2022 Word of the Year: Joy
My word 2022 word of the year came to me on my way to get drinks with a few old friends. Driving along one of the roads I spent hours on during my childhood, going to school and sports activities.
Maybe it was the nostalgia of the road, the uncertainty of such a challenging year, or a combination of both. Joy, the word is joy.
Well, to complement my final insight of 2021, “savoring the moment,” it aligns perfectly.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
According to bestselling author and speaker Jon Gordon, “one word creates clarity, power, passion, and life-change.” How so, you may ask? Well, we can write down several resolutions, habits, or activities we want to implement or quit in the New Year. But, when those resolutions fall to the wayside because of the challenges life brings us, we become discouraged.
Instead of changing every one of our habits, we can implement a simple philosophy in our own lives. Choosing one word gives us a direction to follow when the times do get tough and may not be the most enjoyable.
Why Joy?
The last few years have been incredibly challenging for everyone, including myself. During the back half of 2021, I had the privilege of moving to LA with my wonderful girlfriend from Eugene, OR. I have lived in the PNW my entire life, and LA is the complete opposite of all my life experiences.
I became bitter towards the end of the year, always longing to be back in Eugene or anywhere besides the big city. But, I began to lose the love and joy I usually have for life.
I thought back to my students at the Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley in Eugene and asked myself why this experience was so rewarding?
Even though it may have been one of the most challenging years to be a little human, their joy kept me going. So, I thought, why not keep it going during my tough times of adjusting to a new place?
Reframing An Opportunity
Moving to LA is now allowing me to continue to spread love, joy, and hope even when I’m far out of my comfort zone.
To have fun, not be so serious, and remind myself to enjoy the journey.
