This meme showed up on my friend’s Facebook Page and I enjoy trying to find the words in these types of posts. I studied the image and immediately saw LOVE, GRATITUDE, CONNECTION and HEALTH. I also shared this in my Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group and it was interesting to see some of the answers from members. There was quite a variety.
Why not try this for yourself and share the four words you see?
In a previous post, ‘Reflecting on 2020 and yes, there were some positives!‘ I spoke about how a question from my Women’s Circle prompted me to reflect on my Word of the Year. You can read about it HERE and I would encourage you to do the same exercise of reflection – it certainly made me feel that 2020 was not a wasted year despite COVID-19
During the Women’s Circle discussion, I started to think if I would bother with a word for 2021. I had WOTY FOR 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 but wasn’t sure if I would have one in 2021.
- 2016 I wanted to find more BALANCE in my life.
- 2017 I wanted to SIMPLIFY.
- 2018 I wanted to THRIVE and in
- 2019 I chose two words – COMMIT AND EVOLVE.
The more we discussed the topic of WOTY2020, one word kept coming to my mind which I felt would be perfect for my 2021 focus.
I was chatting to my dear friend, Deb from Deb’s World and she had actually researched the meaning of WOTY which then prompted me to do some research myself. Although many may not select a word, I felt the meaning is very relevant to living a life well lived and is a good way to stay on track
The Goal Chaser website describes WOTY as
A single word that encapsulates what you need more of, what you want to focus on, or what you need to improve on. A theme or overarching focus for your year ahead – either way, it’s an exciting way to set your intention for the year ahead.
The Goal Chaser
What word have I chosen for 2021 and why?
I had chosen my word a couple of weeks ago and then when I found the four words from the Meme – LOVE, GRATITUDE, CONNECTION and HEALTH, I knew they all slotted perfectly together and in fact, have brought stirrings of creative thinking for the direction of the blog in 2021.
This is a positive step for me, because I’ve stepped back recently after the loss of my MIL and wasn’t sure if I would keep the blog going or not.
If you are reading this, then you know I’ve decided to keep the blog alive but with one rule – I must enjoy producing the blog and not feel it is a chore or keep it going because I feel guilty about leaving my readers.
So to my WOTY for 2021 – drumroll please…….
My WOTY is ‘SELF’.
Now you might think that is ‘selfish’ but it is far from that.
I’ve come to a stage in my life where I need to live what I ‘say’ and ‘write’. In other words, I need to take my own advice.
I need to embrace my SELF and live my life with the focus of keeping what SERVES me WELL and LETTING GO of what is holding me back and making me feel trapped in life.
The definition of Self in Self – definition of self by The Free Dictionary suggests:
1.The total, essential, or particular being of a person; the individual
2. The essential qualities distinguishing one person from another; individuality;
3. One’s consciousness of one’s own being or identity; the ego;
4. One’s own interests, welfare, or advantage;
5. Immunology That which the immune system identifies as belonging to
the body:
Each month I will be writing a Self Review & Reset post about my focus on ‘SELF’, how I am incorporating that into my life and especially around the four words of LOVE, GRATITUDE, CONNECTION and HEALTH. This will help me stay on track when the challenges come and we all know that they do.
In my previous post Let’s Review & Reset in 2021, I discussed the Simple Steps to an Incredible Year mini course I’m taking offered by Mel Robbins. I’m using this to help me reset my life after 2020 which was not only about COVID but also the unexpected loss of my dear Mother-In-Law in late October. I’ve set up a Review & Reset 2021 challenge in the Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group to share my learnings from the course and also to encourage others to take some time to complete their own Review and Reset.
I hope you will join me on my discovery of ‘SELF’ in 2021. Will you have a word in 2021? If you do, I’d love you to share it with me. Leanne from Cresting the Hill and I have set up a link party for you to share your WOTY. Just click on the link below.
40 Comments
I’m so glad you’ve chosen Self this year, Sue – something we all need to pay much more attention to in my opinion. Have a wonderful New Year. Toni x
Thanks Toni. I think I need to focus on SELF but that doesn’t mean I won’t be as caring of others. I’m just putting the focus on ensuring whatever I do is positive for my life rather than a drain. Happy New Year, Toni and look forward to catching up soon. xx
With my astro hat on, I’d say it’s a perfect choice to bring a Leo back on track. I’m in the process of blogging one so will link up when I so…
Thanks Jo, the linkup doesn’t start until tomorrow but I couldn’t wait to share my WOTY LOL 🙂 Sometimes I feel more like a Virgo than a Leo but would love to learn more about the astro side from you. xx
I feel the same as you, Sue, whether I would think about a WOTY for 2021. I have had other pervasive thoughts/words which I will explore this year. I like the description you share here, which uses the words “theme” and “intention.”
I greatly appreciate your candor sharing your words “If you are reading…….my readers.” This resonates with me and likely with many of your readers.
Your WOTY “Self” Sue, is one of the most unselfish things I have read. Your #5 point gave me goosebumps. I look forward to sharing and watching 2021 unfold with you.xx
Hello my friend, Erica! Thank you firstly for always writing a thoughtful comment. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and feedback as well as your friendship. I’m so pleased you see my WOTY as I do, not SELFish but rather concentrating on all aspects of SELF to live well. I realise blogging is in my blood but I also have learned that I need to temper my enthusiasm for blogging and find a good balance in my life. This is a lesson I’ve learned over the last couple of years but have failed to actually make changes. Hopefully in 2021 I will be able to finally let go of the ‘self-imposed burden’ of not letting my readers down and just enjoy the blogging experience and relationships. I’m so pleased to be sharing the 2021 journey with you. xx
This is a great post Sue! My four words I got from the meme in your post were: creation, gratitude, a
Alignment and purpose. I will see how I fit them in with my word of the year which is Arise.
L look forward to your posts on Self. X
Hi Christine, I really liked the four words meme and enjoyed reading the comments in the FB post. I think you four will fit really well with your WOTY ‘Arise’ and how apt your word is after the year of 2020. I hope you will link up your post if you do one to the link up tomorrow, Monday 4th. xx
Hi Sue – I think we were all brought up to believe that focusing on your “self” was selfish and self-centred and that immediately made us feel guilty if we devoted any time to self-care. The last few years have taught me that it’s vital to nurture our “self” (or our soul as I prefer to think of it) – it all comes back to not being able to pour from an empty vessel. I think your word is a perfect one for regrouping and rediscovering your mojo after a pretty intense 2020. I’ll look forward to following along with your updates. I’m so glad you’re being proactive with your health and heart xx
Hi Leanne, I did hesitate with the word ‘Self’ as what you have written is how many of us have been brought up. However, when I did the ‘find the four words’ and during a discussion about WOTY with some friends, SELF kept coming to mind more than any other. I think it compliments the four words I found in the meme very well. x
Hi, Sue – I love your 2021 WOTY. That’s a perfect choice!
Gratitude, Love, Care, and Family were the first four words that popped up for me on the quiz that you shared. We continue to have much in common. 😀
Oh I love your four words Donna and two are the same as mine – Gratitude and Love. We do have much in common and the friendship continues to grow. xx
Brilliant word & for you, in 2021 may “self” guide you with love, joy, gratitude & purpose. Taking care of you first is not what many of us do & this is an excellent example that you can! My word & it’s reason is revealed tomorrow in my first blog post for 2021. I know you are linking up & I will back here! See you soon. Denyse
Thanks Denyse, it was a word that kept coming back to me when I pondered WOTY. I enjoyed your WOTY post and it is perfect for you. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to Smiling with you throughout 2021. x
The word self is a great choice. We all deserve to focus on self. The words I saw in that picture were change, breakthrough, purpose and connection. Those are all perfect choices for me. Happy new year Sue! Wishing you a great 2021!
Happy New Year Michele and lovely to reconnect with you. I love your four words and really enjoyed hearing which words people have chosen. Wishing you a wonderful 2021 for you and your family x
That’s a great word Sue! And one we forget to include in our lives/taking care of us!
Yes I agree Gina and I’ve had some positive feedback about my WOTY. It is time for me to be more mindful of SELF in all areas of my life. x
Hi Sue, I did not choose a WOTY for the year but have instead decided to focus my attention on Mind, Body, & Spirit, which encompasses the self, or soul, as Leanne says. I think some of us may suffer from the self-imposed guilt of being judged as selfish by others, so we overcompensate by doing too much to prove we are not. It becomes a strange dichotomy (and raises a whole other set of issues) and at some point, we need to give ourselves permission to put our oxygen mask on first and stop caring about how others interpret our actions. P.S. I saw health, money, breakthrough, connection and change. I can’t wait to see how that plays out! Best wishes for a beautiful new year.
Hi Sue your word of the year is perfect. Most of us need to learn that making ourselves a priority isn’t being selfish. I’m looking forward to your future posts. Thanks for providing the opportunity to link up this week
Hi Jen, thank you for the feedback as I was in two minds about my WOTY. I am happy with it now. Glad you could link up with us and take care. Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery from your fall. x
A perfect combination Suzanne and one I live because I believe all aspects of life should be viewed by the impact it has on our mind, body and spirit. I look forward to following your words and how they play out in 2021. Best wishes for 2021 and sending hugs from Australia. x
Hi Sue, this is a such a perfect word of the year for you, it gives you scope to reflect, review and connect with ‘self’, such an important thing for us as midlifers to do I think. Thanks again for mentioning me in your post and to you and Leanne for hosting the linkup. I love the connections we make through these types of linkups and blogging in general. You continue to be an inspiration.
Hi Deb, thank you and I agree that it is the right Word for me at this time. I’m looking forward to following your BOLD journey and might just be BOLD myself and join you. xx
Happy New Year, Sue! Self is an excellent WOTY. I look forward to reading your blog posts in 2021 whenever you feel like posting. I’ll host the weekly Weekend Coffee Share starting January 8 and would love to have you and other bloggers join in any week. I merge the monthly Wellness Weekend with the Weekend Coffee Share. The topics are open so we can write about wellness every week or anything that’s on our mind. Life is beautiful and varied so there is no limit to what we write and share on the blog. Wishing you a wonderful 2021!
HI Natalie, that sounds great combining the two link ups so I will try to get to some if not all this year. Wishing you a very happy 2021 and I know you always make the best of every day. Take care and lovely to reconnect with you. xx
Happy New Year Sue. Self is an awesome word – I think of self care. It is completely normal to go through the range of feelings after someone close dies. It can be a struggle to do tasks that are usually easy to do. The steps you are taking are very positive, and will help you get through this difficult time. Blogging can be difficult when we’re dealing with life “stuff” so taking a step back is necessary. I took a bit of a break and feel much better for it. Take care, and thanks for the opportunity to share my blog post. Much appreciated
Thanks Christina, I had second thoughts about the word I had chosen but from the comments received I think everyone agrees it is the right word for me this year. I’ve read your post and your word is so apt for you, although I thought you were very resilient in 2021. Lovely to be back blogging and connecting with you again. x
I don’t tend to choose a word of the year but love your choice! Self is so important and can mean so many things. I reminder to prioritise ourselves as well as the importance of having a sense of self. I certainly struggle with the latter. xx
Thanks Deb, SELF just kept coming back to me so I thought okay ‘go with it’. I hope I can inspire others through my own journey to embrace SELF in all areas of our lives. Happy New Year to you and great to reconnect. xx
Great choice of word, Sue. I chose a somewhat similar word in 2020 – Metta – loving-kindness to myself.
I love Mel Robbins and have been doing her course too. Nice to know that you’re inspired by her too.
Have a wonderful 2021, Sue.
Hi Corinne, I remember reading your Metta post. Mel is great and I think it is because she is pretty down to earth and a straight talker. I’m enjoying the second video in her 4-part series, which I will be sharing with everyone on the blog. Best wishes to you, Corinne for a wonderful 2021. xx
I enjoyed reading about your process for choosing a WOTY, Sue. Thanks for sharing it with us. I have not formally chosen a WOTY, but I do have a theme…which is probably the same thing when it comes down to it. I want to be more open and receptive to new possibilities. Lay my expectations and habits aside long enough to open myself up to new possibilities or opportunities that may be waiting for me. I see 2021 as a reset year for me. I hope this year is everything you need it to be. Happy 2021!
Hi Christie, I had a theme for 2020 and really theme, phrase or WOTY they all help to give us direction and focus don’t they? Your theme sounds exciting and I will enjoy reading your journey in 2021. Happy New Year to you and your family and it is lovely to reconnect again with everyone. xx
I don’t think self sounds like a selfish world at all; taking care of one’s self is important work. My WOTY post is being published Wednesday so I’ll plan to come back and share then. My word is Embrace.
Hi Joanne, I look forward to reading your post so please link up as it is open for a week. Love the word Embrace because it can mean so many things. I also think that my choice of word SELF gives scope for all areas of my life and it is what I need at the moment. Happy New Year to you xx
I don’t usually choose a word of the year, I’m a bit too scattered for that, but the first word I saw was “connection” and I do like it 🙂
Hi Katherine, I don’t think we should feel we have to have a WOTY, sometimes a phrase is good or nothing at all. I also think that the first word is usually the right word because you haven’t had to think about it. It is your inner self sending you a message. I like Connection and it has so many possibilities. Happy New Year and look forward to connecting more in 2021. x
So good to read everyone’s replies to you Sue. We sure do strike up a lot of conversations as bloggers and word for the year is a big one!
Welcome back to Life This Week in 2021 on my blog each Monday. Thank you for linking up this week. Next week the optional prompt is 2/51 Announcement on Mon11 Jan. Hope to see you back here then too. Take care, Denyse.
Hi Denyse, I’m inpsired by the variety of the WOTY and can relate to them all. Announcement….hmmm that is a tough one but I’m intrigued that you might have one for us. I’ll have to wait until Monday. xx