Moments

Moments.  If you have been around here for a while, you know that I don’t subscribe to New Year’s resolutions. In the northern hemisphere (distinguished for a specific reason I will share shortly), January comes at the coldest, darkest part of the year, with the shortest days and some of the worst weather.  It is winter:  a time to hibernate and nest.  WHY would we think we have the motivation or energy to start something new when the universe is conspiring against us?

I do embrace a Word of the Year to set my intentions for the next 12 months.  The process is not linear to find my word.  It is more akin to test driving a vehicle and seeing what fits, settles and feels right. After trying out a few words that were interesting and somewhat inspiring, I think I have landed on one with staying power to impact the entire year. 

Moments speaks to how I want to live this year – in the moment (as in being present), recognizing the fleeting nature of moments and interactions, cherishing the small, the meaningful and the impactful. Moments also offers perspective: the perspective that pain and challenge, sadness or loneliness rarely is permanent; it has a beginning, a trailing off and hopefully an end.  

My intention for the year is to find moments that take my breath away and moments that give me hope; moments of laughing until my face hurts (or I cry or pee a little) and moments where I know that the pain is because I feel things deeply.  To live my word, I intend to slow down, to pause, to stop in my tracks.  More conversations, more connections; noticing, if not creating, moments that create memories.

I sit at this moment in New Zealand, in the southern hemisphere, in the middle of summer. It is warm and sunny and could inspire resolutions timed to the New Year, but alas, I am living in the moment.  It has been a slow and nourishing trip driven by my needs.  Naps and amazing food, warm and lovely people.  Meandering the countryside and stopping at fruit stands, cheese shops and butchers.  Awe inspiring vistas and beautiful blue water.  Conversations that pass in a moment, but are indelibly etched in the memories that last forever.

This moment will come to an end this week, but I hope the moments experienced in the first 15 days of 2026 create a strong foundation to build upon.

Cheers to your moments this year – whatever they look like! 

 Have you considered a word for your year?  If I can help you find your word or offer perspective, I’m happy to chat for a moment and see where the conversation takes us.