Resilience - Word of the Year
In my opinion, choosing a Word of the Year is much different from creating a New Year Resolution, a practice many of us may be more familiar with. Oftentimes with resolutions, even though we have the best intentions, we…
Resilience
“the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness:”
Before I get into why I chose Resilience as my Word for 2025, let me give you a little background into why this practice is important to me…
Have you ever engaged in the practice of selecting a Word of the Year for yourself? It is the practice of selecting one particular word (sometimes a short phrase) that will serve as your motto, guide, or focus for the coming year. People go to great lengths to come up with a word that will truly convey what their intention or goal may be for the year. Research may be employed to determine the best word, even prayer and meditation are used as guidance in selecting a word. The past couple of years, it has actually taken me longer than expected to determine a Word for myself… I take it seriously! So seriously, to be honest with you, that I actually set reminder alarms in my phone to check-in with myself to keep the focus as I move through the year.
In my opinion, choosing a Word of the Year is much different from creating a New Year Resolution, a practice many of us may be more familiar with. Oftentimes with resolutions, even though we have the best intentions, we have the tendency to create unrealistic and rigid goals for ourselves that do not always foster growth and awareness. Instead, resolutions give us a task that is to be completed, a box to be checked upon completion. When that task is not achieved, we may feel defeated and give up on that focus altogether. In my opinion, with a Word of the Year, we have more flexibility to establish exactly what that word means for us individually. Any given word may have a complete different meaning and impact from one person to the next, and that is perfectly fine. That’s actually the beauty of it! You, and you alone, are in control of the interpretation and execution, in your own way and in your own time.
Now, how did I come to choose the word RESILIENCE?!
Well, 2024 was tough (to say the least)! And if I’m being honest, I wasn’t able to handle some of the hits my family and I took as well as I would have liked to. BY WHOSE STANDARDS, you ask… my own. Now I surely understand that there is no right or wrong way to handle losing a loved one (or three)… no right or wrong way to handle illness in the household… no right or wrong way to handle many of the unexpected occurances that life throws at us. But, moving forward, I pray to be able to equip myself with the tools that are important to me to cope…. tools that I have since gained.
According to the American Psychological Association, “resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”
Verywell Mind states it simply as: “A resilient person is someone who has strong coping skills and is able to marshall their available resources, ask for help when needed, and find ways to manage the situation they are facing. People with psychological resilience are able to use their skills and strengths to respond to life's challenges. People with resilience do not experience less distress, grief, or anxiety than other people do. Instead, they use healthy coping skills to handle such difficulties in ways that foster strength and growth, often emerging stronger than they were before.”
KEY POINT: I do NOT expect to experience anything less than anyone else, I just pray to cope in a healthy manner… physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Trials and tests will always occur, but I’m striving to make 2025 the year that I grow more hopeful and optimistic AND prayerful in the MIDST OF and IN PREPARATION FOR whatever may lie ahead of me this year. Sounds relatively easy, huh? On the surface, yes. But when I think deeply about it, I know that this will be quite the process. Even the definition of resilience that I shared above is a bit too simple. Resilience is personal and individual. It is absolutely affected by our personal traits, our environment, our family, and so many other factors.
This Word… this year’s focus… is going to take some work on my part. Thankfully, I’m willing to put in that work. I’m not perfect, but God is. So, I will pray AND put in the work.
My challenge to you is to do the same…
Choose your Word, then put in the work!
Reclamation… The Act of Reclaiming My Best Me
No resolutions for me, nor setting any unattainable, unrealistic goals. I’m sticking to my annual commitment of establishing my word of the year… this is the practice of selecting one particular word that will serve as your motto, guide, or focus for the coming year…
2024 is in full swing, I’m experiencing wonderful blessings and exhausting trials already… But, I have the clarity to realize that just because the date changes, it doesn’t mean that life will stop life’ing! My ongoing goal is to better manage how I react to life’s ups and downs. One lesson I was forced (um, I mean encouraged) to experience last year was that you must make time for yourself in the midst of all that may be going on around you.
Listen to yourself as well as you would your very best friend…
Take care of yourself just like you would your firstborn child…
Speak to yourself as kindly as you would to someone who is preparing your food…
Speaking of food, feed your body with the goodness and nutrients that will fuel it to perform at its highest level…
And finally, move your body because you can. So many are not blessed with the ability to move, do, run, jump, go, or even walk!
With all of that being said, I’m committed to doing better BY me, FOR me, in this new year. No resolutions for me, nor setting any unattainable, unrealistic goals. I’m sticking to my annual commitment of establishing my word of the year… this is the practice of selecting one particular word that will serve as your motto, guide, or focus for the coming year. Read more about this practice here: "Word of the Year: Faith" Blog Post — The Body Quarry.
RECLAMATION is my Word of the Year for 2024!
“the process of claiming something back or of reasserting a right:”
I wonder if you can relate to my reasoning for selecting RECLAMATION as my word of the year. Have you given more of yourself than you’ve poured into yourself lately? Have you failed to hold yourself to the highest standards of care…mentally, physically, and spiritually? I have. However, I’m focused on getting myself all the way together right now, so I can continue to give my best to others (knowing that it begins with ME)!
One of my main reclamation goals this year is to continue focusing on the proper NUTRITION for me. One year ago, I began my vegetarian journey by eliminating meat from my diet. I must say it hasn’t been the easiest, but I’ve been led by my desire to feel better through improved digestion and more energy. This is not a way of eating that works for everyone (my family is not vegetarian), but the KEY is to really dig in and take control of your nutrition and find what works best for you. I mean, really take the time to plan your meals. That would include a fair share protein, fat, & carbohydrate, and even figuring out how much to eat and when to eat it. Maybe you have the knowledge but have not been doing what you know you should be doing… maybe you haven’t had the time or ability to get the proper information and knowledge necessary to live a healthier lifestyle. No matter the concern, I can help. Take a minute to check out some of my nutrition guidance services! Nutrition Services offered by The Body Quarry — The Body Quarry
I also have a variety of ways to help bring MOVEMENT into your life! I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Zumba Instructor helping others achieve an active lifestyle since 2017. Whether you’d like to begin your journey in a one-on-one manner or with a group of like-minded people, I’ve got you covered. Just reach out! The Body Quarry's Customized Service Packages — The Body Quarry
Whether you choose to join me or not, just strive towards making the changes you need to make for yourself & for your health. If you choose to join me, just click the link below to reach out to me. We will discuss your options and how I can help! RECLAIM your definition of your best you, not someone else’s idea for what’s best for you. Do the research, make the changes, and move forward!
Word of the Year 2022
Another year in the books… have you taken the time to establish a Word of the Year for 2022? A Word of the Year is the practice of selecting one particular word that will serve as your motto, guide, or focus for the coming year.
EMERGE
This is my Word of the Year for 2022!
Another year in the books… have you taken the time to establish a Word of the Year for 2022? A Word of the Year is the practice of selecting one particular word that will serve as your motto, guide, or focus for the coming year. People go to great lengths to come up with a word that will truly convey what their intention or goal may be for themselves. Research may be employed to determine the best word, even prayer and meditation are used as guidance in selecting a word.
It is different from creating a New Year Resolution, a practice many of us may be more familiar with. In my opinion, resolutions sometimes lack a foundation of meaning and relevance. Without those factors, resolutions may run out of steam. For sure, there is an initial burst of motivation and inspiration, but it doesn’t always last.
With a Word of the Year, we have more flexibility to establish exactly what that word means for us individually. Any given word may have a completely different meaning and impact from one person to the next, and that is perfectly fine. That’s actually the beauty of it! You, and you alone, are in control of the interpretation and execution, in your own way and in your own time.
“to come to the end of a difficult period or experience”
As 2021 comes to an end, I can truly say that this year presented many challenges for me. Let me explain, I fully acknowledge the blessings God has given me, and I do not take one single moment for granted. The challenges I’ve experienced have been more personal… mental and internal health, with changes in my body that appear to be normal for women of a certain age. BUT, these changes are new to me, and I’m figuring out just how to deal with them. Making adjustments to behaviors, physical activity, and nutrition. I’m certain with all that I learn, I’ll be able to share more with you later.
However, with those changes being acknowledged, I determined the best word for me to be: EMERGE. Different, I know…. but, let me put it into context for you. These past two years have tested and tried me, but I’ve also been built up and blessed. I feel fully capable of handling whatever comes my way in 2022, as long as I am armed with my faith (2021 Word of the Year). And that makes me think of one of my favorite scriptures: Isaiah 54:17 - “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” say the Lord. (NKJV)
I have made it through some of the toughest times, and my goal for this year is to EMERGE! Emerge by coming into more of my greatness, living in that greatness, and sharing more of that greatness. I have so much I want to share with you guys, and this is that year to make it happen. I have too much knowledge to hold back…. it’s time to grow, bloom, and GLOW.
“to become manifest : become known”
Joyce Meyer has shared one of my favorite quotes: “God has planted greatness in you. Let today be the beginning of a great adventure as you step into the gifts He’s given you.”
Ahhh, that is spot on for me! Join me in EMERGING into our greatest selves in 2022. But don’t stop there…. share it with others, let your greatness be a blessing to someone else!
If you haven’t already done so, take time and truly think of what is important to you and what strides you would like to make in this new year. Find a word/focus that fits your goals and intentions for 2022, be patient with yourself. And remember, be thankful and be kind!
Word of the Year
Any given word may have a complete different meaning and impact from one person to the next, and that is perfectly fine. That’s actually the beauty of it! You, and you alone, are in control of the interpretation and execution, in your own way and in your own time.
Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 - NKJV
FAITH - This is my Word of the Year!
Have you ever heard of creating a Word of the Year at the beginning of a new year? Have you ever established one for yourself? A Word of the Year is the practice of selecting one particular word that will serve as your motto, guide, or focus for the coming year. People go to great lengths to come up with a word that will truly convey what their intention or goal may be for themselves. Research may be employed to determine the best word, even prayer and meditation are used as guidance in selecting a word. It is different from creating a New Year Resolution, a practice many of us may be more familiar with. Sometimes with resolutions, although we have the best intentions, we can create unrealistic and strict goals for ourselves that do not always foster growth and awareness, but rather give us a task that is to be completed, a box to be checked upon completion. When that task is not achieved, we may feel defeated and give up on that focus altogether. In my opinion, with a Word of the Year, we have more flexibility to establish exactly what that word means for us individually. Any given word may have a complete different meaning and impact from one person to the next, and that is perfectly fine. That’s actually the beauty of it! You, and you alone, are in control of the interpretation and execution, in your own way and in your own time.
FAITH is a must-have for me in 2021. Really, it is a must-have every year, but I’ve got to cling to this word in 2021. Faith is a belief that is not based on proof… We do not know what tomorrow holds for any of us, that is evident in our everyday lives, in terms of health, employment, relationships, finances, even life itself. But, one thing we can know for sure is that God’s got our back. The tough part is trusting and believing in that daily. We cannot do it by ourselves, we have to put our faith to work. And, that’s my goal for 2021!
One thing that I have done differently this year, in regards to my Word of the Year, is to set calendar reminders in my phone for every couple of weeks. This will guarantee that I stay focused and committed, reminding me to take the time to assess my progress and continue to hold myself accountable.
If this sounds like a practice that you would like to establish for yourself, I suggest you take time and truly think of what is important to you and what strides you would like to make in this new year. Finding a word/focus that was right for me took extra time this year, I had to be patient with myself. If we had not learned before 2020, I think last year really taught us to slow down and be patient with ourselves and others. Let’s not forget that as we move forward. Be thankful and be kind!