A popular practice around the first of every new year is to pick a word for that year. Much easier, not to mention more intuitive, than making New Year’s Resolutions, picking a word to serve as a North Star can be very beneficial. During 2018 my word was flexible. I wanted to be more flexible in my body, my mind and my emotions all year long. Not only did it get me into a “mostly” two-day-a-week yoga practice, it also helped my thinking relax and flow as the year progressed. It was such a success for me that I decided to come up with a new word for 2019. I’m hoping this word will guide and direct my intentions as much as the last. And yes, I strongly encourage every reader to take the time to figure out what one word might inspire and pilot them in the next 365 days.
In case you’re wondering, drumroll please, my word for 2019 is “aligned.” Okay, I realize that it may not be that interesting to anyone else but me. That is perfectly okay. A person’s word really doesn’t need to do anything for anyone else. However, it should be a word that reminds you whenever you remember it, whenever you hear it, and whenever you write it, to come back into focus with what you believe to be important in your life right now. Let me give you some examples.
As I have mentioned before, I listen to a lot of lectures and podcasts by Abraham-Hicks on a regular basis. I’ve written about some of their ideas before that I think are helpful. (Here is a link in case you are interested). One thing I hear over and over and over in those talks is a reminder to remain aligned to your inner being. Now you can call that inner being your intuition, your soul, your holy spirit, your spirit guide, whatever. It doesn’t matter really what you call it—what matters is that you have a sense that your physical body isn’t limited to your five senses—that you are more than your physical being. And when you do that, you can begin to call that Inner Being your personal GPS.
Now I doubt I have to explain the regular kind of GPS to anyone, but in case you aren’t seeing the similarities, let me clarify. Most everyone I know has a GPS in their car these days. GPS actually stands for “Global Positioning System” and technically a GPS can track where your car is in most places on the planet. Those of us with a SMART Phone on our person are also usually connected by GPS. During my recent trip to Vietnam I actually purchased a mapping app that works even when I am offline or unconnected to a telephone service—that’s how good and precise GPS Satellites are in today’s time. If you have a phone on you—you can be found anywhere in the world—like it or not.
The thing is, you also have another GPS that you may or may not be aware of having. That GPS is your “Guided Personal Self” and it is available 24/7, 365. While that may or may not sound strange to you, just remember that not too many years ago people would NEVER have believed that most of us would soon never leave home without a small personal phone in our purse. Or, that all our cars came equipped with a tracking system that helps navigate the freeway system in Los Angeles in real time! I believe our intuition, personal guidance, or inner GPS is as real as that external mechanism that most of us depend on—but unfortunately, our inner GPS is seldom utilized.
And just like our car’s GPS, our inner GPS also knows where we are at all times and what to do to get to where we want/need to go. But never fear. Even if we make a wrong step or two, again just like our car, it will recalibrate and offer guidance from that new position. Of course, just like with our car’s GPS, we have to trust what it offers and then follow through. How do we access that voice? That my friends, is the topic of another blog post.
So if you believe, like me, that we are more than just physical selves, then the idea of your own inner GPS might make sense. But don’t let the idea stop there. I do believe that I am more than my body, but most of the time, like most people I know, it is really, really easy to act as though what I can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel is much more “real” than what’s happening within. That’s where a word like aligned comes in for me. My intention for 2019 is to stay more aware of, and in alignment with, my inner GPS. And taking this example further, while I realize that this idea might seem odd or even unbelievable to some people reading this post—my alignment, my personal GPS, said this particular topic was exactly the topic I should blog about this week, regardless of what anyone else thought about it.
It’s no secret that many people in the world today complain about doing things they really don’t want to do. Many people go to jobs they hate, spend time with people they don’t care for, and do things just because they “should.” This even includes other bloggers who feel stressed about how many posts to write, what topics they should write about, and how it will affect their numbers. I know that because I’ve done that myself. But if we put our aligned selves as a priority over everything else we are doing, then nothing is a struggle, and nothing is forced. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it is always easy or laugh-out-loud fun. But it does mean that the purpose and meaning behind the action always rings true and authentic. That’s why aligned is my word for 2019.
Of course, I believe that picking any word that serves as a guide to your actions and thoughts will be a benefit. You can go esoteric like me or something that you perceive to be more practical. Regardless, I think it is always valuable for each of us to take the time to realize our priorities and what matters to us. It is irrelevant whether you get my idea of “aligned.” What does matter is: What is important to you when you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep? Are you living the life you want to live? Are you true to yourself? Why not let one word serves as a beacon to what you want to experience in the coming days? Pick that word.
Every blog I read has a different purpose. Some inform. Some teach. Some make us laugh. Others call us to action. I’m hoping that SMART Living 365 does a little of all the above—but most of all, I’m hoping that in 2019 I remind myself, and you too, to stay aligned with your inner GPS.
- For those of you who are interested, here is last year’s post about picking your word for the year: Flexible Is My Word For 2018
Okay, you’re turn. Do you have a word for 2019? Do you think it is a helpful idea? Please share your thoughts about this or your own personal GPS in the comments below.
Most years, at the beginning of January, I look back over the past year and remember where I went, what I did, the people I spent time with, the challenges, the wonderful moments and how I felt in those different situations. I reflect on whether I made progress towards my goals. And then, I usually set some intentions for the upcoming year. I haven’t used the WOTY, but rather I develop several specific intentions and objectives within each of a number of categories (goal areas).
But this year, I haven’t done that. Maybe it’s because I don’t think my intentions, goals, and objectives will be much different than last year’s. Things are going along well, and the same framework applies. And maybe, as well, I want to let go a little bit and not be so organized, structured, and goal driven. I’ll just let life happen rather than trying to control every aspect of it.
Jude
Hi Jude! You KNOW that I’m big into Rightsizing so I doubt this works for everyone. And maybe some time in the future I will feel exactly the same as you. But for now, it is a way of setting an intention that is much different than a mere goal. And it can be fun too! Thanks for speaking up though for everyone who sees it differently. ~Kathy
Align is a great word. I feel like I want others around me to align with my sense of goodness and decency but also with my sense of fun. Last year my word was “clear” and this year I’m working on “abundance.” I loved seeing your Facebook posts about your trip to Vietnam. I’d love to go there one of these days.
Hi Rebecca! That’s another way of thinking of alignment. Unfortunately it is a LOT harder to get others to align with us and our thinking than it is for us just to align with ourselves. And abundance is ALWAYS a great word because there are so many awesome associations with it–not the least of which is finances! May you be abundantly blessed this year in all ways…and maybe a trip to Vietnam is in your future! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy
I’m going with Freedom. It came to me early this year that retirement is about having the freedom to do the things we’ve been waiting 30 years or more to do. Even if it’s just a quick trip to the beach.
Hi Laura! I think freedom is a great word. I can think of a BUNCH of things related to it that would work for me but it sounds like your freedom will be inspiring–and hey, isn’t that what WOTY is all about. Now just figure out ways to constantly remind yourself about it and have a wonderful “freedom-filled” year. ~Kathy
I’m choosing ‘produce’ for my word. I’m starting a new project, and actually producing something towards it will be a challenge, I think. And that’s my weak spot—I’m great at the thinking, dreaming, planning part, but actually getting it down is another story! This is very inspiring, Kathy!
Hi Diane! Oh I can see how a word like produce would help move you to action on something you’ve been stalling on. Delaying action is something that we all have a tendency to do so it will be good to have this as motivation. I can’t wait until 2020 to hear how it works out for you. Good luck! ~Kathy
I’m not a WOTY person (yet?) but I love the idea of the personal GPS. I felt like you were explaining authenticity – so that the outside and inside go together and our body/mind/soul are in harmony. I certainly try to live this way — but I appreciate your reminder and the metaphor makes it so simple. Thanks for another great post!
Hey Janet! I wasn’t into the WOTY thing myself until last year and it just turned out to work really well for me. I journal every day and “talk” to myself about it–as well as include the word in several affirmations so it stays in my face quite a bit and that really helps me. But I agree we all have to find our own way! And thank you for pointing out that you “got” my bit about the personal GPS. I was hoping to come up with a way of explaining what aligned met to me and that seemed to fit–as well as be a good metaphor for the idea. And yes, every time I use the GPS on the car now I also am reminded DOUBLE-WIN! Let me know if you do come up with a WOTY! ~Kathy
I’m not sure picking a word for the year is easier than coming up with resolutions, but it do agree that it might be easier to keep focused on this one word and make it happen, than to do the same with many resolutions.
I first heard about the “word for the year” in 2006 from a writer friend in Texas. She explained the concept to me, shared which word she picked, and I “found” one for myself, but laughed most of it away. I can’t remember that word or other words anymore now and don’t really follow the practice, but entertain the idea of doing so one of these years. I was happy with my life those years and did (mostly) what I wanted anyway.
In general, I still feel like I’m living the life that I want to live, but sometimes a bit of guidance might be nice. Or, the conscious attempt to listen to our inner GPS more. Years ago, when we lived on our sailboat, I felt more aligned with myself and less “pressure” from new technologies or social norms than these years. I think that has to do with our new environment and with how important our online lives and “responsibilities” have become. Yet, I know this is temporary and sooner than later, I’ll be off into my own world again, following my inner GPS to the places that sound and feel most attractive and “right”. 🙂
Hi Liesbet. Thank you for sharing your honest experience with choosing a word for the year. I agree that when we are young and carefree it might not seem that important or helpful. But I think you’ve pointed out something really important and that is that the busier we get and sometimes the more “stuck” we get (or at least feel) the more a word can help guide is back to what is important. And as far as accessing our inner guidance, I find that it has become much more relevant and important in my life as the years go by. For years and years I listened to what others thought I should do and even though I then often thought I was making my decisions myself, if I’m honest I know they were nearly always evaluated in terms of what others (especially those close to me) thought and felt about them. As the years add on I am learning to trust and listen to that inner voice more and more and realize that my personal GPS is far more wise than others and that it is always there for me. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy. Align is a great word! I’ve had a Word of the Year for the past five or six years now. Create was my word last year, as in “Create the life you want to live.” I’ve also had Change, Courage, Focus and this year my word is Dance. Looking forward to seeing what that will bring me.
Hi Janet! WOW! Good for you for using this powerful tool for the last six years. And all of your words are great. And I love that you picked “Dance” for this year. it happens that while Thom and I were in Cambodia about the only thing we bought as a memento was a small statue to hang on the wall of Apsara. Apsara is a Hindu Goddess of Dance. If I could figure out how to attach a photo to my comments I’d send you a picture. Dance has many happy thoughts attached to it so I will love hearing/reading about how you incorporate it in your life in 2019. ~Kathy
Kathy, I love the concept of an Inner GPS! And I understand how your word (align) evolves from that. Yes, I do choose a word for the year. It’s worked for me 2 of the last 3 years. Last year was SOAR which, while it can stand alone, also meant Savor, Optimism, Activate and Resilience. Two things I wanted to be and 2 things I wanted to do. And it truly was that for my year. This year the word that feels right is Journey. And the phrase is “Create the Vision. Plan the Path. Live the Journey.” Intriguingly, that can definitely mean listening to my Inner GPS this year! Love this concept to build into my thinking.
Hi Pat! You always seem to manage to get so much accomplished so I’m not at all surprised that your word was an acronym for four different words–or that you included them all very well in 2018. Journey is a very interesting word that can take you in all sorts of directions (NPI!) I look forward to reading how it unfolds on your blog through the year. ~Kathy
Great word! I would be pleased if you reminded me to stay aligned. My favorite brother-in-law who passed away a few years ago was a chiropractor. He was all about being aligned and not just the physical but it was for him a good place to start!
Hi Haralee! funny you should mention it but I went to my chiropractor yesterday too. It seems that my alignment needs to happen on a physical area as well. And yes, I would be happy to remind everyone of staying aligned throughout the year. Isn’t that another one of the gifts we have as bloggers. What I write is mostly what I need to read and I’m just happy if others find it helpful too! ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – I agree with Leanne and other readers — ‘align’ is a great word choice, and suits you very well. I had not planned to choose a WOTY for 2019, but somehow, just before New Year’s day, “evolve” seemed to choose me. So, I have decided to go with it and see where it leads.
I look forward to you using your GPS to head out this way this coming summer! 🙂
Hi Donna! I think when we read about other people picking a word it somehow triggers something within us (our internal GPS??) to consider the idea–that a how a few different words might feel. Evolve is a GREAT word that could take you in all sorts of directions. I look forward to hearing if it continues to resonate with you–and WILL this summer for sure be using BOTH types of GPS at my disposal! ~Kathy
I loved reading this, I’ve never done it before. You make it clear it is a valuable and purposeful thing to do. My problem is overthinking. My other problem is feeling unsettled In where I live and where I want to be. Roll with it, accept what is I tell myself. I’m trying on FLOW and PEACE for a couple days. Peace in is my yoga mantra, I breathe in peace when stressed. Flow might work better, we shall see! Thanks for this nudge, my friend!
Hi Joan! Oh I do obviously recommend it. And I think there are quite a few others who have been doing longer than I have will agree. I agree with your idea of trying out FLOW and PEACE–and also stay open to any other world that may pop up. It took me about 2 weeks to decide on mine and I also think it is a good idea to keep thinking of ways one or the other of the words will connect to all sorts of things in your life. The more connections the better actually. I would LOVE to read on your blog at the beginning of 2020 how great your word worked for you throughout 2019. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I didn’t know of this practice until I entered the blogosphere this year. Based on how I have been thinking, and writing, recently I have selected CHOICE. It sums up how I am thinking about my new career of retirement…I can choose how I spend my time. And the path life takes is always the sum of our choices.
Hi Nancy! How great to get started on this. I realize it seems almost too easy, but after having done it myself for a year I can attest to how powerful it can be. Of course, I did write it daily in my journal and also made sure it was visible to me throughout my house. But once I planted it firmly in my mind it took on a life of its. While I can’t say I am as flexible as I hope to eventually be, I did make great progress. May your experience with “Choice” be as rewarding. ~Kathy
The word for 2017 was LISTEN. It gave me pause on many occasions to use my ears more than my lips. It continues to serve me well. The word for 2018 was SPACE. This can be a verb or a noun. I relish open space, natural space, breathing space, neutral space, white space. I like to space or pace my day with activity & rest; socializing & solitude; purposeful & down time. I need to give space for others’ emotions and my own. The word for 2019 is FLOW. Flow – don’t fight or offer resistance which encompasses acceptance. Sometimes I’m my own worst enemy and like a quote in RJ’s corner today – I wonder how much of what weighs me down is not mine to carry. I’ve been pondering the WOTY since the beginning of the month with flow being on the short list. It’s interesting how many times the concept has presented itself.
Hi Mona! Thank you for sharing your words for the last couple of years with us. And maybe more importantly, what they meant to you and how you applied them. I also think FLOW is an awesome word and will surely help you experience 2019 in a greater way. Plus, I appreciate how you pointed out that your word showed up rather serendipitously throughout the month…mine too. I think that is evidence that any particular word is the right one for us. ~Kathy
Align is very You Kathy – I think you’ll use your word wisely through the year and might even align the rest of us a little bit along the way! I think an internal GPS is tied in with being aligned to our core values – knowing them and living authentically through them.
My WOTY is “More” because it’s time to stretch myself a bit in 2019 and find out what areas I can grow in and it’s all about becoming more Me this year.
Hi Leanne! I so agree that our internal GPS allows us to be aligned to our core values. Thank you for pointing that out. AndI did read that your word this year is “more” and can see how that one is working for you too. It’s so individual don’t you think? But whatever can put us in the frame of mind we are hoping for is good. May you experience “MORE” of everything needed to stretch in 2019! ~Kathy