Coco,

As we step into a new year, I can't help but wonder —how are you feeling?

Does the idea of diving into a list of New Year's resolutions sound a bit exhausting, especially when you're juggling the unique challenges of raising a kiddo(s) with ADHD? I get it, life is already a rollercoaster, and adding more tasks to the mix may feel like too much to handle.

What if, this year, you approached things a little differently? Instead of drowning yourself in an overwhelming list of tasks and goals, what if you chose a single word that could guide and empower you throughout the coming months?

The Pressure of Resolutions:

Resolutions often carry hefty expectations and a lengthy to-do list that, let's face it, can feel downright impossible to tackle. The odds aren't exactly in our favor—only 8% of people actually conquer them by the year's end. The pressure to stick to a rigid set of goals tends to backfire, often leaving us with a sense of failure. 😥 Who needs that kind of stress? Certainly not me! And I'm guessing you don't either!

Enter: The Word of The Year:

For many years now, I have set aside resolutions and adopted the practice of "Word of the Year."

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel empowered. It's simple, clear, and easy to remember. I choose a single word that serves as a guiding theme for the year. What I love about this approach is that the word becomes a touchstone, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of my overarching intention for the year. It's a flexible concept that allows for adaptability and self-compassion.

Every year I have done this has led to wonderful and surprising results. Once I set my word and intention for the year, it's uncanny how many opportunities to put it into "practice" show up. 🙃

Choosing Your Word:

  1. Reflect on Your Journey: Take a moment to reflect on the past year. What were the challenges and triumphs? What aspects of the journey do you want to amplify or improve?

  2. Identify Desires and Needs: Consider what you truly want in the coming year. Is it more patience, resilience, joy, or balance? Use the four questions below to guide your reflections:

  • What is lacking in your life? (Joy, Rest, Fun, Relationships, Conversation, Friendship, Patience)

  • What would you like to have more of? (Peace, Relaxation, Connection, Harmony, Stillness)

  • How would you like to feel at the end of 2024? (Motivated, Fulfilled, Content, Stronger, Healthier)

  • If you could only add one thing to your life in 2024, what would it be? (Love, Trust, Laughter, Courage, Forgiveness)

Example Words of The Year:

The choices are endless; here are just a few:

  • Patience: Cultivate patience—both for yourself and others—granting the necessary space for growth and learning.

  • Resilience: Embrace the challenges with resilience, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey.

  • Connection: Build stronger connections with your child, family, friends, and support network.

  • Self-Compassion: Grant yourself the grace to acknowledge that you're doing your best and that it's okay not to be perfect.

The Power of Your Chosen Word:

Once you've identified your word, let it guide your decisions, actions, and reactions throughout the year. When faced with any challenge or opportunity, ask yourself, "How can I embody my chosen word in this situation?" This shift in focus will provide a more realistic and achievable framework for growth.

As you enter the new year, let's release the burden of unattainable resolutions and welcome the empowerment of a single, powerful word. Here's to a year of intention, growth, and unwavering strength.

Here's to entering the New Year with EASE! 🎉

With love and gratitude,

Coco

P.S. I would love to hear your Word of the Year! You can share by hitting reply; the answers come straight to me. 😊 Or, you can jump into our FB group, ADHD Parenting Redifined, so that we can encourage and support each other throughout the year!