In the past years, I have written about my personal goals for the year. For many years, I chose a word instead of a resolution — a word to guide my decisions, help me remember what I wanted for the year, and keep me in check if I felt off center. This word was an effective way to set an intention for the upcoming year without the clichés of “work out more” or “eat healthier” that would disintegrate weeks into February.
You can see my former words chosen for 2018, 2016, 2015, and 2014 here.
When trying to pick a word for this year, however, I was drawing a blank. Things in my life are going great. I love my job, my husband just got a promotion, our house is back to being a home (minus the neverending projects that always seem to come with being a homeowner), and our financials are looking pretty good. I’ve also been going to the gym pretty consistently, trying to cut out the more unhealthy stuff from my diet, and generally doing well.
But, upon reflection, I realized that most of what I just typed out is checkboxes that I feel like I should be checking as an adult. Marriage: Check. Good Career: Check. Homeowner: Check. All of these things that I should be proud of (and I am!), but do they give me happiness? Do they give me fulfillment? Do they make my heart sing?
And there’s my word: Fulfillment.
I usually try to choose verbs — things I can act upon. But in this case, I think the word fits.
Do I feel fulfilled when I come home to a messy house? Nope.
Do I feel fulfilled when I slack off at work? Nope.
Do I feel fulfilled when I skip the gym? Nope.
But, on the other hand…
Do I feel fulfilled when I get out of my pajamas and make plans with friends? Yes.
Do I feel fulfilled when I take a walk with my husband, even if the weather is hot/cold/rainy/humid/gross? Yes.
Do I feel fulfilled when I read a good book with unique characters? Yes.
Fulfillment seems like the right word for this year. There’s no over arching goals; I’m not striving to be something I’m not. Rather, I’m trying to identify what makes me happy, then I’m running towards it with open arms (laziness be damned).
Because I like lists and goal-setting, here’s what I’ll be aiming for in 2019.
- Find the little things about the day that fulfill me. Notice them and practice gratitude.
- When faced with a tough decision, don’t let fear stand in the way of happiness. Choose the option that will provide fulfillment, even if it’s the rockier path.
- Say yes to the things that matter, that fill my cup. Say no to everything else.
- Practice mindfulness at work. Be present for the hard and easy conversations with my students, because those are the moments that make my job rewarding.
- Don’t fall behind on chores, classroom planning, or dates with the husband. Stress is the opposite of fulfillment.
- Take time to read every single day. Not because I have to, but because it brings me joy. And quit the books that don’t bring me joy.
Let me know if you choose a word… we can cheer each other on!
I love this! I’m really relieved to know that I’m not the only one who is terrible with the traditional resolution of hitting the gym and eating better! I think this is such a great choice for you!
I still remember when you made us chose words our sophomore year, mine was dare, and ever since I’ve chosen a word of the year!