One Guiding Word for 2022 – the year I will RISE

Each year, rather than make resolutions I choose one word. I’ve been doing this since I first heard about it from Ali Edwards in 2007. Since then I’ve seen so many variations that I don’t know who originally came up with the idea, but I love it. Every year you embody a word to guide you through the 12 months ahead. Therefore there is no need to keep track of 60 different things, just one word. Usually, I’ll check in each month on how my word is guiding my life and how I want to steer things for the future. In 2021 I chose the word Journey, my one guiding word for 2022 is… Rise.

In my previous post about 2021’s journey, I mentioned how looking back it felt like the story of a book. Good storytelling has a narrative arc. Firstly, there is the beginning. And then subsequently the middle, and finally the end. The middle is the “meat” of the story. Consequently, this is typically where we find the problems, the ups and downs. It’s where the fight scene is. As a result, it’s where the main character finds rock bottom. Then, when all hope seems lost, like a phoenix rising they rise from the ashes of despair, they tentatively flap their wings and begin to rise and soar. Discovering new strength, courage, and determination. This is when the real journey begins, and honestly how I feel about 2021. In conclusion, 2021 was the middle of the story.

You should be afraid of taking risks and doing something meaningful, but you should be more afraid of staying where you are if it’s making you miserable.

Better the devil you know? Don’t be so sure of that. Because if you don’t take risks and change, in 5 years you’ll still be miserable and you’ll be a lot older.

It’s a luxury to pursue what makes you happy. It’s a moral obligation to pursue what you find meaningful, and that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It might require sacrifice.

– Jordan Peterson

One guiding word for 2022, the year I will RISE

Looking to my one guiding word for 2022 I wanted something uplifting. For weeks I was torn between release, transform, practice discover, brave, and truth. The word practice was a contender in 2021, and transform felt ok, but nothing felt “right”. Boxing day morning, thanks to insomnia, I was wide awake at 4am. Something was bubbling in my brain. There was a word that linked all these things, I just needed to find it. After some internet sleuthing my word found me – RISE.

There are so many reasons I was drawn to it. But as soon as I read it in poems and quotes, and listened to songs I just knew. 2021 is the year of RISE. So what do I hope for the year? Above all, an opportunity and experience of finding, and coming into myself. Of accepting and speaking my truth. It’s time to think big, not small. To get outside my comfort zone, and push my boundaries a little. Growing and learning as I go. And, most importantly, not being afraid to share the journey of that growth. All while allowing myself to discover new passions, and uncover hidden skills. Generally, I want to elevate myself into being healthier and living a happier life. And to help others on the same journey along the way.

So what does 2022 have in store? So much. For too long I’ve been telling myself “not me”, “not now”, and variations of “I don’t know enough” or (my go-to) “I’m not good enough”. Hello imposter syndrome! Well, now is the time to rise up, rise up, and take courage and do it. Because…

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Confucius

Choosing rise as my one guiding word for 2022 is about accepting that I will fall. I may even fail. But, I will rise up, start fresh, and see the bright opportunity in each new day.

Interested in One Word for 2022?

Need some inspiration? For those of you that are thinking about joining me in choosing one guiding word for the year I also have a free worksheet to help you through the process. My previous words have been:

Honestly, choosing one word rather than New Years resolutions has benefited my life so much. In short, each year has been a learning experience. Plus, the words stay with you throughout the years to come. There area few ways I keep my One Guiding Word for 2022 close to mind, one is to create a music playlist on YouTube. I also have a Pinterest board with quotes and ideas for my word. In addition, I also add it to my journal, and each month I check in with it to see how I’m holding true to my word.

Questions

• Do you set New Years resolutions?
• Which one guiding word would you pick for 2022?
• What does “rise” mean to you?