Word of Intention for 2021

I’ve had limited success in making and maintaining New Year’s resolutions, but in 2020, I decided to forgo the resolutions and adopt a word of intention for the year. My word for last year was “courage.” I committed to have courage in my decisions and relationships. 

Little did I know on January 1, 2020 how much I would be tested by that word. But I held on to the commitment I made at the beginning of the year and left a job with a good salary and benefits during a global pandemic because that job and workplace had become toxic. Actually, it had been toxic for several years, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I rallied the courage to make a change. 

During the Summer and Fall when family and friends who had grown weary of the CDC guidelines to isolate and physically distance invited me to gatherings, I summoned the courage not to acquiesce and continued to follow the recommendations of the infectious disease experts. 

This word of intention thing worked out well enough during a difficult year, that I’ve decided to try it again.

My word of intention for 2021 is “health.” I wish that I could say that I selected that word after pondering lofty goals or that it came to me during deep reflection, but neither is true. That word happened to be the first one I saw in a word puzzle on social media on January 1. Honestly, after 2020, it seemed like the perfect word of intention.  

So for 2021, I’m going to invest in my physical, emotional, and financial health. 

I will continue to abide by public health recommendations regarding COVID-19 and any other unforeseen illnesses, diseases, or conditions. I will get the vaccine as soon as it is available to me. To the extent possible, I will also assist others in obtaining the vaccine. 

I will do my best to move more and eat better.

I will set calendar reminders to stretch and meditate (yes, I need calendar reminders – don’t judge me).

I will devote time to relationships that are important to me and seek opportunities to be with people virtually until it is safe to be with them physically.

I will prioritize my emotional health with the same fervor that I do my physical health and continue with counseling.

I will welcome opportunities to facilitate a growth mindset by developing my capacity to hold multiple differing perspectives (thanks Shakiyla). 

I will lean in to challenging conversations while setting and maintaining boundaries.

I will thoughtfully explore prospects to supplement my financial resources and share those resources with others. 

I’ve already taken some steps (literally) to “move more” by joining the Conqueror Virtual Fitness Challenge (discovered while scrolling through Instagram — yes, social media strikes again). I joined three challenges, and I’ve already completed the 40-mile Mount Everest journey during morning runs in my neighborhood. Next up is the 180-mile Alps to Ocean challenge.

While finishing something is always the goal, starting is sometimes the hardest part. I harbor no expectations that any of this will be easy. But I do think it will be worth it. 

Hold me accountable, friends.