I have spent the last year mourning the loss of things I could not do because of COVID, health issues, or finances. There always seemed to be something being canceled or postponed; life became  a game of surviving rather than thriving. I kept waiting for things to change, but it was only this past week I realized I am the one who needs to change. 

Every year, for the last 10 or so, instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I have chosen my “One Little Word” to be the focus of the year ahead.  This year is no different.  These were the contenders.

After carefully considering my options, I chose the word EMBRACE which according to the Google dictionary means to “accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.”

My goal is to refocus my view of myself and the world by embracing rather than pushing away whatever comes my way.  I don’t have to like everything, but in every situation there is something to be learned, something to be celebrated, something to be embraced. 

What kinds of things will I be trying to embrace? Here’s my list in progress.

• Myself
• The journey
• Imperfections
• Change
• Life
• Uncertainty
• Failures
• Roadblocks
• Slow progress
• Alone time
• Other people’s achievements

As I usher out 2021 and ring in 2022, I look forward to being inspired by my “One Little Word,” to living instead of just surviving, and to embracing whatever life has in store for me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!