In 2019, I started picking a word for the year. I find the word helps me focus on something for the year. Last year my word was positivity because I really felt like my life needed more positivity. The year before it was inspire. I have also picked connect and flourish. This year I tried to think about what word I wanted and where I wanted to focus in my life. I was thinking I wanted something to do with my teaching. I thought of prosper, resolve, and thrive, but they didn't feel right. I saw a display at our local mall with "JO" in greens and you stand as the "Y". It is put out for the holidays each year. I thought about choosing "joy". Again, I wasn't completely sure. I tried a couple of word of the year generators like this one over at Mama Smiles. I tried hers twice and came up with transform and reflect.
Transform and reflect seemed to feel a bit better to me. Both are words used in geometry. I slept on the words and really started thinking about how my life has been and will be transforming. I went back to teaching full time for the first time in 16 years. Hazel will be going to high school next year at a different school--possibly at a boarding school. My life may really change. It will transform and I will transform with it. So my word is picked! Thanks go Mama Smiles for the idea!
When I am considering a word, I google images of it. I save them on my computer so I can look at them. Once I pick my word, I create graphics using My Memories software. As I thought about transform, I thought about the butterfly. Its lifecycle is a transformation. Of course, butterflies were the theme of Hazel's 13th birthday party, and I did so many different digital crafts with butterflies.
The next thing I usually do is look for Bible verses and quotes using my word of the year. I save them for reflection. I will probably pick my favorites and make graphics using My Memories.
The first Bible verse I found is Romans 12:2:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
One of the quotes I found is from Barbara De Angelis:
"Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is invisible - it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could."
I also love this one from Hermann Hesse:
"I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value."
Now I will watch my life and focus on the transformations and opportunities to transform. I hope I can meet them with positivity and happiness.
What is your word for 2023? Need some help? Check out this post with ideas for tweens and teens.
