It’s said that New Year's resolutions were first introduced by the ancient Babylonians.  In the spring, as their crops were planted, they would offer fealty to their king, and commit to paying their debts.  We’re a far cry from Babylon and their warm spring.  Here in Washington, where we endure the months-long rain and darkness, setting rigid January goals feels like a cruel joke. Swapping our essential morning coffee for icy celery juice? That passion usually fizzles by January 8th.  

But we still crave that sense of forward motion, that tradition, that new beginning.

Years ago, I was introduced to a much gentler path: Choose a single word to define your year.  No more vague goals, such as “get in shape” or concrete threats such as “make a home cooked dinner each night.”  A word is a compass, not a map. It's a flexible theme that colors your decisions all year long, and there’s no way to fail, only degrees to which you embody its meaning.

I invite you to join me in finding your word, your theme, for the year ahead.

Perhaps your word is INTENTIONAL, purpose guiding your actions. Maybe BOUNDARIES, protecting your peace.  Maybe it’s JOY, if so, I highly recommend you get on Ed’s email list for his daily humor.  Maybe it's something strong, like SOVEREIGN.

Somewhere deep in the thesaurus, your word is waiting.  I can’t wait to hear what you choose.

Caitlin Sugar