My word of the year: Flow
You may have noticed that I didn’t share my usual New Year’s Resolutions post this year–or perhaps you’re not tracking my writing that closely—in which case I’m shocked, and I offer you this chance to redeem yourself: 2016 2017 🙂
I’ve actually given up resolutions in favor of seasonal bucket lists. It’s part of my overall focus on finding a balance between setting goals (self-improvement) and accepting life’s twists and turns and living in the moment. Smaller short-term goals allow me to re-evaluate more often and enjoy a sense of accomplishment by checking things of the list more frequently. With seasonal bucket lists, I’m not locking myself into one big goal that may or may not fit halfway through the year. That’s not to say I won’t ever set long-term goals again, but for now I’m focusing on loosening my grip, accepting what life has in store for me, and living in the moment: going with the flow.
That brings me to today’s topic. I’ve been reading a lot of my fellow bloggers’ posts about choosing a word of the year. Words like soar, thrive, and rise. I decided I would like a word to shape my endeavors this year. There are actually some pretty great exercises designed to help you select a word, but since part of what I’m trying to do right now is quit overthinking everything and learn to be still and listen to my intuition and the Universe, I decided to do just that.
At the beginning of a meditation session, I put the question out there: “What is my word of the year?” Then I meditated as usual (well, as usual as meditating by the ocean can be), and when I finished and opened my eyes, it came to me: flow. Perhaps it was the inspiration of the water, perhaps it was something deep within me, but whatever it was, “flow” felt right.
Still my busy brain questionned, “Is flow really an inspirational word? Even dead fish go with the flow!” So I turned to my trusty Miriam-Webster app and looked up the definition of flow. There were two particularly useful meanings listed:
Flow: verb \ˈflō\ 1. to proceed smoothly and readily; 2. to deform under stress without cracking or rupturing.
That’s exactly what I want to do this year. So, I accept my word for 2018: Flow. To start, I gathered some quotes about flow. I’ll post those where they can serve as inspiration. I have also modified my breath-focused meditation to be “Flow in, flow out” instead of “Breathe in, breathe out.” I’m sure I’ll come up with more ways to help keep myself focused throughout the year. I’d love any suggestions. By this time time next year, I hope to be happily going with the flow.
What about you? Do you have a word for 2018? Or perhaps you’ve made a resolution. I’d love to hear your thoughts on setting goals or other forms of self-improvement. Please share.
Hi, Christie – I love your word for 2018 — and I admire the process by which you chose it. I have also been trying not to overthink things (in my retirement). It is a new habit — but it is becoming quite addictive!
Thanks Donna. It’s good to hear that you are having some success getting outside of your head more often. Hopefully, during this year, I’ll be able to say the same.
When I read this,Christie and saw the word flow, I think about how important this word (and concept) is in leisure studies. Flow is an actual “thing” and blogging may be a way for us to get into flow. This word works for me, too, because, things have a way of going their own way, but once you get into work or leisure and enjoy it to the point where the skills matches the challenge, flow happens! Happy New Year to you Christie!
Thank you for that input, Terri. That definition of flow is definitely something I want to achieve more often this year. Happy New Year to you as well!
my word is forgiveness–as in letting go of my reaction to the irritants that are part of those I love.Who’s perfect, and why hold on to little bits [or big globs] of anger. forgive, move on. I guess that’s a flow.
Forgiveness is a big one, isn’t it? Forgiveness for ourselves and others. May you have success with this in 2018.
I love your “word of 2018”,
Flow.: to proceed smoothly and readily
So I got thinking about the definition and there it was, my word of 2018…..
READILY:
ˈredəlē
adverb
“without hesitation or reluctance; willingly.”
Exactly how I feel about you and why I love you! ❌❤️❌❤️
Readily is a great word. Here’s to us in 2018! XOXO
Hi Christie
I love your word “flow” If you hold on to the “ooow” sound it releases breath held deep down.
Feels good.
As I was reading your post, the word “grow” came to me.There are some many ways and things I want to grow this year. I’m afraid it’s becoming quite overwhelming, but if I achieve even one of those things, I am a success. It’s early still.
Enjoy the flow
Laura
I find growth is crucial to vitality and thriving, but the big picture can become overwhelming for me too. I love the Martin Luther King quote, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” It also helps me to keep in mind that sometimes we grow the most from things that we may classify as failures. Have you read Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck? It fits in perfectly with your word. Here’s to lots of growth in 2018!
Hi, I used some of Susannah’s exercises to narrow down and settle on my word of the year this year. I also found it helpful to find some quotes to make it come to life – inspired by your previous blog post.
And so far, my word (SOAR) is helping … I activated (the A in Soar) something this week that was on my intentions for 6 months! In my morning journaling I am asking myself — how will you soar today? This is in addition to “what was most important about yesterday?” That helps me focus on accomplishment (a personal need).
So how will you flow today?
I like your idea of supporting your word with journaling. I may have to borrow that. As for what I will do today to flow, I narrowed my to-do list to just the most important and desirable items.
Flow is a great word, Christie. I don’t spend time nor follow any process to find a word of the year for myself. I have a draft list of what I’d like to enjoy in the year, with the understanding that things change. For day-to-day living, I usually set three simple goals for me to do. I find 1, 2, 3 or a, b, c are so easy to remember and more manageable than a longer list.
I like your approach of having a master list of things you’d like to enjoy during the year, as opposed to a list of things you “need” to get done.
Hi Christie I love the sound of your word: Flow and for me it means going with the flow and not getting too stressed. Thank you for sharing at Over the Moon link party and I’ve chosen your post as one of my favourite to be featured in next week’s Over the Moon link party.
Thank you Sue. That means a lot to me. There are so many good posts at Over the Moon. Happy Friday!
It sounds as if “flow” is the perfect word for your 2018! Blessings to you as you live your way into the truth of it and the lessons you it has to teach you.
Thank you Michele.
Thats lovely Christy. That definition is quite pertinent for the world we live in today. Good choice.
🙂 gwingal
Thanks Nikki. Have a lovely weekend.
Sounds like the perfect word for you! Thank you Christie for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 24 with me! I shared your post on Fb, G+, Pn, and Tw ♥
Thank you Dee!