My Inspiring Word of the Year: Creating a Life of Fun and Ease
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Choosing a Word for the Year
The idea of selecting a word to embody the year ahead was new to me in December 2021, likely because I hadn’t been actively engaging on social media. Previously, I was a content observer, hesitant to make my presence known in the vast online world.
For 2021, my word was clear: Discovering. It signified the beginning of my online journey, one from which I would not retreat. However, as I pondered what single word could capture all my aspirations for 2022, I realized the dictionary fell short, prompting me to craft my own.
To help you create a meaningful word for your year, here are three tips:
Take Your Time
Selecting a word for the year can be a transformative experience. I envisioned 2022 as a time to establish a cherished routine, enhance my personal and professional life, and embark on a path of creativity and development. Reflecting on my aspirations took considerable effort, leading to an initial, less-than-stellar choice:
I first settled on a jumbled term: COFOCREGRO, a blend of Commit, Focus, Create, and Grow. Yet, despite their merits, these words were fundamentally goal-focused. I sought a term that would reflect my evolving self, guiding me toward those ambitions.
Ensure Your Word is Memorable
Much like a gym membership, the word you choose can fade from memory. By March, many find themselves stumbling over the word they picked in January, often unable to articulate their commitment. I desired a word that would stand the test of time.
Choose a Word that Resonates Emotionally
Emotion enhances our memory. For me, laughter is vital; it creates lasting impressions. When I was learning to tune a guitar at 15, I found it challenging to remember the string order. However, I associated the acronym EBGDAE with an amusing image of a cat tumbling onto my keyboard, making it stick in my mind. I even reimagined it in Spanish, turning it into a phrase that made me smile.
The Meaning Behind My Word for 2022
Ultimately, my finalized word was a compound creation: Effunlessly. This term combines "Fun" and "Effortlessly," conveying the essence of my desired self:
Effunlessly: The ability to grow with ease while enjoying the process.
I recognized that enjoyment is crucial; I cannot engage in pursuits that drain my energy. Effortlessness is equally important, as I have often found myself struggling against the current, chasing unsuitable goals or placing excessive pressure on myself.
Effort Doesn't Mean No Effort
Understanding the distinction between forcing oneself into a grueling routine versus finding joy in activities is essential. For instance, there’s a significant difference between adhering to a restrictive diet and embracing lifestyle changes that promote health without feeling like a chore.
Avoid unnecessary friction and resistance; I’ve learned this valuable lesson: what you resist persists.
The Importance of Enjoyment
As a child, I attended ballet classes because that’s what was expected of me, while my brother practiced karate. I detested it. My creativity thrived on finding reasons to skip ballet, as I longed for something more adventurous, like fencing. This became my passion, and I eagerly traveled each day to pursue it.
If your aim is to maintain fitness, don’t force yourself into activities that don’t excite you. Explore and discover alternatives that bring you joy, as there are myriad ways to achieve your goals.
The Benefits of a Fun-Focused Life
Embracing the Effunlessly mindset requires introspection. This isn’t about reading self-help books or seeking therapy; it’s about personally exploring life, identifying what brings you joy, and consciously steering clear of what doesn’t.
This journey demands patience. Quick fixes rarely yield lasting results. I have experimented with various diets, some of which were so extreme that they left me depleted. My magic word helped guide me to discover my unique needs; after undergoing genetic testing, I realized my body couldn't tolerate certain healthy foods like spinach and tomatoes.
Conclusion: Don't Limit Yourself
Choosing a word that encapsulates your dreams can be either a trivial task or a profound journey. For me, it became a guiding principle that I aim to carry with me throughout my life.
Select a word that resonates with your aspirations. Whether you invent a new term, create an acronym, or combine existing words, it should hold significance for you.
Reflect on your lifelong struggles and aspirations. What do you wish for each year? If you haven’t achieved it yet, consider what might be holding you back and how you can approach it differently.
Play with language, enjoy the process, and let your word define your ideal life. Here’s to a wonderful new year!
Thank you to Yana Bostongirl for inspiring this word-of-the-year reflection.
This powerful music video by Matthew West, "My Story Your Glory," captures the essence of personal journeys and the transformative power of sharing experiences.
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