What’s Your Word For 2018?

For me personally the phrase “New Years Resolution” is an immediate turn off. It scares the dickens out of me. It makes me want to turn the other way and run. I’m not exactly sure why that is. Perhaps it is because of all of the horror stories I have heard of where people have set these impossibly high, completely impractical goals for themselves that are not met and in turn lead to depression and sadness. It’s a vicious cycle we do to ourselves year after year. I’m all for small goal setting and list making and then even stretching those goals farther and farther out within reason as long as they don’t drive you batty. And of course every person is different. If you are the kind of person who absolutely thrives on setting a lofty goal then by all means go for it! That just isn’t me.

A simple but powerful word

Something I discovered that has really made a world of difference for me over the past couple of years is setting a word for the year. A powerful word. A word that will empower you and keep you focused and determined all year long.
My word for 2017 was Trust. This year has been a huge year for my family. We moved 2,100 miles across the country from a huge city on the west coast where my husband and I were both born & raised to a tiny town where we literally knew no one. We were both excited and terrified for this new grand adventure. We knew we had to trust in the process. I had no idea how my asthma would be going from sea level in Southern California to the great Midwest and it has definitely been an adjustment! My lungs aren’t a fan of this cold weather and what about all this white stuff falling from the sky?!?! Haha! Through it all I trusted that we would be okay. I got another amazing Respiratory Therapist job at an outstanding hospital out here and we couldn’t be happier with our new life!

I am determined

It took me awhile to think of my word for 2018 and it came to me just this past week- Determination. I am determined to make 2018 our best year yet. I am determined to take even better charge of my health overall. Having all four seasons here is something that has taken some getting used to for me and my lungs can be quite rebellious at times.

I want to really encourage each & every one of you to take some time and reflect on your situations and think of a word that would fit for 2018. It might not come to you right away and that’s totally okay! Even if it takes you a month to figure it out. There is no deadline to come up with it. I had a bracelet made with my 2017 word “trust” on it that I have worn it a lot this year and it was a great reminder for me.

Make your word omnipresent

Once you have come up with your word for 2018, write it down in many different places. Put it on sticky notes around your house- on your bathroom mirror, next to your bed, on the back of your front door to name a few. You could even make it the lock screen saver on your phone. Whatever works for you. I want your word to be meaningful to you and also meaningful to your overall well-being. Physical and mental health are so important and try to pick a word that encompasses all of that. Let’s make 2018 a healthy year!