Friday, January 7, 2022

Begin Again in the New Year

George Bernard Shaw

Most of us seem to like the idea of a fresh start, a point in time we can mark as a chance to begin or begin again. While a fresh start can happen any time we choose, a new year seems to be a popular time for many of us to begin again.

Since 2005 I have chosen a word as a guidance point or theme for the entire year. It’s a word that brings me closer to being the best version of myself. It helps me create a better self. This year I have chosen the word grow. I intend to grow by planting new seeds, branching out in new directions, trimming, thinning out, and even pruning out that which is growing in my life garden. And as a gardener, I know I can promote more and even better growth by simply keeping my garden in check with a little snip-snip here, and a clip-clip there.

To begin with, I’m going to welcome the new year by taking classes in tai chi, a practice I have wanted to learn more about for a very long time. I first saw someone doing this in a park when I was in my mid-teens. I was mesmerized by it. Over the years, I have seen entire groups doing this and I am still mesmerized by it. In case you are not familiar with it, tai chi is a kind of meditation in motion. Think of it this way - gentle body exercises and stretches flowing into the next connecting the mind and body. After our mindfulness theme last year, tai chi will be the perfect thing for me to begin and grow on as the year progresses.

I’ll begin each day with my word theme in mind. At days end, I’ll consider my word and do a quick review to understand how my word might have woven its magic around me.

How about you? How will you begin again? What will your guidance point be? What word will help you be the best version of yourself and create a better self?

Stay safe, be well,
Michelle