Reflecting on my word of the year
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about my word of the year. I chose the word “expansive” - a word which I’ll admit had started to feel a little ironic as the physical spaces we can occupy become smaller and smaller. I had been pondering changing it, searching my brain for a word that felt a little more relevant for our current situation.
And so yesterday, I sat down with my journal and I thought about it. I wrote and wrote and wrote, and on the third page, I had a breakthrough. I realised that I chose the word “expansive” because I wanted more space and time to explore the many ideas buzzing around my head. I realised that I chose that word because I wanted to expand my perception of what is possible for me and the business I’m building. And when you think about it, I’m being given the opportunity to do just that right now.
Having the word expansive as my word of the year suddenly went from feeling like a twisted joke to a big fat permission slip. My mindset began to shift instantly - instead of focusing on all the negative aspects of being a self employed business owner right now, I started to see the opportunities to grow and learn and be of service. I started to see how this experience would help me to expand my knowledge as a coach, how I’d come out of it all more able to help than ever before.
And that little breakthrough got me thinking - what if we all started to see this collective pause as an opportunity to reassess what’s most important to us? What if those of us who have got more time on our hands used it to crack on with those dreams we’ve been ignoring? What if we all saw this break in normality as an opportunity to find the clarity we’ve been craving?
It’s not about undermining the seriousness of what’s going on in the world. It’s not about putting pressure on ourselves to be “productive” during a global pandemic. But by shifting our mindset ever so slightly, we move from fear to curiosity. We shift out of negativity and into hope.
Nothing is ever black and white. If we have to deal with the crap, then we sure as hell deserve to embrace the silver linings, too. And so, I’m gonna hold on extra tight to my word of the year. I’m not swapping it out for something that feels more appropriate, I’m embodying it with every fibre of my being. I’m choosing to adopt an expansive mindset, I’m choosing to be open to all of the opportunities for growth and learning.
And of course, I want to help you guys do the same. Through my work as a coach, through the programmes I offer, through the content I share here and elsewhere. Let’s use this experience to expand our perception of what’s possible, rather than shrink it. Let’s use this experience to remember what’s most important, to reconnect with our values and priorities. Let’s use this experience to grow. Who’s with me?
Did you choose a word of the year? I’d love to know how it’s serving you right now?
