It's Time To Think About Your 2022 Theme
For the past six years, I have chosen a theme for the year. For me, developing a theme offers an opportunity to ground myself in what’s most important to me going into a new year. It can help with creating goals, setting intentions, and continuously reflecting. It offers an opportunity to practice the act of coming back to what is most important to you, time and time again.
Last year, I chose “Inhale + Exhale”. 2020 had been intense, and I imagined that 2021 was going to be hard as well (it was). So for me, I wanted to remind myself to return to my breath. To inhale. To exhale. In previous years, I have chose “Strengthen + Release”, “Create + Nourish” - and many others. The process has become a ritual that I look forward to each year, and I invite you to do the same.
If you would like to create a theme for your year, I invite you to join me in this process.
Reflection: I generally spend at least 2-3 weeks thinking about what my theme might be. All you need to do is start thinking. Whether you’re in the shower, working out, meditating, or dreaming, just open up the space to wonder what your theme might be. The extended time for this process will allow you to see what words continuously bubble up, versus immediately selecting the first that comes to mind in a given moment. I generally start writing down words in my iPhone notes over the course of those few weeks, bolding the ones that keep coming up.
Narrowing + Defining: Once you have a solid list, take stock of which words are resonating the most. Select the top 3-5 and start defining what they mean to you, and how they might show up in a given year. As an example, in my “Strengthen + Release” year, I knew I would be having a major surgery. Finding strength would be incredibly important for me in my nine-month recovery process. I also knew that I would need the mental strength to get through it. In my “Create + Nourish” year, I wanted to really tap into my creative juices, through cooking and writing. Think about what you most want your year to look like, and let that guide you.
Selection: At this point, you will likely begin to have a sense of which two words you will select. I generally “know” it once I am ready. This might happen earlier in the process. If it hasn’t, try to sit down in a quiet place for at least 30 minutes to create space for yourself to choose. I always pick two words, but you are welcome to do what feels right for you.
Putting It Into Practice: I start the year with writing about what the two words mean to me. This offers an opportunity to come back to how you were feeling at the beginning of the year. You don’t need to share it with anyone (though, you’re welcome to), but you should keep it on hand for yourself. Over the course of the year, you can use this as a resource - whether you are setting goals, prioritizing certain things, or simply grounding yourself.
I hope you will join me in this practice for 2022. If you need any support in the process - reach out! And then be sure to share what YOUR theme for the year is - I would love to hear it.
