A few years ago, while celebrating an unnamed mid-20’s birthday, I began to think about what I can do each year on my birthday to really make an impact on the next year of my life.

I wanted to give myself a stamp of some sort – a crest to live by – for that following year.  I read a few blogs, looked through some good books I had marked in, sorted through magazines, and finally decided that one of the most powerful things I could attach a year of my life to – was words. Simple words, but SO powerful. Words.

And thus it began. Each year since then, I’ve gone through a process of brainstorming, reading, writing, and then narrowing down to 1 or 2 words that I want to live my life around for the following year.  And honestly, it’s been one of the most incredible things I’ve done for myself.

Think about it… there is nothing working against you. (And no one working against you either… Don’t share your word or words until after your next birthday). Ok, let’s just pretend that on your 32th birthday you chose the word “clarity.”  You memorize a personal definition of what clarity means, you write the word down in several visible key places, and on your birthday you say a prayer (to whoever you chose) for clarity throughout your 33rd year of life.

Then, as the year progresses, and you make tough decision, or face challenges head on, or experience great moments, you can always come back to that word. Clarity.

Here’s how it works.

YOU:  “I am so torn on which decision to make. I don’t know how I am going to decide what to do.”  You need clarity.  You know how good it feels to make a decision with it, and do what you know is right.  Get yourself there. It is in your hands. Gain clarity about your options, and the affects of both. Then, make your decision.

Or.

YOU:  “That was the most amazing weekend of my life! I can’t imagine someone more perfect for me.”  Coming back to your word, clarity, will keep you grounded and focused, even in times of complete happiness.

See? Not that hard. And im telling you, the amount you learn about yourself when coming back to one word throughout an entire year of growth is nothing short of enlightening.  And the best part – there is no right word, or wrong word.  In fact, each year, you begin thinking of next year’s word a little earlier.

Hence this blog. A 2-parter.

I am less than a month away from my 29th birthday, and embarking on my 30th year of life.  It’s time I start thinking of what next year’s word will be, but after my birthday has passed, id like to share with you my words of the past 4 years, including the one I am living right now and how important they’ve become.  I also ask that you suggest words that inspire you, encourage you, or keep you true to yourself, because although I’ve already started thinking about options for next year, it certainly doesn’t hurt to get some outside perspective.

So, what do you say? I know it’s a little bit of a personal stretch for our blogs, but it’s character defining in my opinion, and has set me up for (almost) 4 years of continuous growth & self realization in ways I can’t explain.

-Ape

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