Last year I
chose three words to guide me: clear, calm, and kind. To keep them in the foreground, I used them
as passwords for various log-ins, and while I can always become clearer, calmer
and kinder, it’s time for a new word.
For 2017,
I’ve selected the word devoted because
I concur with Matthew Kelly that “the way to say no to something is to say yes
to something deeper.” I want to focus my
energies on what I do want rather
than what I don’t want and to do that
with a level of commitment that’s best described as devotion. Mindfulness might
be a synonym, but somehow devoted implies that my heart is fully engaged and
that I’m leaning into something
rather than releasing something in order to be present.
So, devoted
to what? There are so many worthy causes, and I always start with the personal
before moving out, so here are the five things I want to devote myself to each
day—connection, writing, movement, marriage and fun.
If I’m
paying attention in each of these areas, then I’ll be likely to see and seize available
opportunities, and I suspect that really devoting myself to these, beyond
writing about them once in January, will have an effect on me. I’ll get to notice my resistances, my fears
of living so wholeheartedly or fear of missing out on something else because
these are my foci. I’m hopeful that having this intention will help me discern
what to do when faced with choices or nudge me when inertia and old habits feel
more comfortable.
I’m happiest
when I’m learning, changing, and growing, and I love life when it’s intense and
things are happening quickly. For momentum to increase, I need to be devoted to
what I value. Devoted implies the
deepest yes inside me.
Each day I
intend to connect (look people in
the eye, stop whatever I’m doing and listen, pray and meditate, journal and tune
in), move (stretch, walk outdoors,
swim, yoga, take the stairs), write
(daily pages, more blogs, essays, manuscripts and letters), celebrate my marriage (savor my mate, appreciate his
charm, intelligence and goodness), and have fun (seek comedy, spend time with funny people, attend live
entertainment, sing more, create gatherings of family, neighbors, friends, say
yes to invitations that surprise me).
Each of
these lightens and nourishes my spirit, and I have the privilege of a life that
allows me to put my focus here because survival and meaningful work, nourishing
people and safety are in place. It’s really a gift and a responsibility to not
complain and be the brightest light I can be.
In a year of impending darkness, I want to be devoted to something
bigger.
What words
might guide you this year?
