Instead of resolutions I tend to focus on words for the New Year. I decided 2021 needed several words and I wanted to share a few of mine with you. I would love to hear what yours are.

GRATEFUL: This year I want to focus on what I am grateful for. It is way too easy to focus on the things that are hard or lacking in life but I need to continue to see my glass as half full.

GRIT: I had grit as a kid while traversing through adversity but as I have grown older at times it seems that I may have left grit in my past. I want to dig a little deeper with that word and apply its meaning again. According to Caren Baruch-Feldman, PhD, Having grit means having passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals. It is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles. This kind of passion is not about intense emotions or infatuation.

KINDNESS: I love being kind but I also love searching for kindness in the world. I want to seek out more kindness and highlight it here throughout the year. We could all use stories of kindness. Oh and while we are at it I want to practice being more kind to other humans, especially those around me.

SELF-CARE: This is so very important and one of my coaches D-Grant has shared beautifully the importance of this aspect of my life. It is so very important and not as selfish as I thought before working with him. I would love it if you all would take time to practice self-care with me this year! Share stories of how you are taking care of yourself!

PERSPECTIVE: It would be easy for me to only see my point of view but…my precious other half has taught me about being able to see the perspectives of those around me. In doing this I will be listening more and talking less. I want to not just share my own perspective but truly see those around me. We are blessed to be a melting pot of culture and beliefs! It is an honor to share the planet with others who are so drastically different but so profoundly beautiful.

LOVE: This is a vital part of my life. I want to love others better. I want to give 7-9 hugs a day to my children and husband and I want to sit with the broken hearted and listen as they cry and probably cry with them. I want to share life and grace with others and help other feel loved. Love can be felt in the simplest of ways even if I only pass by other souls and share a smile and a wink! I love people. I want to be better at the whole love thing!

What are your words this year? Do any of these resonate with you?

Love- Stephanie Ellison