2023 Reflection and Power Word for 2024
Every year I choose a power word to go into the next year. It's the vibe or overarching theme I want to bring to myself. Since resolutions don't work well for me, this has served me very well for many years. It helps me to reflect upon what no longer serves me and replace it with something I actively work to bring into my life.
Last year's word was EMPOWER....and looking back, that feels right. Not only did I try to empower myself (calling out my school board, speaking up for myself when something is wrong, bringing my whole self to projects and situations I am passionate about), but I also tried to bring this to others (how many times have I said Unionize? Standing up for themselves in toxic situations, helping others figure out themselves, mentoring via podcasting). So much happened this past year that we all needed a reminder that the ants outnumber the grasshoppers. I would like to think I held up the spirit of the word and *hopefully* at one point throughout the year, EMPOWERED you all to do something, take a chance, or speak up for yourself or others. I did fall short in certain areas, which I'm unpacking before I move forward with rectifying it. You see, my power words aren't just for a year. It's an ongoing process that spans many years, and I'm ok with it.
So what is my new Power Word for 2024? It's taken me a bit to figure out what energy I want to bring into 2024, but I settled on one word that I think encapsulates all of the original words I considered.
DARE
Not the failed anti-drug program but rather the traditional sense of the word.
Definition - have the courage to do something; defy or challenge (someone) to do something; take the risk of; brave; a challenge, especially to prove courage
DARE is the energy I'm bringing to 2024. This applies to every aspect of my life - teaching, writing, personal - and one I hope to inspire all to do at some point throughout the year. DARE is a big word and holds a lot of power behind it.
Not everyone does Power Words, and that's totally fine, but I wanna know what energy you want to bring into 2024. What are your goals? What do you need help with?
Image from Upsplash