New Year, New Start
I like the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings. I like the idea that I can wake up every day and make different choices, be more present, be more conscientious, be better. It is important to me to have ideals and to strive for them, even if I fail and fail again. The point is in the process, not in the product. I don’t beat myself up for shortcomings, real or perceived, but that doesn’t mean I give in to them either.
I like the reflections at the end of one year and the openness to which we greet the new year. How you frame the new year’s start is up to you. I like to consider a theme, a word, and work toward being a better me under this theme, instead of straight resolutions. This year I chose listen.
Word of the Year: Listen
do you know how to listen? can you listen well?
do you know how to listen without preparing your reply?
listen to your gut
listen to your heart
listen to yourself
listen to me
listen for just a minute
listen for hours
listen to music
don’t listen to what everyone else says
only listen to those who encourage you
listen to your parents, your teachers, your elders, your boss
listen to advice from those who’ve walked this path before
listen with an open mind
listen with an open heart
listen
listen, i have something to say
…
Many thoughts race through my mind when I think of the word listen. For now my intentions are to work on listening without preparing my reply. To listen deeply to my family and hear what they say with their words and what those words left unsaid. To listen to all sides without rushing to argument about what I think I know already, to be open to new information. To listen to myself about what is true, what brings me peace. I think if I begin here, I will be in a better place come the end of year reflections.
What do you hope for the new year?
Listen is a beautiful word and a very meaningful one to choose for the new year. I love it!
That is a great word. Not enough people truly take the time to listen, and it makes such a huge difference all around. I have a loved one who definitely falls into the category of NOT being able to listen without preparing his reply. It’s caused some problems for sure. Wonderful choice of word!
A great way to start out the new year. So much more could be accomplished if we stop and listen.
Such a good choice Brenna! Something we all can improve and benefit from! Happy New Year to you!
Your writing always sounds like poetry to me. I love your choice of words especially when you say, “hear what they say with their words and what those words left unsaid.”
So many people are so busy talking about themselves that they never listen to the person they are with. Good listening is an art.
Anna, that is one of the nicest compliments ever!
Wonderful post, Brenna!
What a great word! Last year I did relationships, and then promptly forgot all about it. In fact, I could just use everything I wrote about goals last year for this year : P