Every year I try to decide on what word or theme I want for the new year. I have been doing this for a couple of decades now. Here are some past posts (2024) and a podcast where we discuss choosing a theme for the year. I love going back and reading what I wrote for my previous themes. The patterns and what has stayed the same and what has changed over the years can stand out with time. Each of these themes reflect who I am at that moment in time and what I would like to focus on for the upcoming year.
This year’s theme or word for me is … PLAY.
I want to focus on relaxing and having more fun this year. It is probably similar to one of my previous year’s theme’s on Joy but I like the word Play better right now. The word Play feels less serious and pressured and a little more specific than “joy” to me.
I am trying to have one thing that I am looking forward to every day. I am surprised at how much more challenging this is than I expected, which sounds sad, but it is an indication of how much I am in doer / autopilot / checklist mode. I am constantly thinking “What do I need to get done today? What should I do today? What do I need to do next?” It should be easy to come up with some small things that I can look forward to each day (reading a favorite book, eating a special treat, going for a walk with a friend, listening to a song I love). I want to focus on what would feel fun and playful.
For work I want to be doing more of the things that I LOVE to do, that fill me up, and I enjoy (like doing the podcast interviews, coaching and meeting with clients I love..). I want to play more games with myself and other people. I don’t want to be quite so driven, efficient, and serious. I truly believe that we are here on this earth to enjoy our lives. We can learn a lot by playing. This is the best way that children learn. When I think of playing, there is no winning or losing, no competition, no expected result or outcome. Play is to learn and have some fun, to create and try new things. I want a more childlike playful attitude.
Remember, there is no succeeding or failing with themes. A theme is a reminder of something I want and to try and bring more of into my life and days. It should not be too specific. You want it to apply in various and different conditions in your life.
For me, Play can mean –
- Playing music
- Playing games – physical, mental, board and card games
- Playing with art and colors
- Playing in nature – play in the snow, the rain, the waves, the forest
- Playing = creating
- Playing with friends
- Playing with food and restaurants
I loved my image that I had for last year’s theme of Be.ing.
I want to try and find another image that reminds me of this year’s theme and my intention to have fun and be willing to play more in my life. I like the picture I used for this post but I will keep my eye out for another one I like better.
I would love to hear what your theme is for the new year.
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