In January I shared how I am FINALLY putting my word of the year in action. This year I made a plan to use my word of the year in four areas of my life.

How is it going?! I have an update!

Although I love having a word of the year, I’m not sure if I’m great at using the word. This year I decided to try something different. I want to use the word in my daily life.

I wanted to pick a word of the year AND make a plan to intentionally use the word.

So…How am I bringing more expansion to my life this year? I’m focusing on expanding a few areas of my life.

I’ve read Shonda Rhimes’ book, Year of Yes, at least twice (if not more). I LOVE it! Saying yes to the scary, uncomfortable things is totally my jam. Finding courage, getting out of your own way, and pushing yourself to try new things are all things I can easily get behind. 

When I read the book at the beginning of this year (2022) I decided my yes needed to be different. I was going to say yes to saying no. I’m calling 2022 the year of no.

So, what led me to a year of no? ….

COVID-19 came and changed our world. The way we live is completely altered, and I do not know what things will look like once we return to our “normal” way of life. What I do know is that I want to cultivate a new normal.

Some of the personal work I’m doing this year is learning to find peace and joy in the craziness of life. For so long I based my happiness on the next big thing - summer break, a new job, a fun vacation, making more money, and the list goes on. I was always waiting for some future event to solve my problems and bring the joy I was craving. I’ve learned that there will always be a next thing and if I’m always chasing something in the future as my source of joy I miss out on the present moment and I’ll never be content.