In the past, I have had words find me — in a serendipitous manner with a lace of intuition. This year was no exception as my favorite poet and artist, Morgan Harper Nichols, created an Instagram Reel of suggested words for the year. A screenshot determined my word this year, but I am certain it was meant for me (even if it were a millisecond between my word and another.)
I was clouded with so many fearful thoughts of the future, the what-ifs and I can’ts and worry-mixed-with-doubt. It was hard to gain clarity and even find out the truth in God’s sight: what is the best decision and next-right-thing? If only I could see through the fear, I pondered; what would that feel like? A sigh of relief, a breath of fresh air, and peace? Likely all of the above.
Discernment is a tool in our spiritual arsenal – one of the Holy Spirit gifts to us. It guides us to the will of God, which is to say the best possible outcome for us.
This year I choose blossom as my Word because it represents my intention to grow from the roots I planted as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5) and build back what was broken through the vehicle of relationship.
It was the morning of the most important interview of my career; with emotions running haywire and hormones adding a dizzying effect, I decided that I just couldn't go to my interview that afternoon. The fear shouted so loudly that I couldn't hear the voice of wisdom that knew to show up despite the very big feelings. This was my dream job, after all!
It is nearly June 1 which means we are six months into 2023, six months of my intention to slow down. While I have made impeccable progress, catching myself wanting to do this or that, I’m still letting my monkey mind meander to tasks or distractions that keep me busy. I have both moved out and finished out the school year, moving at a pace that I wish was so much less hasty than it actually was.
When I went back to therapy in 2020, I was in desperate need for help in many aspects of my life, career, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I knew I wanted to do cognitive therapy after hearing how wonderful it’s effects can be. I found an amazing therapist that did both CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
My word for 2023 is slow. This word came to me as I was sitting in prayer and reflecting on the lessons of 2022. I had some very hard-to-swallow lessons last year, one of which was the fact that I am a workaholic. I use work and busyness to distract myself from pain, problems and the stillness that would inevitably force me to look inside and make hard changes that I want to avoid.
Lately, I'm encountering lots of beautiful yet frustrated souls. These women are just like me; they want more meaning, passion and purpose in their life. They feel stuck and uninspired. They feel like they go through the motions of life. I get how this feels, and if this is you, know that there is a way. There is a path that leads to more passion, purpose and meaning in your daily life. It it possible and yet it feels impossible to start down this path.
