What's the Word?

January is that time of year when everyone (it seems) is deciding on resolutions, goals, and all the positive changes they will make in the coming months. I’ve never really put much stock in resolutions. To me, they seem arbitrary. And perhaps unattainable. It’s a great idea, but the execution…..”I’ll start the diet again on Monday…It’s been too snowy to get to the gym…just didn’t feel like writing today…there’s just too much going on in my life right now…” As we all know, change is hard, and I do admire those who actually stick to it!

A friend recently gave me a different way of looking at this urge to do better, be better in the new year. Instead of writing down specific goals, pick a word. At first, I thought – what? A word? How is that going to make a difference? Then I thought about it, and it started to make sense. What if there was a word you could focus on every day – something simple, but something that could span your life in big and small ways. A word that could challenge you when necessary, soothe you when needed and serve as a centering place when the world has gone crazy around you.  Hmmmm…. There might be something to this.

So, I started writing down words (and groups of words). Inhale/exhale. Simplify. Open a door. Zen. Listen. Tap dance. Mindfulness. I gazed at the signs I have on my office bulletin board – If it’s not fatal, it’s no big deal.  Snow Happens – and the lava lamp slowly creating shape-shifting satisfying forms. And then I decided.  My word for the year is Calm.

Now, those who know me are probably laughing. Calm? Are you kidding? My life is full of multiple people and projects all needing my attention. I have deadlines to meet and places to be. Plans need to be organized! Calls made. Email returned. Events to attend. Yes, that’s all true. But those who know me also know that there are many times when I take a deep breath, close my eyes and comment – gotta get the zen back. So maybe Calm isn’t that far-fetched. Maybe it’s been there all along.

I’m the person who, when caught in a traffic jam, just turns up the music. I’m the person who says, okay, what's plan B, when Murphy's Law intrudes.  When folks are having a bad day, I'm the one who will sit and listen, only offering my thoughts if asked. Of course, I can be the raving lunatic at times, too – I'm human! I always ask why? Or why not? That won't change. But what if I could focus on the word Calm each day. Can that change my course? Perhaps help me learn more, hear more, see more? I think it could.

This will be an interesting experiment. My first calm insight is that this is a process. There will be days…. But as long as I can recognize what’s happening, remember my word, I’ll be happier, healthier, saner, and maybe my good vibes will rub off on others. You know what’s really funny? I downloaded the Calm app last year. Perhaps this year, instead of looking at the app icon, I'll actually open it up and use it. What do you think?