Since 2015, I have adopted the practice of creating one word for the year ahead. The concept was based on the book "One Word that will Change Your Life" by Jimmy Page, Jon Gordon and Dan Britton. (Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.com!)
I hated New Year's Resolutions. I failed at keeping them repeatedly and usually within the first 30 days of the year! Turns out I'm not the only one. This book started a wildfire by simplifying the concept of having a vision for yourself in the coming year. I loved the model of looking inward, looking upward and looking outward to determine your One-Word. It's a wonderful, personally reflective activity to do annually and a great way to launch each new year.
On December 28, 2022 I reflected on what I wanted to center myself on internally, who I wanted to be for others, and what I would seek out spiritually for 2023. The word I felt was FORWARD. Little did I know just how pertinent that word would be and how it would impact my year.
Here are examples of Forward manifestations in my life so far in 2023:
My son got married in a rushed ceremony in February (military, Army, and the war in Ukraine made us all uneasy).
My daughter graduated from High School, has since moved out of our home and is starting college next month.
I decided to go back to school myself to finish a personal goal, and took my first college course in 30 years this past Spring.
My wife and I shaved our heads in March in solidarity for her mother who battled lung cancer (and won!)
Since December I've lost over 45 lbs, and kickstarted my long health journey with the help of a committed keto diet and a great doctor in my corner.
Two months ago we finally went on our long-planned dream honeymoon to the Tahitian island of Moorea.
Upon returning from that dream honeymoon I was let go from my 10-year employer due to a mass workforce reduction.
July 10 they chopped my leg off! Ok, not really -- but I got a new left hip, following 5 long years of scans, multiple opinions and the recent diagnosis (finally!) of hip dysplasia.
...and last but not least, in late July I made the decision to follow my heart. I began moving forward to create my own company so I can keep coaching/consulting, sharing my talents with others and keep creating safe spaces for growth wherever I can!
A wise mentor told me almost a decade ago not to look backwards because I'm not going that way. My children and I all share a 'family' tattoo that integrates arrows for this very reason. Moving forward is not just my One-Word for 2023, but my personal mission statement.
Another great quote I've used since my teenage years: Quick Down, Quick Up! In the immortal words of Chumbawumba, "I get knocked down but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down!" That phrase does in fact continue to ring true today.
Each month I'll post here about what I'm learning, what has helped me make lasting changes in my life, and what I'm experiencing with Forward. My dream is not to win your business, but to help inspire each of you to keep moving forward on your journey, too.
So...will you join me? Let's make it our intention this month to keep moving FORWARD together!
Great info!