I almost didn’t choose a word of the year. After 9 years (!!) of picking one word to focus on for an entire year, I felt stuck. 2021 was a big year. I turned 30. Had a baby. Took on more responsibilities at work. It felt weighty to choose a word that would encompass all that and a growth mindset while also feeling a desire to pare down and dial back. I tossed around a LOT of different ideas and didn’t actually pick one until after January 1st.

I believe that an intentional life boils down to passion and connecting to a strong “why”. Choosing a word I wanted to focus on needed to align with that (no pressure). Words in the running: steady, still, intentional, play, slow, balance, content, celebrate, selah, attract, and finally my word for 2022, engage.

engage (verb): occupy, attract, or involve; establish a meaningful contact or connection with

Engage is a reminder to have hard conversations. 

Engage is a reminder to lean into the challenges and growth of mamahood. 

Engage is a reminder of what needs my immediate attention an what does not. 

Engage is a reminder that my actions and words set an example. 

Engage is is a reminder that “our days are numbered”, “time is a thief”, and “they won’t stay little for long”. 

Engage is a reminder to be present.

Throughout 2021, there was a lot that worked – being more agile (I’m looking at you 3 week early baby!), celebrating milestones and wins, as well ask asking for help more often. But I also saw a few things that didn’t – having a rigid schedule, overthinking through things I could not control, and trying to overdo it. I really learned that my priorities were shifting. I asked myself frequently how I would feel about certain tasks when I looked back on my life at 80 years old. Relationships, the way I had cared for my own health, and the impact I had made on others ranks at the top of the list. But you know the things that won’t? A 100% perfectly clean house, posts/likes online, and the size of my clothes. So I set the following goals: 1. Feed Callahan for 6 months. 2. Focus on my health through the food I’m eating, the way I’m moving my body, and how I’m caring for myself mentally and emotionally. 3. Nourish relationships and be all in for my people. This includes celebrating wins, learning from mistakes, and thinking of other people first.

I am ready to engage.

As part of my brainstorming process for picking a word, I see what quotes, mantras, and photos are appealing to me. Here are just a few:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. Brene Brown

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