I was going to switch this up a bit for 2020 but guess what? I’m not. This is (unfortunately) perfect:
Every year around this time I say, “It’s going to be different.” Well, gentle readers, it’s not. It’s quite the same. Which is to say, I let myself get caught up in a shitstorm of stress and overwhelm by choosing others instead of myself, by over-committing, by working too hard on things that don’t bring fulfillment or happiness, by helping everyone but me.
One Word for 2019 was: Move. Seriously. Like Move Yer Arse, Girl! Or, you know, something nicer, like, Excuse me but would you mind moving? Same, same. Getting unstuck was sort of the idea.
I’m still stuck but heartily sorry for it and flailing for a helping hand out of the pit.
my One Word for 2018 was: Self. It was a good choice. It worked. Some of the time. Not as often as I’d hoped.
my One Word for 2017 was Accept. I did not accept anything. I sort of UN-accepted pretty much everything. I faltered. Failed. Moved on.
Well. Isn’t that something? And here we are again. Another year, another word. Let’s get on with it, shall we?
I’ve noticed my blog has its share of posts about overwhelm. Just a few, really, not, like, dozens. Ahem. So I got to thinking about being overwhelmed. Too much. Too many things. So, naturally, I need to make lists. And prioritize. That will work. Except for the times it doesn’t. Which is to say always. Or never. Whatever.
I’ve got to sort out my priorities. This is more important than that. That is more pressing than the other. Things get put on The List, shifted, knocked down a number, back up, and so forth and, soon enough, nothing is done.
So, instead of putting my life on a piece of paper in order of importance, I’m changing my mindset. (FYI, this is always, always, a good idea. You should try it.) I’ve always sucked at multi-tasking but I’m not sure that’s what this is anymore. I’m thinking it’s more that I’m utterly unfocused.
So here is my ironic focus word for 2020:
FOCUS
I was at a cemetery last month and grabbed my phone to take a picture.
When I tapped on the screen to focus on the little pinecone in my face, the gravestones blurred in the background. And vice versa. Right? Because whether it’s a mobile phone or a fancy camera, it cannot focus on more than one thing at a time.
I hadn’t written my One Word post yet but, there, right then, in that cemetery, I wrote it in my head.
I’m not prioritizing the pinecone over the gravestone. But if I try to focus on both of them, they’re both blurry and I don’t get either one. If I tap and zoom in on one, I get an amazing shot. Then, *tap*, another great shot. Done.
Obviously, there will be times when something will demand my focus be drawn to that issue or situation but I will focus on it and move on.
If I’m constantly trying to focus on everything, then everything is out of focus.
Narrow my focus and, boom, I’ve got a clear shot.
As always, a definition (because I’m a nerd):
focus
/fōkəs/
noun
- the center of interest or activity.
center, focal point, center of attention
Get me a spotlight, man. I’m shining it on whatever shit needs attention. Laser focused, my friends.
- the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition.
clear, clear-cut, well-defined
Producing a well-defined, clear-cut visual? Please hold. Your patience is appreciated. The clear visual will be with you shortly.
verb
- (of a person or their eyes) adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly.
Seeing clearly? Yes, please. Adapting and becoming able to see clearly are HUGE challenges for me. Two great goals.
- pay particular attention to.
give emphasis to, highlight
Dude, this makes me want to whip out one of those big, neon yellow markers and highlight the hell out of the book of my life. On it!
I’m going to focus this year. I know I said this last year but 2020 will see another book from me. The manuscripts are sitting here glaring at me. They are more patient than I.
Happy New Year, my friends. ❤ Here’s to your goals, aspirations, resolutions, or whatever floats your boat. Cheers! 🥂
Have you ever taken part in the One Word Challenge?
If you haven’t, why not try it? Or think on it a moment and leave one in the comments. What could your focus be this year? I’d love to hear what your One Word is for 2020.
Lemon Shark 