Before I jump into my word of the year for 2021, I have to pause a moment for what happened in 2020. In some magnificent way, I chose the exact word I needed at the beginning of 2020 and subsequently mid-year I selected a word that changed my life.
And, I didn’t even realize the significance of either word until I was months beyond their announcement. For the record, I am still mystified by how it all unfolded. And, grateful. Extremely grateful.
So, here comes the shiny new year and it’s time to choose a new word. I chose not to make a new vision board this year, and if I’m honest, I wasn’t sure I was ready to de-throne magic.
I never choose the typical words: Strength. Peace. Joy. I just like something that has some extra depth to it. Something that can be defined in many ways, and something that can curiously show up in everyday language… when I least expect it. It’s those moments that remind me that I’m on the right track, and to lean into my word.
So, for 2021… we’re going with WELCOME. Let’s talk about the why… and how I curled up with this word and it just felt like home.
Welcome. It’s such an unexpected choice, yet it feels so perfect. It’s printed on signs at the airport (and various languages) and on mats outside of our doors. Warm ones make us feel comfortable, and putting an un- in front of welcome complete negates its purpose. Welcome seems like an exceptional word to carry me through 2021, and here’s a few reasons why.
Are you familiar with the origin of the word Welcome? Me neither.
Welcome derives from the Old English wilcuma, a noun meaning “a desired guest.”
I also know that the word in Spanish is “bienvenidos,” a word that always rolls off the tongue in a beautiful way. It seems joyous, happy, and ceremonial in many ways. Setting formality aside, it’s used in those moments where we’re enriched by time with others. How fitting for 2021, after spending 2020 so isolated. Yes, this is most certainly my word.
WELCOME (noun): an instance or manner of greeting someone
“If the sign on your heart says Welcome, the love will come pouring in from everywhere” – Susan Jeffers
I was asked in an interview in 2020 what motivates me. My answer? People.
I’m not motivated by tools or technology or money or a sexy app. I’m motivated by the IMPACT I can have on people and that’s not exclusive to my professional life.
In order to begin a relationship of any type, you must be able to help people feel safe and comfortable through the process, which is where my warm welcome comes into play. As a transplanted Southerner, being hospitable is often second-nature, and I also believe anything we focus on we make stronger. In the year ahead, I plan to spend some time honing my ability to warmly welcome people into my circle and make connection. I truly believe only good can come from this.
WELCOME (verb): be glad to entertain (someone) or receive (something)
“The soul should always stand ajar. Ready to welcome the ecstatic experience” – Emily Dickinson
In many ways, my brain likes to think it knows what’s best. After 44 years on this planet, I definitely have a few things figured out. If I take a closer look though, I absolutely know that there is so much outside my sphere of knowledge and influence.
So, for the year 2021, what if I truly believed the best would be coming for me? What if I wholeheartedly assumed the universe was conspiring to bring me much needed gifts… and that I welcomed them?
That’s the plan…
I also want to hone in on the “someone” listed in this definition. I have a sense that new people will be showing up in 2021, and it’s been suggested that I need to trust my intuition so that I recognize them when they show up. So, here we go…
WELCOME (verb): react with pleasure or approval to (an event or development)
“Sometimes, challenge and struggle are exactly what we need in our lives. May you welcome every effort, every struggle, every challenge. May you open your wings and fly.” – Miranda Kerr
Having started a brand-new job in a brand-new industry and doing things I’ve never done before, I’ve asked myself to be very open to feedback in the year ahead. While professional feedback can be difficult to receive, it’s important for growth and I want to grow to be amazing at what I do. The only way to reach the end-game is to be OPEN to feedback and to RECEIVE it regularly.
I also have some personal projects underway that I absolutely cannot do alone. I’m in the early stages of writing a book, and I want to buy a new home in 2021. While I’m certain I could achieve both of these goals solo, I also know that expert (and available!) support is nearby. My plan is to welcome feedback every step of the way.
WELCOME (adjective): very pleasing because much needed or desired
“We must welcome the night. It’s the only time when the stars shine.” – Michael Quoist
In late 2020, I started making wreaths. I made one for the fall, another one for Christmas, a winter one, and another for Valentine’s Day. I’m on a roll with this… and considering the word choice for the year, the symbolism is not lost on me.
I’ve lived on my own for more than 25 years now, and never have I had a wreath on my door. I do not believe it’s a coincidence that I have started decorating my doorstep for the first time, creating a welcoming greeting for all of the passerbys. I even ordered a new mat recently. It’s like I knew I would be writing about this days later…
There’s a part of me that believes that 2021 will be a year that I move physically to a new home as well and perhaps this nesting process is just preparing me to decorate a new door in the days ahead (with one of the five wreaths I now own). I like to think I’m preparing to welcome this newness in the days ahead.
{You’re} WELCOME (adjective): used as a polite response to thanks
“The more we feel concern for others and seek their well-being, the more friends we will have and the more welcome we will feel.” – Dalai Lama
This might be the most difficult to describe of the definitions, but one of the ones that makes me swoon most. I want to live this year in a way that is full of grace and generosity. I cannot tell you how much it touched me to have a chance to lead my community in delivering 44 random acts of kindness for my 44th birthday.
Executing random acts of kindness (to be clear) has nothing to do with being thanked, instead it has everything to do with that knowing that you made someone feel joyful for something unexpected. My favorites amongst the RAK that we executed were those that were anonymous. There’s something mystical and magical about thinking that something/someone has just granted one of your wishes. To have a chance to be a fairy godmother in that moment is just incredible!
In a nutshell, I want to show up in a way this year where people are grateful for my presence and my contributions. No thank you necessary.
WELCOME (interjection): used to greet someone in a glad or friendly way
“Welcome out of the cave, my friend. It’s a bit colder out here, but the stars are just beautiful.” – Plato
Let’s fast forward 6-8 months into the future. I fully expect the world to be opening back up before then, but mid to late year will be when I envision myself emerging vaccinate and ready to do “normal” things again. We’ve all heard stories of the roaring 20s predicted to follow this pandemic.
I literally cannot wait to greet friends and family members as I see them again. In my head, I have dreamed up that we will travel to beautiful places and perhaps it is here where I can shout welcome!!!
Note: If you sang “Interjections show excitement or emotion.” when you saw this section, you’re not alone as a fan of Schoolhouse Rock.
Check out my word(s) of the year for previous years via the links below.