As we step into a new year, I can't help but wonder — how are you feeling?
Does the idea of diving into a list of New Year's resolutions sound a bit exhausting, especially when you're juggling the unique challenges of raising a kiddo(s) with ADHD? I get it, life is already a rollercoaster, and adding more tasks to the mix may feel like too much to handle.
What if, this year, you approached things a little differently? Instead of drowning yourself in an overwhelming list of tasks and goals, what if you chose a single word that could guide and empower you throughout the coming months?
The Pressure of Resolutions:
Resolutions often carry hefty expectations and a lengthy to-do list that, let's face it, can feel downright impossible to tackle. The odds aren't exactly in our favor—only 8% of people actually conquer them by the year's end. The pressure to stick to a rigid set of goals tends to backfire, often leaving us with a sense of failure. Who needs that kind of stress? Certainly not me! And I'm guessing you don't either!
Enter: The Word of The Year:
For many years now, I have set aside resolutions and adopted the practice of "Word of the Year."
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel empowered. It's simple, clear, and easy to remember. I choose a single word that serves as a guiding theme for the year. What I love about this approach is that the word becomes a touchstone, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of my overarching intention for the year. It's a flexible concept that allows for adaptability and self-compassion.
Every year I have done this has led to wonderful and surprising results. Once I set my word and intention for the year, it's uncanny how many opportunities to put it into "practice" show up.
Choosing Your Word:
Reflect on Your Journey: Take a moment to reflect on the past year. What were the challenges and triumphs? What aspects of the journey do you want to amplify or improve?
Identify Desires and Needs: Consider what you truly want in the coming year. Is it more patience, resilience, joy, or balance? Use the four questions below to guide your reflections:
What is lacking in your life? (Joy, Rest, Fun, Relationships, Conversation, Friendship, Patience)
What would you like to have more of? (Peace, Relaxation, Connection, Harmony, Stillness)
How would you like to feel at the end of 2024? (Motivated, Fulfilled, Content, Stronger, Healthier)
If you could only add one thing to your life in 2024, what would it be? (Love, Trust, Laughter, Courage, Forgiveness)
Example Words of The Year:
The choices are endless; here are just a few:
Patience: Cultivate patience—both for yourself and others—granting the necessary space for growth and learning.
Resilience: Embrace the challenges with resilience, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey.
Connection: Build stronger connections with your child, family, friends, and support network.
Self-Compassion: Grant yourself the grace to acknowledge that you're doing your best and that it's okay not to be perfect.
The Power of Your Chosen Word:
Once you've identified your word, let it guide your decisions, actions, and reactions throughout the year. When faced with any challenge or opportunity, ask yourself, "How can I embody my chosen word in this situation?" This shift in focus will provide a more realistic and achievable framework for growth.
As you enter the new year, let's release the burden of unattainable resolutions and welcome the empowerment of a single, powerful word. Here's to a year of intention, growth, and unwavering strength.
Here's to entering the New Year with EASE!
With love and gratitude,
Coco
P.S. I would love to hear your Word of the Year! You can share by posting in the comments below, or you can jump into our FB group, ADHD Parenting Redifined, so that we can encourage and support each other throughout the year!
