Do you pick a word for the year, mama?
I used to think it was a silly idea. In fact, last year, I told the story of how the first time I picked a word of the year, I did it because “everyone else was,” and I felt like I had to.
And now, I do it because I want to.
Because that word becomes a filter for me, a way to help make choices as I move through the year.
I use my word as a way to remind myself of what I’m trying to do, to achieve, to feel, to teach.
This year, the word I’m leaning towards is…
Surrender.
I’m a highly logical person. I like math and data. I like Asana more than Trello.
It’s hard for me to get in touch with the more feminine side of my personality — it’s something I’ve long suppressed because society told me those things wouldn’t serve me.
I believed I had to be strong and tough to accomplish things.
Back at the end of October, I hosted a two-week event. Maybe you heard about it? 😉
One of the most exciting parts of Free Mama Live was hearing from our many different panelists. These were people who challenged me and offered a completely different perspective to those I often hear — which is a very good thing.
If you surround yourself with people who are all exactly like you, how will you grow? How will you learn?
One panelist asked:
Do you want to be effective? Or do you want to be right?
And, well, I felt that. Because if you know me, mama, you know that I LOVE to be right.
So I’m learning to surrender.
During the two weeks of Free Mama Live:
- My mom was living with us
- We packed up our house
- The furniture was dwindling as we sold off things
- The wifi got disconnected
Basically, all the things I worried about happening during those two weeks? Happened.
And then, my amazing husband thought that it would be nice to go on a quick vacation to Galveston just before we left Texas.
It was wonderful. And also extremely stressful.
Until I realized that I could choose to surrender.
I could choose to watch my kids play in the ocean, to let go of the stress, to just be.
For me, surrender means knowing when to lean in, and when to lean out and pause — when to take my foot off the gas.
For you, it might mean knowing when you need support, acknowledging that you want your kids in daycare, or eating food you enjoy without thinking about calories.
Surrender doesn’t have to mean that you change who you are.
I can be a hard worker, disciplined, and driven. None of those things are bad. But I don’t have to be that way all the time.
Sometimes, I can surrender and be still.
Do you pick a word for the year? I’d love to hear YOUR word. Join us in the Facebook group, and share your thoughts!
P.S. Next week is the two year anniversary of my book! Have you read it yet?