Greetings friends,

Although I’ve been quiet for a couple of weeks, you have been on my mind. I’m wondering if you have taken the opportunity to ponder your own theme ‘word of the year’? As I shared in my blog earlier this month, https://vitalitywithesyltt.com/2022/01/05/thriving-in-2022/ it’s a creative exercise I find acts as a good compass when there are decisions to be made – ‘does this response/action/thought fit with my word’?

Last week I relished an engaging conversation with friends on this topic. We were delighted that as we each shared our word, lots of ideas popped up for how to expand the usefulness and application of the word. Having experienced the benefits of this exercise I encourage you to toss yours around with friends…..or share it here and I’ll respond.

My word for 2022 came to me as I sat envisioning the way I’d like this year to unfold. Perhaps subconsciously I knew there would be plenty to challenge me before the first month was through. So here it is…..drum roll ………the word is “buoyant”. I looked up the dictionary before I settled on it to check how others see buoyant.

It originates from 1570’s Spanish boyante, “to float”. I picture myself bobbing up and down on the surface of the ocean. It is also used to describe someone who is cheerful, optimistic, happy and confident. In business terms it refers to the success associated with a lot of activity and making a profit.

This week my choice of word has been challenged by a storm that erupted in my business life.  I felt like I was out in the middle of the ocean, huge waves crashing around my little dinghy, with only a tiny oar to make progress. It is fair to say that while some people enjoy witnessing a storm of nature if they are in a safe observing place (one of my children loves a thunderstorm), not many people relish being out in a storm, especially if they don’t feel safe. I was feeling threatened, and when I took time to acknowledge my reaction it was confronting to realise that it was partially about having my identity as successful jeopardised. Although most of that was in my own head, the old imposter syndrome jumped to the fore.

It was a timely reminder that with the best of plans, storms will come. These days our weather apps give ‘severe weather warning’, when storms are approaching our location. However the worst metaphorical storms of life that suddenly surround us, and threaten our peace/well being/vitality often arrive without warning. We don’t have time to ‘batten the hatches’, to make it to shore, so how can we practice being buoyant?

Once I found some inner calm, I remembered that I had a robust life jacket. Also known as a “buoyancy vest”. Ah, there is that word again. Coming to my rescue. I am enjoying listening to “Tracking Wonder” by Jeffrey Davis. https://trackingwonder.com   In a chapter on connection, he mentions having a ‘nourish pack’. A person, or people who you can turn to when the going gets tough. He asserts that all people who overcome adversity have a nourish pack. I know I do.

This week I’m encouraging you to put your word of the year somewhere prominent, and when life sends a storm your way, remember your word! Consider how you can use the meaning of the word like your own life jacket.

I invite you again, to share your word here.

May your day be filled with vitality,

Esyltt