chooses you." Considering that my word popped into my head three weeks ago and hasn’t left since, I think she’s right.?

After moving FORWARD in 2021, I want more. This year, I want to take everything to a higher level and the word for 2022 is:

UPWARD

It’s not enough to just move forward anymore. Coming out of 2020, a difficult year for both obvious and not obvious reasons, I took the time to reexamine some aspects of my life and priorities. In some ways, I barely recognize myself at times and it has nothing to do with the fact that I lost 40 pounds! In some ways, I feel I am a new person with greater focus on what actually matters to me, who I am and more importantly, who I want to be.?

It’s that last part, who I want to be, that drives me. I have been known to say, “If you aren’t getting better, you’re getting worse.” I have no desire to get worse or go backwards and while I could keep going forward, the trajectory is taking me higher. Hence, UPWARD.

With the help of my coach, I have created a list of twelve core values that will continue to point me in the UPWARD direction and because of my love of music, I crafted a playlist with a song associated with each core value. If you want a link to the playlist, reach out.

The focus for this year is to raise the level of my relationships, my work, my fun, the things I love to do and the people I love to do them with. That’s what I want for 2022 and that’s what I will make happen.?

If you want to join me, just let me know. In the meantime, I wish you all a happy, healthy, safe, and spectacular 2022! May all of your dreams come true…or better.

PS I know the picture I am using for this post is of me falling downward, but skydiving was one of my biggest accomplishments in 2021 and I am choosing to celebrate the accomplishment and use it as an inspiration as I determine what’s next.?Any suggestions?