CHOOSING A WORD OF THE YEAR FOR 2023
Life is a journey of discovery isn't it? We spend the first half trying to
figure out who we are - taking onboard so many labels from other people -
daughter, wife, mother, career woman, student, friend....and the list goes
on. Then adding labels of our own as we try to fit into what we think life
should look like and how we think we should respond. Some of those labels
fit comfortably, and others.... well, they just need to be discarded because
they've been outgrown or never really suited us in the first place.....they've just weighed us down.
Late last year I wrote about how my 50's were the years where I finally
took stock of all those labels and began the process of peeling them off to
see what was underneath - it was
my decade of unraveling and unbecoming...
SEVERAL LABELS I DISCARDED IN MY UNRAVELING
BUT WHAT COMES AFTER THE UNRAVELING?
This is where an interesting twist in my thinking took place a few weeks
ago.... I was going to say that after the unraveling comes a time of
leaping into new and different challenges - I had a #WOTY all ready to go
that covered this idea of growth and becoming "more me"......but then I
had a last minute little epiphany on my way home from a very restful few
days' holiday in December. I realized that I was coming out of a tough year and maybe
I wasn't quite ready yet for this next big phase of recreating myself.
It occured to me that last year was a time of living with
constant grinding pain
that stopped me doing most of my usual pastimes.
It limited me, drained me, and took away a large chunk of my day to day life.....until I
was fortunate enough get an earlier surgery date to have
my hip replaced
in October. Then there's been the slow process of recovery and the pain
associated with getting mobile again.
I was feeling weary and I just wasn't ready to burst
out into something big and new. My original idea wasn't enthusing me at
all as a #WOTY should. I realized I needed more time to rebuild my energy and to decide what really resonates with me when I think about the year (and decade)
ahead.
LEARNING TO LIVE LIGHTLY
The Word of the Year that came to me during that epiphany actually became
two words, so I'm cheating a little and claiming
LIVE LIGHTLY
as my #WOTY for 2023. I want this year to be a time of recovering myself;
being kind to myself; building myself back up again; not pressuring myself
to be too much too soon; taking the time to step lightly and discover what
feels right for the rest of my 60's. It's not about losing physical weight (although a kilo or two would be a bonus), it's about losing what weighs me down and feels constrictive. It's about a year of feeling free to go with the flow - to feel light, to choose light, and to bring light to others.
This is the last decade of Midlife and I want it to be a gentle one, a
time of replacing the old "fictitious" parts of me that no longer fit comfortably with
new traits that feel like putting on a new, soft, perfectly fitting garment that
moves with me through whatever life brings my way. I don't want to force
the process, I want to step gently into this more 'real' version of me,
and I think that begins with Living Lightly.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you chosen a Word of the Year for 2023? I'd love you to share it
in the comments. Does Living Lightly resonate with you in the same way
it does with me? I feel that words like gentle, kind, calm, flow, simple, slow, lovely, acceptance, and joy will come up a lot in my posts this year as I apply my new #WOTY(s) and I hope you find them encouraging too.
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What a fabulous word to followup your year of fabulous (no pun intended). I love the idea of living more lightly or simply & it's something I'll also be pursuing this year...but also want to lighten the kilo load somewhat...
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - I think we'd all like to lighten the kilo load a little, but taking the weight off my shoulders feels like a good start. When your heart feels light it makes all the difference in the world - and that's my aim for the year ahead - a light heart... x
DeleteHappy New Year to both you and Ross and may all your troubles be little ones and may 2023 be happy and LIGHT in all ways. All my love as always. Mum xx
ReplyDeleteHi Mum - you are a great example of living lightly and letting the cares wash over you. I'm definitely looking at going with the flow this year - and doing a little skipping in the sunshine with my new hip :)
DeleteHi, Leanne - 'Living Lightly' is absolutely brilliant! I look forward to following your posts and seeing where this WOTY leads you.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - I see Blogger is still liking you :) and yes I'm hoping that choosing these two words reminds me to let the small stuff go and to focus on the sunshine and light in life - there's a lot of good stuff out there if we look for it. x
DeleteLeanne, 'live lightly' sounds perfect for this stage of life. The gentle sensation of floating comes to mind. Good choice.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne - I definitely felt that it lent itself to going with the flow and also the idea of gliding through life rather than trudging (or limping) along. :)
DeleteHi Leanne - Living lightly is something I can definitely relate to. For me it's Living Slowly. I want to decelerate, be calmer. I would like to pay more attention to the smaller details of every day life. I still have a little over 2 years for my career to draw to a close. So, during those two years I would like to wind down. Looking forward to all your "Living Lightly" posts through the year.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - "calm" is one of the words that came to mind when I chose this idea for my #WOTY - also slow, gentle, simple. I'm truly tired of trying to push myself forward all the time, and I think that I need a year or so of being patient with myself - not stagnating, but not constantly pressuring myself to have done something or proved something.
DeleteHi Leanne - 'live lightly' sounds good but very difficult to apply at the moment as the love of my life passed away in December and needless to say my chronic pain has worsens due to grief and stress. I am weary and living a minute at a time. I agree with you that words such as calm, peace, tranquility, simple soothe the soul. Please, would you keep me in your prayers? Thank you for another beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteOh Yvonne I am SO sorry to hear that. You must be absolutely devastated and I can't begin to imagine what you're going through. If I could I'd wrap you in the biggest hug and cry with you. There's no platitudes like "this too shall pass" that cover what you're experiencing and with the addition of chronic pain it must feel so dark at the moment. Please be kind to yourself, please seek help if you need it and support. I'll definitely be praying for you during this very difficult time. Feel free to email me if you'd like someone to talk to. xxx
DeleteHello Leanne, I have been following your blog for a while and thought I should introduce myself. I am in the middle of my midlife journey and enjoy reading how you are navigating your way though this stage. I love your WOTY and look forward to reading along during 2023. Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth - thanks so much for commenting - I love 'meeting' people who read my blog and hearing that my thoughts resonate with you. I'm truly hoping that the idea behind Living Lightly weaves its way through my year and inspires others to be gentler with themselves and to tune out the noise of the world. I'm looking forward to a quiet and simple year ahead. :)
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful "word" for guiding your new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne - I'm hoping it revitilizes me and refreshes things after all the pain and recovery of 2022.
DeleteThis is a great 2 word WOTY Leanne. Live Lightly has a great many ways of interpreting it and you're right WOTy should spark some joy so I'm glad for your sake that you changed tack! Your last year was fabulous and I'm thinking this year will be just as good. I also liked the back story as to what made you lead into these words rather than the other you had thought you were going with. Looking forward to seeing how you interpret Live Lightly during 2023.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - it was really interesting to me how my word changed at the last minute - I'd written a complete post about the other word, but it just didn't feel right. I think I'm just tired and need to feel like I don't have to push myself to do anything extra this year other than glide gently through. Life never stands still, so I won't be treading water, but I'll definitely be going with the flow rather than trying to become an Olympic champion!
DeleteHappy New Year, Leanne! You continue to bring us all light, through your inspiring posts. This year I plan to work on being my best self. That means, I will learn to value my own opinion, and only apply to my life, information that is useful, and makes sense to me. No more cliches, or trends, for me. I hope you continue to recover nicely from your surgery. Thank you for sharing another beautiful post-so perfect for the new year ahead. xxx Christina Daggett
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - Happy New Year to you too - and here's to a kinder and quieter year for both of us. One where we focus on what truly matters and let the rest wash over and around us. I think when you learn to accept yourself and to like yourself, the rest really is just unnecessary noise - and so much easier to ignore while you just get on with living your best life :) x
DeleteI love this Leanne. Live Lightly could mean so many different things. A word hasn't come to me yet but I'm not stressing. It usually comes to me when I'm not thinking about it. If not I might have a wordless year when anything is possible. Happy New Year to you and your family
ReplyDeleteI've had WOTY's that jumped out at me, and others that I've dragged kicking and screaming into the new year. Live Lightly was a late choice, but just felt right when it appeared. I'm saving my other word for next year (depending on whether I'm ready for some growth by then!) I hope yours arrives soon...
DeleteI love all those "let go's" that enable to live on your own terms. Lightly is a wonderful word and perhaps one I'll use in the future. Becoming kinder to yourself, building yourself up, and going with the flow, that all sounds well needed. Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration with your posts, that always resonate a lot with me.
ReplyDeleteHi Susanne - I think we're on a similar wavelength with what we want from this stage of life. The difference is that you have a lot more interests that you're exploring - and I'm just tootling along. Regardless, we both have a strong desire to live well, but to live with less pressure (from outside and from within). I hope 2023 is kind to both of us.
DeleteThank you for sharing your word selection process with us, Leanne. I love that you listened to yourself and chose an intention that spoke to you. Live lightly is perfect. It seems to me, from following your blog over the years, that you are becoming quite good at following your heart and being your authentic self. I know it's a lifelong work-in-progress, but your progress is an inspiration. As we've discussed, my word for this year is "grounded." I've felt a little unsettled recently, and I am ready to ground myself and become more present and at ease.
ReplyDeleteHi Christie - I remarked on the similar concept of our words (despite how different they sound). I think the idea of not being pulled or directed by those around us, but rather listening to our head and heart, is what's driving us both this year - I think it's going to be a really good one if we stick to our intentions. x
DeleteYou're such an inspiration, Leanne. In 3 years, I'll be in the next decade too and I want to start preparing for that. Living lightly is such a perfect way to live life. Looking forward to following your journey through this year! ♥
ReplyDeleteHi Corinne - it seems like only yesterday that it was 3 years until I was 60 - and now I'm well and truly there! I think after all the grinding pain of last year, I just needed something light and calm and peaceful for 2023 and living lightly summed it up. x
DeleteSometimes we don't know how hard it's been until we look back and are reminded. Illness, pain and surgery will do that to us. I also add in the years of uncertainty thanks to Covid because it affected so much. I say 'give ourselves a break' to those of us who are used to being 'the good girls, the eldest ones and the conscientious'...Go lightly sounds just right! Thank you so much for returning to Wednesday’s Words and Pics Link Up in 2023. I look forward to continuing the blogging community connection this year. May your year go well. Denyse.
ReplyDeleteHi Denyse - I think I can tick all of those weighty issues and I'm just a bit weary at heart after last year especially. I'm longing for a gentle and calm year without pain, without stress, and without feeling like I need to worry or be responsible for too much - just to take it slowly and simply - something we need more of in this world of ours. x
DeleteHappy New Year, Leanne. Great post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes - and a happy new year to you too. :)
DeleteHi Leanne, Live Lightly are wonderful WOTY and you can apply it in many ways. I look forward to your updates throughout the year. I don't have a WOTY. However, I feel that I have a good focus on how I live my life. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - you always have bucket lists and seasonal lists - I think they are the alternatives to WOTY - each gives some intentionality to the year ahead and something to check in with to see how we're growing and enjoying life.
DeleteA perfect WOTY for you Leanne. Despite your hip operation, 2022 was FABULOUS for you but perhaps as you recover physically living lightly is perfect. Living lightly mentally is also important so look forward to reading your posts each month on how you are living your WOTY. Happy New Year! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Sue - I've noticed that I had to adjust my expectations in regard to recovery when I went too hard too fast after the initial 6 weeks. I realized in December that I need to give my body time to fully heal, time to catch up on my fitness, and time to adjust to getting back to "normal" after such a painful time - taking it a little easier on myself physically and mentally just seems like the right call for the year ahead - then I can leap into something new and more full-on in 2024 if I'm ready. Happy New Year to you too xx
DeleteHappy New Year! I'm glad to be able to link up with the Weekend Coffee Share. You have a good way with explaining words. I like the letting go & unraveling, I need to do more of that in my life. I'll be going back & reading some of your related posts. Karen
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - lovely to meet you and thank you for your kind words. I have a deep attachment to the idea of a having a Word of the Year and then trying to explain why it resonated with me for the months ahead - I'm glad you could relate to why I chose it.
DeleteI love your word of the year. I haven't ever had one but my consider it in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi - it's a fun way to have some intentions for the year ahead without falling into the trap of making resolutions that you never seem to keep. :)
DeleteVery interesting WOTY pick and I'm looking forward to how you bring it to life this year. I've had a really rough week (moving my mom into assisted living facility - both mentally and physically impactful) and can certainly relate to some lightness!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm sorry to hear that things have been tough - the initial stages of moving a parent into care is never easy (for you or for them) but I do hope she's happy there and it gives you all some breathing space in the year ahead. Sending you a warm hug and good wishes for your mum. :)
DeleteI like your WOTY. I look forward to your growth as you explore the word "lightly." I may be in my 30s, but I've been working on decluttering house -- I guess that counts as lightly. I feel stressed out when I am surrounded by clutter.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie - de-cluttering definitely fits living lightly. Clutter weighs us down and if it gets bad enough it gives us a sense of being out of control of our immediate environment - and that's not great for our mental health. So congrats on tackling it in the year ahead.
DeleteI love that word leanne. I think it is perfectly fitting. I think it's one we should all apply to some degree.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirstin - I think some people are ready to climb mountains and wrestle wild bears in the year ahead..... me not so much. I just really liked the idea of giving myself a break and just enjoying the ride for a few months as I get back into 'normal' life again.
DeleteDear Leanne Love your word for 2023 and can so resonate with your journey last year and your desire to move slowly into in this new year. Although our experiences were different our journeys show the similar coming through pain, reinventing ourselves, and a decision to take a different spin on things. And as I write this I am thinking that my word could be Gently. The last phrase in the “Apache Blessing” which I have over my desk, is “May you move gently through the world and know its beauty, all the days of your life.”
ReplyDeleteHi Judith - it's funny how you mention "gently" because I plan to write a blog post on being gentle with ourselves sometime soon. It's a word that resonated with me deeply when I headed down the "live lightly" path. I think our world pushes us to always be striving for more, and sometimes we just need to slow down and be gentle with ourselves for a while - to let our souls breathe.... I loved the words of that blessing. x
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