Mid-Year Reflections, Word of The Year

Every year I choose a word to lean into. This year I chose the word connect because, I thought, it would lead me to connect more with my writing. Halfway through the year and I’m realizing it means much, much more.

I’ve decided and can say that I’m returning to a role that connects with my roots for the first time in over seven years. It’s a big change for me and my family, and one that I am excited to dive into. When I was sitting down this week in the brief moments between activities, events, and the general doing of things, I thought about my word I’d picked back in December. I hadn’t thought about it for awhile and that’s a funny thing because I created a wallpaper with the word on my phone, but I’d become blind to it in the background. Thinking about the word and not realizing what it would mean to me then versus what it means to me now, and that it’s only July, just made me pause and have to sit for a minute. I’m living and leaning into my word on a deeper, different level than I realized I would in the beginning of the year. I hope as I get my feet under me in this new role that my word can inspire me and support me on my journey.

Last week was completely full of connecting to new people, old friends, and lots of family. It was busy, but just what we needed and made my heart full and fueled me for what lies ahead. This coming week I need to start preparing for my new role and wrap-up a few things from last week. I will sit down to write as well. It’s going to be more important than ever to connect to my writing in the pockets of time I can find. I’m hoping to take some time this week to write myself some notes about where I am and where I want to go. A writing friend suggested I make notes for myself and I love that idea. Much as I want to get a lot done this coming week, I also need to balance it with relaxation and leaning into the time I have with my children. We’re all enjoying the slow pace we’ve set for the summer, still with activities and things happening, but a lot less than what the school year is like. It’s just as important to prioritize rest as it is to prioritize productivity. We’re working to balance the two, me especially now, and I’m excited to dive into the new week with both in mind.

In case you haven’t been told today, you are more than enough.

With you in words, Nikole