Do you set New Year’s Resolutions?

If you do, and that empowers you, fantastic! The important thing is to follow what resonates for YOU. 

If, on the other hand, you’re feeling inclined to try something a little different, keep on reading … 

It’s the fifth day of the new year, and the crowds of New Year’s Resolution setters are already beginning to thin out at gyms around the globe. 

(I can only assume that means that resolutions are falling flat for more than a few people.) 

I don’t set resolutions. I always had an urge to do SOMETHING, but the usual lists of things like “I will floss more” never really spoke to me. 

And yet … 

That little whisper from within kept nudging me to treat each new year as an opportunity to create a ritual or mark the moment in some other creative way. 

Finally, I stumbled upon the idea of choosing a word or theme for the year. It’s been over 10 years now and it’s been so empowering for me I could probably write a novel about each year! 

Here’s how it works … 

The power of the word of the year is always at play. Sometimes it’s simmering in the background, nourishing us in subtle ways. 

Other times, like when we face challenges or key decisions, it becomes a kind of North Star, guiding us to take the actions that align with that intention. 

For me, setting an intention is what makes being deeply present in the moment while moving forward to create change possible. It makes my leadership possible. It’s by setting an intention that I can be in that magical tension between the present moment and the even better future were all courageously doing our part to help create.

My word for 2023 is Alchemy. ✨

I already tend to embody Alchemy when I’m teaching, coaching, or acting. I don’t always embody it in day-to-day life. (When I’m doing things like running my business, buying a cup of coffee or paying the bills). 

Choosing Alchemy as my word of the year will me let go of habits like forcing and “figuring things out” – replacing those with trusting and acting on my intuition. 

If choosing a word for the year speaks to you, give it a try. 

Comment below and share your word. I’d love to hear about it! 

With passion & love, 
Lauri

PS – Happy New Year!