A Deep Dive into My Word of the Year

The new year is an opportunity to learn new things, challenge yourself with personal growth and decide what you want to do with the gift of another year. I know many people make resolutions, but I am a goal maker. In the spirit of growth I am choosing a word to focus on for the entire year and to look for ways to remind myself of this word and really somatically embody this word.

The  word I am choosing to focus on is "Evolve". The word evolve is what I ask my clients to do as they move forward from divorce into a new exciting life so it seems fitting to be right there with them evolving into the next version of myself. Life will inevitably put obstacles in my path but I will choose to evolve and have a growth mindset. What will this look like for me? It will probably look like saying YES to things that move me out of my comfort zone and into a space that stretches me. I will remind myself to evolve each time I resist getting out of my comfort zone.

Exploring the dictionary's definition of "Evolve," I resonate with the idea of gradual, intentional change leading to a better, more complex, or advanced state. Unlike quick resolutions or new year goals that often fizzle out, evolving involves sustained progress through deliberate, small steps. Slow changes tend to be the most enduring, embodying the notion that "Rome wasn't built in a day."

Reflecting on the past year in early December, the word "evolve" kept echoing in my mind. Personal challenges within my family influenced my choice of this word. Accepting unwanted changes and learning to adapt prompted me to focus on what "evolve" could mean for me personally and in building my coaching practice. Despite moments when quitting seemed tempting, I've had to let go of relationships, process negative emotions, and confront personal growth challenges.

As I reflect on my clients and the coaching I provide, the central theme revolves around the evolution in relationships post-divorce.The essence of this work boils down to fostering a healthier relationship with oneself. The aftermath of divorce can be taxing on a person's psyche, impacting them emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically, even if they are inherently strong individuals. The key is allowing oneself to experience the full spectrum of emotions, both positive and negative, and embracing the process of evolution rather than remaining stagnant.

True evolution involves living consciously, engaging in self-reflection, and avoiding the trap of staying stuck in a particular emotional state. Post-divorce, individuals often engage in introspection, evaluating not only themselves but also their past marriages and the valuable lessons learned from those experiences. While it may be tempting to adopt a victim mentality and assign blame to the other partner, true evolution demands more.

It necessitates emotional maturity, a realization that one played a role in the marriage from its beginning to its end. Taking ownership of one's part is crucial for moving forward and attracting the next healthy relationship into their lives. The transformation occurs when individuals become what they desire in a relationship, understanding that genuine love is for who a person is, not merely for what one can gain. This journey represents an evolution of the best kind, marking a profound shift towards personal growth and fulfillment.

Emotional evolution requires becoming an emotional adult, responsible for one's happiness and all available emotions. Letting go of limiting stories, processing emotions, and being gentle but persistent with oneself are crucial steps in this journey. Unprocessed emotions can affect health, longevity, and overall happiness, radiating into the lives of those around us.

True confidence stems from self-love, embracing both the good and the bad within ourselves. Confidence is an inside job, not solely based on past achievements. Constant work and practice are needed to navigate life's challenges, emphasizing the ongoing process of self-evolution.

As I intentionally evolve into the next version of myself this year, I'm eager for the eye-opening experiences that await. Setting intentions, borrowing from yoga practices, will guide me in being intentional across all aspects of life. I aim to become an intentional human, prioritizing self-love in a way that aligns with my values what I imagine God's view of me would be, whole.

Regardless of your belief system, I encourage you to choose a word that resonates with you for the year. Reflect on your intentions and goals for personal evolution. Living into your full capacity is the key to feeling more alive and aligned with your values. Enjoy the process of choosing your word of the year and setting your intentions for a transformative year ahead!