I first got inspired to choose a one word theme for the year from Gretchen Rubin’s podcast several years ago. For 2022, my one word theme was “analog.”
What did analog look like, realistically? Tracking my screen time to lessen it, having one day a week where I’m completely off my phone, only sitting down in front of the TV if I have a specific movie or show I’m intentionally planning to watch (ie taking away the hours of clicking and scrolling), and replacing screens with other, well, analog things. These things included reading more books, playing more board games and putting together more puzzles (my son and I had a blast with this throughout the year!), more time outdoors, and signing up for a course to educate myself on something I’m super passionate about (hello, Ayurvedic Health Counselor 600 hours!) For me, I discovered having something enjoyable to replace screen time with definitely helped me lessen it.
Overall, I feel as though “analog” helped shape my year into something fulfilling, and something I’m proud of as I reflect back upon it. When sitting down to think about 2023’s word, I wanted to evoke this similar sense of fulfillment by enhancing things I already sort of have in place—but to make these things better.
Hence my word for 2023: elevate. The dictionary defines elevate as: to raise or lift (something) up to a higher position. I plan to elevate little things, such as swapping out my college sweats and tees I use as pajamas for ACTUAL pajamas, and also big things, such as elevating my level of engagement with friends by planning regular phone calls or breakfast dates. I truly think by putting intention onto elevating areas of my life that are just okay, they can be enhanced and become that much richer. I’m excited for what the year holds:-)
How Do You Keep The Word In Mind Throughout The Year?
—I keep this word at the forefront of my mind for the year by using it to create monthly aligned goals in my Monk Manual (but any journaling system that works for you could totally work here!)
—In a past year’s one word theme, I’ve gotten a bracelet made with my word (2020: growth) very inexpensively using the company MyIntent. But there’s tons of small artists on Etsy who can make jewelry pieces at all price points with your word! This way you see it daily and are inspired to take action.
—Have an accountability buddy (or a few) who know about your word and will check in on how it’s going a few times throughout the year.
—Keep your word posted where you can see it often. This can be as wallpaper on your phone, a post-it note on your fridge, illustrated on your vision board…anything works!
Would love to hear—what’s your word for 2023? Email or leave it in the comments! We’ll circle back to our theme in a few months for a check-in!
A Hygge Haiku From My Week
Cold rain nipping at
my windows. “Let me in,” says
winter. “Almost, now.”
Announcements
—We’ll be doing a super cozy and gentle yoga class on Christmas Eve on our private Hygge Yoga Community Facebook page. It will be recorded for you to enjoy anytime!
—This will be the last newsletter of 2022. I look forward to seeing you back here on Friday, January 6th, 2023 with fresh and cozy content!
—Looking for a last minute gift for that hygge yoga loving person in your life (maybe even yourself?:-) You can gift a subscription to Hygge Yoga, which includes: a weekly newsletter, a monthly virtual book club or themed discussion, and a monthly virtual yoga class. Community and connection, made cozy!
A Cozy Quote To Leave You With
"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?" — J.B. Priestley
Never did this one word thing... It's an interesting idea! And seeing you are the third person who mentions it to me, I feel "obligated" to chose one as this is my rule... The first word that came to mind was CONNECT so I guess this will be my word! I have a few more days to figure it out!