I’ve spent the past few weeks reflecting on 2023. Accomplishments, struggles, points of joy, rush of tears. And looking forward towards 2024. The precipice of new chances, new beginnings, possible endings, and the brink of the unknown. There is a lot I’ve wanted to say. To write down. But I haven’t managed to put it all into adequate words.
So, instead- here’s my word for 2024 —> S P A C E <—
As in: making space in my life for new things. Clearing out clutter that weighs me down. Making space for new people, new opportunities, new feelings, new experiences. As in: holding space for others. Meeting them where they are, without judgement. Accepting them as they are, without expectation. As in: giving space to situations and circumstances, without anxiety.
2024 will not be “my year” or “the best year ever.” Like any other year or day, it will be a mixed bag. There will be causes to celebrate, heartbreak to endure, and love to give and receive.
Let us meet each new day with a replenished store of grace to offer others, joy for ourselves, and hope for our world.
With 2022 drawing to an end, I’ve been spending some quiet time reflecting on what has passed and thinking on the possibilities that the dawning of a new year may bring.
This has been a good year for me. I’ve made new friends, traveled to new places, and dived head-first into new experiences. My friends and I wrote, performed, and recorded a full soundtrack for a movie. I began performing spoken word pieces at Ignite the Mic each month. Participated at poetry readings. Had a few poems published. Performed with community theater for the first time. Made new friends along the way. Continued writing. Traveled with friends to Charleston for a 10k (which I thought I would never be able to do again since having neck and back surgery). Traveled to Montana for a beautiful wedding. Hiked in the mountains. Was accepted into a writing program in Vermont and spent 10 action-packed days learning. Continued to write. Learned more about myself. Healed a little more from things I still can’t talk about. Felt love. Gave love. Lost loved ones. Said “goodbye.” Continued to write.
And now, I’m looking toward the future. Wondering what fresh blessings and new hells may await me. Steeling myself for potential new hurts. Steadying my anticipation for new opportunities. Whatever is on the other side of tomorrow, I’m ready,
My focus word for 2023 is OPEN.
As in – opening myself up to new things. New experiences. New people. New places. New perspectives. New possibilities.
As in opening myself to vulnerability. To truth. To needs and wants. To love. To connection. To messiness. To humanity in its fullness.
As in opening my mouth and using my voice. To articulate what I want. To speak of what is not right. To inspire. To encourage. To embolden and uplift.
As in opening my eyes to see. The reality of what’s before me. As well as the possibilities of what can be.
As in opening myself to the universe. To the slipstream. To the energy that nourishes and connects us.
As in opening myself as a vessel to God. To be the hands and feet of compassion.
As in opening myself to Life.
Happy New Year, Friends! May we survive the dangers and disappointments that threaten to destroy us. May we find peace and purpose in the joys that sustain us.
Shelley Jinks Johnson 