In 2022 my guiding word was "Endure." We had wrapped up 2021 with its Covid restrictions, isolation, and the January 6 insurrection and 2022 wasn't looking any better. It felt like an odd choice then -- here on Marmelade Gypsy I wrote:
"At the holidays, we were reflecting on a word or two to describe 2021. (I said "schizophrenic.") My friend Jan said "Endure." And that's what I feel about the 2022. Endure it. Slog through the isolation, the news, the doc appointments, the uncertainty. Just endure it."
Then for 2023, I thought I needed to up my game, become a little more hopeful, so I chose "Rabbit" -- which was because it was the year of the rabbit and that symbolically had qualities I wanted to emulate.
"The year represents peaceful and patient energy and heaven knows I need that. The world needs that. It suggests tapping into inner wisdom and trusting instincts, focusing on relationships, diplomacy and building bridges. It brings with it prosperity and good fortune. It is associated with creative and artistic talents and self care."
While in some ways, I did live that (I was pretty good with self-care and creativity, along with good relationships), I think that in larger part, I was still in "endure" mode!
Enduring was something I did almost every day. In some
cases, it was physical, with not only my recurring lung infections (I'll
be enduring those till the day I die) but also tendon tears in the hip
and rotator cuff and back issues. In other ways it was emotional, as I
watch our country being torn apart by political division and extremism.
And, if yet other ways it was personal, as final farewells made me very
sad and we postponed long anticipated travel plans.
This year it is time for ---
Action.
Action takes courage and energy, sometimes both of which are in short supply. But yes, it's time.
It's time to travel. I know I may not be able to do all I would have done five or ten years earlier or even all I want to do, but I can still "do." We hope to head to the UK in May and I might even meet up with Rick in Nova Scotia when he does his ride to Newfoundland next year. We'll see about that one. (Part of all this depends on good care of my black and white feline roommate.)
It's time for political action and working and supporting the candidates who will best support our democracy. I know not all areas of our country are feeling this but in Michigan our gas prices are down. The market is up. Interest rates are coming down. Things are on an upswing. I want to keep that going.
It's time to continue the actions of caring for my home and myself. Last year I made some home improvements; this year I need to aggressively start to downsize my stuff. I don't want to have to do this when I am older or less capable and others have to make choices. I at least want a good handle on things.
Last year I lost 25 pounds. This year I want to lose the next 20 or so. It will make movement easier, perhaps help breathing and stamina and be better all around. So, this is an action to continue.
It's a good word. How well I follow through -- that's to come!
49 comments:
Sounds you have girded your loins for action, Jeanie! I hope your resolve does not flag. As for getting rid of stuff while you are still able to it, I am quite sure that disposing of about ninety percent of all your seasonal decorations would do it. The house would be empty! Hang onto those books though. That’s a very ambitious ride Rick is planning. It’s a long way from Michigan to Newfoundland.,
Let 2024 bring cheer and good health ! Happy new year Jeanie
Hello Jeanie,
I like the word action. We hope to get in a few good trips in 2024 too. Your previous words were great choices too. It does seem like things are better, going in the right direction. Voting in 2024 is very important, we need the right people leading our country and our democracy. Congrats on your weight loss, you are doing great. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
...I wish you well accomplishing your goals in 2024.
Self-care, creativity, good relationships, and enduring a lot...pain, emotions, etc. Wow, Jeanie, I connect with you and this post so much!!
I actually do have old Scrabble tiles with Ron n Mary spelled out on the holder and sitting on a table because we celebrated a big anniversary last year. I have extra holders, and a container of tiles, but it's just a plastic soup container so maybe I'll get something a bit better and leave it out for others to maybe share a word when they visit?
Also, I've been looking into the upcoming year of the Dragon, as that's my Chinese zodiac animal and I do want to connect with some of those energies. I find it hard to stick with a word or a theme for a whole year though, but will surely try some things.
Best wishes for the weight loss. I lost a bit, too, and have more to go.
Happy New Year, Jeanie!!!
~Mary
I really think this word, action, is a very good one for the year. Action does take courage and stregnth and you can accomplish this. Wow 25 lbs, that is fabulous. Something to be proud of. Havea lovely day.
I've been thinking about my word for 2024 also. I know my general goal, which is much like yours. I just don't yet know the word. I think action is a great choice. I hope you get your trips in too. I'm going to Greece in March with 2 girlfriends. It's a trip we've talked about doing for close to 10 years. Something we all wanted to do once we retired. And now,we feel like we can do it. I hope your 2024 has started off excellent. hugs-Erika
Hello Jeanie :=) I hope you accomplish all you aim to do this year.Getting rid of stuff we haven't used in years is a good idea and a good start to the new year. I'm also in the process of doing that.Congratulations on losing weight. Extra weight is a burden on our backs. Good luck with all your plans.
All the best
Sonjia.
I look forward to your blog posts this year and I hope you accomplish the plans you have in mind. All the best, Linda.
Love all your words of the year, such a good way to start the year! Action seems like a great word and I can't wait to see more! Hope you have an amazing 2024!
xoxo, MIDORI
https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/my-new-creative-outlet-for-my-daughter-hannah
Action -- a worthy motivating word! I'm impressed by all your resolutions (if you want to call them that). Losing weight (or in my case, keeping weight off) is probably the single most significant thing people could do to benefit their health.
Wow, losing 25 pounds is a lot! It can make such a big difference to lose some weight. I think of it like not having to carry around 5 5 pound bags of sugar. That's a lot of weight loss! Hopefully it was intentional and not all related to illnesses and such. I'd like to trim my weight by about 5 lbs but it feels so very hard to do so!!
My word for 2024 is kind of the opposite of yours - it's acceptance. That doesn't mean I won't still fight the good fight and support causes that matter to me. It's more about accepting the stage of life I am in which is the young kid stage. I too frequently compare my life to others who are not in the trenches of diapers and little kid illnesses and such. And it's not really fair to expect my life to look like the lives of those with older, more independent kids!
Endure is a good word. I hope you mange to get to the UK! Hugs, Valerie
This sounds like a great WOTY and I hope you are able to meet or surpass all your expectations!
Sounds like a great word for 2024. Your trip sounds exciting, too!
Encompassing action as best we can in the coming year is an excellent goal.
Wishing you both a very wonderful year ahead. :)
Action and Downsizing are very much on my mind too.
Voting - doesn't interest me, as I've lost any trust in the authorities.
Happy New Year! Whatever word is your mantra, enjoy the year.
Oooo, travel! I look forward to photos :) It sounds like you have much in mind to put into action. I have little luck with downsizing. No matter how much I get rid of it seems I have just as much left *sigh* Maybe as you do yours you can post what works for you. Happy New Year!
These animal costumes are fun to see. Happy new year to you!
Seems like a good plan because a word gives you a general direction rather than a specific target. It's adaptable, or you can be adaptable with it.
OK, how is he going to cycle to Newf? Like from where?
ACTION. That's a good word. We need to take action, speak up, get out there and vote. Make out voices heard.
Good luck to you also on your weight loss journey. Happy New Year.
What a brilliant post, Jeanie! I love the idea of having a word for the coming year, I somehow hadn't thought of taking that particular idea up when I read your previous posts in past new years. "Action" is a brave, lively and positive choice of word and it points in a very good direction. And yes - we are definitely looking forward to seeing you in England in May!
Oh, and I should add that we haven't yet opened Christmas presents - ANY of them - but I will look forward to your beautifully wrapped and enticing gifts at the weekend when we will be getting together with family and doing at least half our Christmas celebrations. It's been a scattered few weeks one way or another but we did enjoy being in Spain. I'll write and catch up in an email in the next couple of days.
Sounds like this could be an exciting year with you taking ACTION to do the things you want to do. Sounds like a good plan. Wishing you good health and happiness.
It sounds like you have a wonderful word for the year 2024. I agree with everything you said and I know what a gift it is to still be mobile enough and healthy enough to do some of the things we desire to do. I am always thinking I need to make the most of it while I can. I too want to travel but the timing just hasn't been right. I'll try to be patient and look forward to travelling through you when you get to England. Much love and happiness and health in 2024.
You did have a challenging year. Good on you for losing 25 pounds. Action is an excellent word to start the year with.
Sounds like a good choice!!!
I went the other way round.
My neighbors got me a Christmas-card with the key to their mailbox for taking care whilst they´re on holiday. It says "Tralalala" with every "A" being a Christmas-tree.
The last two times we went to Perth the plane was delayed due to defrosting and we missed the next one in Singapore. Now the trains are on strike - things I have no power over, so... "Tralalala"!
To a great 2024!
I am still in your 2022's Endure mode. I don't have the energy for 2004's Action mode. But, Happy new year, Jeanie. All the best to you.
You're so good..I never choose a word..Endure is a no brainer..I hope you do go to the UK..:) And you will..Wow Jeanie 25 lbs is fantastic discipline..I find at 70 even losing 2 lbs is a feat:)
Oh Jeanie, I love your word. I can't wait to read how that goes for you this year. Now I want to know how you lost that much weight and continue to do so. I need to do that too. And yes, for political action. Gas prices are still high here, but I know they are improving. Enjoy the journey with ACTION.
Action is a great word Jeanie, it is confident and positive, a good attitude goes a long way! I hope you get to do the traveling you want and enjoy good health in 2024!
Jenna
I am so pleased that you chose 'action' for your word. Before reading your post, I thought about what word I might choose if I were given to such, and 'perseverance' came to mind. In fact, action and perseverance are like two sides of the same coin; we'll be downsizing our 'stuff' and our bodies together. I've tumbled off the healthy eating wagon, and need to get back on. Twenty pounds would do it for me, so we'll see how things are at the end of the year!
The marvelous if undependable USPS tells me you should be receiving a little parcel today. If not today, it will be there tomorrow...or the day after... or...
It only took them ten days to get a priority parcel from here to Kansas City, so I'm hopeful!
This coming year will be so much better for you just because of your attitude and strength. I really sometimes believe we set ourselves up with bad expectations. I totally understand the problem with respiratory infections. I was on antibiotics and prednisone at Christmas. My stress and physical demands of packing are making me ill. So I've given myself the right to rest even though I pack the house on the 9th and move on the 10th. I've actually spent the morning working on my blog which is astounding! Now I must quit writing and go pack something. Sigh
Wishing happiness and health in 2024.
You've inspired me, Jeanie! Best Wishes to you in the New Year~
I hope 2024 brings all you wish for..SOmehow I think the word "endure" is still appropriate.."Courage" works too..I'm not sure we have any candidates that support our Democracy any more..Sad times..Yes, all those things you mentioned are improving..Inflation is still a problem as is general attitude.The only ones doing well are the lawyers...
Jeanie,
I like your word for this year....Mine was SHINE last year and I think I did just that...A lot of changes are coming this year so I picked a theme and will also pick a Word too. I did do this in the past....Good luck in 2024 with your Word...Happy New Year!!!
Hugs
Deb
Congratulations on your weight loss Jeanie, that is excellent. Wishing you a year of health, travel, time with friends and family!
Good luck
I think "action" is an excellent word for this year, and it sounds like you have lots of action planned.
Happy New Year to you Jeanie and thanks for sharing your word for 2024 because it encompasses so many things you have already started doing or planning: weight loss (congrats in that area), travel plans, decluttering, home improvements, all of which you have already started. I wish you continued success in all these areas. Thanks for sharing your art, family, aspirations over the past year, my blog friend.
Great goals and a perfect word, action. Kudos for losing that weight, not always easy to do. I hope 2023 brings you great joy, good healthy and happiness.
Great word choice! Ready, set, ACTION!
Your plans for 2024 sound very good and echoing what Rita said ...
Ready, set, ACTION!
All the best Jan
Happy New Year! Lots of bloggers I know are using words of the year. Me not so much. A good word though. Janice
Good word Jeanie . . .
Let’s bring some ACTION to our days!
Jeanie, I’m a tad late but I haven’t been great in responding lately. I guess they say better late than never! I haven’t done a new year resolution or a word for year in quite awhile. But I’m proud of you for choosing the word action. I wish you well in every way for 2024!
Happy new year!!
I love the word for this year. It will be a defining year for many countries and millions of people.
"Action" is a good word and I hope that you can bring into action a good part of your plans, especially the traveling ones. The UK in May is beautiful. Nova Scotia is a destination that's on my list, but if we will ever make it there is another story. With our daughter in Germany we'll probably travel to Europe a lot - which is not a bad thing at all and I feel right at home. Good luck with your action plans (getting rid of stuff is always good, I constantly do that and it's so freeing).
"Endure" was a powerful guiding word for navigating 2022's challenges. Your resilience in facing isolation, news, and uncertainties is commendable. Wishing you strength and positive moments in the upcoming year!
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Love your practice of using scrabble letters for inspiration...stealing that. Thank you.
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