This Year I Will “Release”
Why I picked this word for this year’s intention
My writers group asked its members to pick a word, or intention, going into 2021. One word. Only one. Yikes.
I don’t usually do annual themes, mantras, or affirmations. They always feel a bit cheesy to me. Hokey. And my “Tigger brain” gets distracted — I forget what I picked an hour after I made my selection. Now that I’m typing this out, I realize the fact that I can’t remember my mantras is probably why I need to do them. Hmmmm. I sense another post topic brewing.
Back to my 2021 word. I’m a rule-follower and strive to be a good student. If my guru asks me to do something, I do it. So, here I am, picking my word, so I can earn my gold star for the day.
I brainstormed about 20 words to get my creative juices flowing.
Since my handwriting isn’t the best (sorry, Sister Barbara Mary), here’s the list:
- Let go
- release
- forgive
- build
- explore
- try
- stretch
- reflect
- flex
- shed
- learn
- center
- accept
- plan
- organize
- direct
- focus
- understand
- breathe
I want to let go of my tightly held identities and focus on growth — personal and professional — this year. In order to do this, I need release my old habits, fear-based decision making, and ego-centric behavior.
So, I picked Release.
Here’s what that word means to me right now:
- Release the past
- Release fears
- Release regret
- Release anger
- Release my words and tell my stories
- Release expectations
What’s your 2021 word?
Here’s my simple 15-minute after-work routine that helps me continually improve.
Adrienne Parkhurst writes about leadership, management, parenting, and life. She dabbles in poetry.
