Several years ago, I decided to pick a word for the year. The process of choosing a word makes you consider where you want your focus in the coming year. It is a way to reflect upon life and choose your priority. Having a word gives you something to come back to and refocus on throughout all the ups and downs and seasons of the year.
My Word
I have continued choosing a word for each year since. For me, most often that word has to do with self-growth. Last year I chose the word “intentional”, and the year before that was “release”. This year my word is BLISS.
Maybe a Little Strange
This may seem a little strange for a word of the year, but let me explain. Several months ago, I heard a podcast by Ed Mylett on the subject of bliss. It is a word I have never really thought about very much. We hear the phrase, “Ignorance is bliss,” and quite honestly, I have always had a negative concept of the term. After listening to Ed Mylett’s podcast on the subject, the word just would not go away. So, I decided to dive deeper into it.
What is Bliss?
Bliss means supreme happiness; and utter joy or contentment. It is a higher state than both happiness and joy. I do not believe that total bliss can be experienced here on earth, but I do believe that we can work toward it.
Stolen Bliss
The truth is, I allow so many things to steal my joy–my bliss. I have become more and more aware of how much I have allowed circumstances and people pleasing to hold me back from being my true self. If I am not being authentically ME and allowing fear of others impressions to guide me, I certainly am not living in a blissful state.
Working Toward Bliss
My desire in choosing this word is that it will remind me where my bliss really lies. All that matters is that I believe what HE says about me and that I am faithful to HIM. In closing, I want to share a few measures that I think will help in working toward that blissful state.
Those measure are:
- Gratitude. Gratitude refocuses our minds on the positive. It brings our attention to what we have and what is good.
- Mindfulness. Being mindful of the present moment takes us away from focusing on our past or worrying about the future. It holds us right where we are in a particular moment and keeps us present. How often do we lose the moment because of not truly being present in it?
- Grounding. Yes, I am talking therapeutic grounding of bare hands and feet to the earth, but I am also referring to being grounded in the Word. Nature can bring a sense of peace and realignment. Scripture also brings that and reminds me of what my Creator says about me. That can be helpful in moving past people pleasing.
- Release. Letting go of the things that do not serve us well. Why we hold on so tightly sometimes, I do not know. There is freedom and joy can be found in letting go.
Do You Have a Word?
Bliss is my word, and now I have shared my plan. Do you choose a word of the year? I am always curious to know what others choose. I would love to know your word if you would like to share in the comments. We are all in different places, but I think we can encourage one another and bring about a sense of community when we share.
