TABLE TALK

  These resolutions are certainly admirable, but they don’t inspire me (although I could benefit from each of these!). There are too many of them, accomplishing them is too vague, and these “do-this/do-that” resolutions feel like admonitions from my critical self that I’m somehow not measuring up if I don’t succeed by the end of the year. Pfft. Who needs that?

  This year, I am whittling my resolutions down to one word.

  A good friend of mine has always started each new year with a “word of the year” to inspire her. And although I am initially enthusiastic about joining her every year, I forget my word of the year by the end of January. And then, I have no resolutions at all.

  But this year, I am writing my word of the year at the top of each and every month on my calendar.

  I just need to pick a word that will take me through 2023 and inspire me in every aspect of my life. Tall order? Maybe, but not that hard with the help of Google.

  I searched “word of the year ideas” and got lists of 300+ words (apparently, picking a word of the year is not a novel idea among business and life coaches). I scrolled down the list for words that resonated with me. Words like: adventure, appreciate, compassion, courage, magic, sisterhood, treasure. Any of these words can serve as a guiding light for anything you do in 2023 (I found a good list on this website: thegoalchaser.com/word-of-the-year).

  But the word that resonated with me was this one:

  Receive.

  I found this word to have multiple layers that can apply to my work, my friendships, love, home and spiritual life.

  We are often great at giving, but sometimes some of us are uncomfortable in receiving the simple gifts bestowed upon us daily. I plan to start the New Year by receiving the sunrise with joy. Receiving the smiles of strangers and smiling back. Receiving my dog’s unconditional love when I walk in the door. Receiving whatever the weather plans on raining (or snowing) down on us. Receiving: There is so much that is given to us that we take for granted. But this year, with my word of the year firmly planted in my brain (and calendar), I will not let those gifts go unnoticed.

Happy New Year,

Marcia Passos

Editor/co-founder, Monadnock Table