Flowing into 2019

Do you do resolutions? Or are you more of a "word of the year" kinda person?

I've definitely come around to the word of the year myself. Resolutions can feel like all-or-nothing, gotta win goals, which to me is a bit overwhelming. It's like there is no room for grace, no acknowledgement of movement, however small. Instead there is a laser beam on the end goal with no room for error. Words of the year are more liking a guiding light, a sign post you plant along your journey to remind and redirect you back to the path you want to take.

You know that famous John Lennon quote, "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans"? That's how I see the difference between a word of the year and a resolution. The other plans are the resolution. It's a fixed expectation of an outcome, with no wiggle room. Maybe that's why most people give up on their resolutions by the second week of January, no lie. (source) 

Life is like the word of the year. Often we end up taking different paths to get where we thought we wanted to go, or the outcome is a variation of what we thought we wanted, sometimes even better than what we imagined. Words of the year allow for life. They allow for grace. They let us move in the direction of our intentions, knowing that we don't need to have all the answers, all the exact right steps to get there right now. They allow us to consistently make an effort, to take a break or change course a bit when we need to, to recommit when we need to. 

Last year my word was Growth. I could easily related it to a lot of areas of my life and also easily see if it happened or not. I was aiming for growth in the quality of my relationships, growth in my yoga business, in my doTERRA oils community, in my sense of self, and in the experiences we had as a family. I think we nailed so much of it. You can read more about that in my 2018 Reflection. (coming soon!)

This year I chose three words. Three small words to keep me moving in the direction of my intentions. I think I know the outcomes I want, but I also want to stay open to what comes, move with more ease when things pop up or aren't exactly what I expected, and be pleasantly surprised by results I may not ever have imagined. So I chose:
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Align.

This to me is all about your gut, your inner guidance system. We know when something aligns with our values and vision for our lives. We feel it. We also know quite immediately when something is NOT in alignment for us. Whether we choose to ignore these feelings is a whole other conversation, but for now, I'm going to assume that we don't, that I won't 

Align means I'll be paying even more attention to these feelings to help me sort, prioritize, and choose. It means my decision-making process will be that much easier, my boundaries that much clearer, my time that much more intentional. It means I'll be choosing those activities, commitments, relationships, and actions that keep me moving in the direction I want to go. 

Nourish. 

When we're clear on what is most important, we can then nourish those relationships, activities, communities, and our selves. 

Nourishing me means making sure my cup is full. I'll be getting on my yoga mat more consistently for my own personal practice, staying hydrated and eating well, resting when I need it, playing more, working on my passions, reading and watching things that offer me goodness and growth. It means doing my morning rituals more of the time, tending my mind, showing up for myself more consistently. 

Nourishing my relationships means feeding my marriage, making time for us. It means spending time with my girls without a phone or other screen around, playing more, talking more, discovering more. It means making time for friends, picking up the phone more often, connecting and being fully present. It means committing to showing up consistently for my doTERRA oils and yoga community, providing education, support, and opportunities for their growth and movement towards their best selves. 

Manifest.

This word can be an adjective, noun, or a verb, perfect for going with the flow of life! To manifest my intentions (the action) means to reveal, make an appearance, or show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes. When something is manifest (the description) it is clearly revealed to the mind, senses, or judgement. 

This year I'll be working toward manifesting, or bringing into reality, yoga and body image workshops, taking on private yoga clients, leading a monthly women's circle, expanding my doTERRA community and business partnerships, to name a few big career goals. I'll be strengthening my relationships, living more freely in the moment, and feel aligned more of the time. 
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I'm really excited for the year to come and I know that having these words, these guides, along the way will keep me moving in the direction I want to go. I'm so curious to see what comes! And I'd love to know what's in store for you. Share with us your word or words, intentions, goals, or dreams so we can share in the joy of your journey!