I know a lot of people are choosing a single word this year to focus their 2018 goals. I have a friend who’s chosen “simplify” and several others who’ve chosen “intentional” for their words. For them, this single word will become a mantra, a guide, to lead them through the year that they want to have.
As I ruminated on what word I would choose if I chose only one, the word “abundance” came into my brain space and wouldn’t leave. I could SEE and FEEL the abundance of positive energy the Universe contains that I want to tap into, like a Jedi learning to use the Force. In 2017 I started understanding and believing in this abundance thanks to many mentors in my life, so in 2018 it’s time for me to become One with it. Because I’m a writer at heart, I need more words to paint a picture of what “abundance” will look like for me and how I see it affecting multiple areas of my life, so here goes:
Live Simply
If I’m living abundantly, I’m not focused on lack, so I don’t need to hold on to “stuff”. I can also gently release thoughts that keep me feeling small, commitments that no longer fit, and any toxic relationships. Releasing these things in my life that keep me cluttered and weighed down will simplify my schedule and space, and allow me to be generous yet intentional with my time, talents, and treasure.
Dream Big
If I’m living abundantly, I’m not letting fear be the boss of me. Because I know I’m bigger than fear, I will dream big dreams and shoot for the moon. I will stop letting the small voices of fear and doubt hold me back from unleashing and harnessing my potential and I WILL achieve dreams and goals that previously seemed unreasonable or impossible. The Universe holds an abundance of the resources I need to achieve these dreams; I just need to tap into the Force to be connected to them.
Be Grateful
If I am plugged into the energy of all that is good in the Universe, I’m reminded to be grateful for everything and all of the people I have in my life, because I am CONNECTED to all of them. I see them, I feel them, and I love and appreciate them. I’m also reminded to cherish and be grateful for the moments I have that are good, because the Dark Side can come knocking at any time. I won’t fear the darkness, though, because it, too, is a part of life that ebbs and flows. I know even when it comes, that it is temporary and I can still choose gratitude and hold on to hope in moments that seem dark, so Light, Love, and I still win!
Give Love
I want an abundance of Love in my life more than anything else. In order to receive it abundantly, I must first give it abundantly, including to myself. I will give Grace and Love even for my mistakes, my body, my tender heart. I will live Love out loud, powerfully and abundantly, because I feel these words from “Star Wars – The Last Jedi” in my core: “That’s how we’re gonna win. Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love.”
Laugh Lots
And finally, laughter. Who doesn’t want an abundance of laughter in their life? Did you know that laughter can help tone your vagus nerve, which can then help with anxiety, depression, and a host of other neurological issues? There really is something to the saying “Laughter is the best medicine,” so I will be intentional about creating space and time in my life for an abundance of laughter. I will focus on fun, joy, wonder. I will laugh until I cry and cry until I laugh.
This year will hold an abundance of living life to its fullest, to dreaming and achieving in big ways. It will hold an abundance of gratitude, Love, and laughter because abundance will be my focus, and as Masteer Qui-Gon Jinn said, “Your focus determines your reality.”
Happy 2018! May the Force be with you.