2023 marks the second time I’m sharing a word for the year. After pouring through an actual 10-pound dictionary, playing board-less Scrabble with my dad, and using grid paper to count out letters, I have chosen a word for the year. My word for 2023 is Inner Compass.
In 2022, I wrote about grace throughout the year, with multiple posts on the 10th, 20th, and 30th, ending with a hard-hitting, reflective “Singing Grace’s Song all Year Long.” I’ll be applying a similar approach of regular writing about “inner compass,” but I hope this scheduled strategy with fewer posts creates more honesty and creativity. Freedom within limits.
On the 10th of every month in 2023, I’ll share thoughts about each letter of “Inner Compass.”
On the 10th of January, I’ll share i words related to “Inner Compass”, such as intention, identity, and involvement. Then, on the 10th of February, I will move onto n, such as inner compass and nesting, novelty, and negotiation and non-negotiables. (I’ll also be sharing book research on the 20th and progress reports on other goals on the 30th of each month!)
Since “inner compass” contains 12 letters, I aim to apply this approach of writing about how I’m valuing my (and others’) “inner compass” throughout the year:
I – January
N – February
N – March
E – April
R – May
C – June
O – July
M – August
P – September
A – October
S – November
S – December
Instead of simply vignette writing, I will reflect on questions within each post:
- Who am I?
- How do I want to feel/live/be?
- What/who/where do I value?
Answers to these questions will get to the core of why I chose “inner compass” for my word for 2023. I want to get to know myself, what I value, and learn that I am more than what I do. That I am still me, despite so many changes and challenges: hello, new-to-me Colorado; oh hi, new goals; hey there, new relationships.
Yes, each month will be brought to you by a different letter. And you better believe it, I will be talking writing about myself a lot more than I’m used to, but I hope the posts engage you. Admittedly, I struggle with talking about myself, but I find writing easier. It is a courageous thing.
Bravery takes practice, and I hope to hone this skill through a regular habit of writing and reflection.
“Inner compass” requires me to lean into parts of myself I’m still discovering and learning, such as listening to my intuition. I am an INFJ-A after all. But I want to be honest in my writing, such as real thoughts and feelings about scarier topics, like anxiety. This will be a journey, and I hope you’ll tag along for (some of) the ride.
So, tune back here on the 10th of every month to read some musings about this life I’ve created in Colorado. You can find the inner compass posts by browsing through its category here or by searching terms. I’m excited to keep growing and learning in 2023. And if you need support in setting a word or intention for the year, I’m here! Just start by leaving a comment.