The Power Of Creating A Theme Word For My Year

New Year’s Resolutions. I didn’t know there was the option of not making them. Wasn’t that expected of everyone when a New Year began?

I would sit down on New Year’s Day and list all the things I wished were different in my life. The failures of the past year pointed out actions I should take. I focused on problems and wrote down steps to overcome the barriers to a successful life. Surely this year would be different and I would keep my resolutions.

The reality was that my good intentions usually fizzled out before the end of January. I would feel discouraged and just give up.

You may be wondering why I am talking about New Year’s Resolutions now.

Don’t I realize what month we are in? A bit late to be talking about this, isn’t it?

For me it is the perfect time to reflect on this.

I have been noticing my experience this year and how it differs from the years when I set resolutions and broke them regularly. What has changed?

A few years ago I began the practice of choosing a word for the new year that would guide my actions and support me in my vision for the new year ahead. I chose a word that resonated with my values and that would challenge me.

This word became part of my daily life. I wrote about it, I told others about it, and I was open to discovering how it would show up in my life.

My word for this year is Harmony.

The dictionary defines Harmony as agreement, consistent, agreeable sounds and congruence. I thought about my love of music and how harmony is an integral part of music. The Greek meaning is ‘to fit together’ with a joint or framework. Unity, peace and friendship are synonyms for this word.

Where does Harmony show up in my life?

I have used Harmony as a guide for my health. I am choosing foods that nourish and energize me. I am moving my body in ways that bring me pleasure and lead to increased strength and flexibility. I read books that encourage me and challenge me to grow emotionally and spiritually. I say no to activities and events that do not appeal to me. I ask myself what I want,  and as I follow my desires, I am experiencing harmony.

Harmony is showing up in my relationships with my family. I just returned from a trip to visit my parents. I was welcomed into their loving arms and I loved them back. Harmony does not mean there is no discomfort. Together my parents and I faced challenges and  I was able to help them from a place of love and respect. They were able to receive with graciousness and harmony resulted.As  I left them I  felt joy and contentment as result of our time together.

I see harmony in my coaching business as I meet with clients and create the possibility of new ways of being together with them. I am aware of how new clients are being led to me and we learn together. My coaching colleagues hold me accountable in areas of my life where I may need new insights and growth. As a result, I enjoy concord and symmetry in my professional relationships. These are some of the other words the dictionary offers for harmony.

I have already mentioned my love of music. Some music is soothing and the harmony is pleasing to the ear. Other types of music  are dissonant and unresolved. This is a type of harmony that also has its place. I reflect on the richness of diversity and even discord in music. How does this relate to harmony in my life?

I realize that the discordant notes in my life have a purpose. Rather than ignore them, I want to pay attention. What is the learning for me when I experience harmony that is jarring and even unpleasant to my ear? I am learning that diversity is a gift to me. I want to be curious and learn from the challenges that come to me. When I am in an place of feeling unsettled, my word harmony invites me to make changes in order to feel peace and congruence in my life.

I wonder how you approach your desires for your life? What word might guide you for the rest of this year? It is not too late to choose a theme word for this year!

I would be interested to hear what came up for you as you read about my relationship with the word HARMONY.

Leave a comment below or send me a message about how a word for the year might transform your relationship to New Year’s resolutions!