My word of the year 2025: SWAY

I choose a word each year. Not all words are effective. Last year’s word was NURTURE, and I didn’t really embrace it. On the other hand, I loved my 2023 word, RUAH.

I’d been considering a few for this year, waiting for one to call fiercely to me.

I’ve been approaching 2025 with some trepidation, worrying about the future of our country and cognizant of the fact I tend to carry the griefs of the world on my shoulders. Since the election I’ve been on a news fast much of the time, protecting my heart from worry and anxiety.

As a natural optimist who’s also a social justice advocate, I know we need to find joys in everyday life to sustain ourselves for the fight ahead. But this prospect has me already exhausted! I needed a word to help me figure out how to do this.

A few days before Christmas I sat in the soaking pool at Edgefield on a blustery day, waiting for my sisters-in-law and nieces to join me after their spa services. The skies gradually darkened as afternoon transitioned to sunset. The trees swayed in the breeze, and a large leaf landed in the pool in front of me just as I chose my word: SWAY.

I plan to sway like a dancer when I’m feeling stress or worry

Like a mama rocking her baby when I need to love myself

Like a tree in the breeze that bends but never breaks

Like a ship in the ocean when the wind rocks it back and forth

My goddaughter Sophia Caesar reminded me of the song “Sway,” written by Mexican composers Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltrán Ruiz in 1953, and I discovered several English covers. That led me down a rabbit hole, finding songs and musicians titled “Sway.” I discovered a Faroese jazz trio modeled after the Andrews Sisters and a Northwest cover band, both called Sway. I especially like this song I found by Kacey Musgraves:

"Maybe one day I'll learn how to sway like a palm tree in the wind...I won't break, I'll just bend”

?Since sway is all about movement, I created a playlist. I’ll try to start my mornings by listening to the playlist, reminding myself to chill and sway, no matter what crosses my path.

Would you like to join me in swaying this year?

As I sway, I’m planning for a year of creativity. Some of you are probably laughing, because I’m already creative. But I want to take it to a higher level. I’m taking an 8-week calligraphy class (the first one since high school; thanks to my wonderful husband for this Christmas present!). I’m also trying out a writer’s group for the first time ever.

Do you choose a word of the year? Please drop me a line and share your word!

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