Back in January, I contemplated a Word of the Year choice (link to post here). Over the years, I’ve used a WOTY a few times to really help me shift mindset. The years I choose Joy, Soar, Release were all extremely helpful.
- JOY in 2016 (link here) really helped me focus on finding joy in each day. I learned to see, savor, and appreciate the little things. It was my first step of moving myself away from being cynical and pessimistic. I still use the “Find Joy in Each Day” coffee mug I bought that year!
- SOAR in 2018 (link here and here) helped me to Savor, be Optimistic, Activate, and be Resilient in a very tough year. I loved the visuals and quotes I created and used all year to help me focus on the good things.
- RELEASE in 2020 (link here) helped me to (begin to) let go of self-limiting beliefs. The self-development work this WOTY inspired really shifted my mindset and helped me heal old emotional wounds, another big step away from that cynical pessimistic person I used to be.
This January, I debated between Accept, Balance, and Celebrate. But since the last few years I’ve been successfully focusing on my retirement lifestyle vision statement, I decided to keep with this:
Active Body, Connected Heart, Creative Spirit, Contemplative Mind.
But I’m beginning to think a WOTY choose me!
These days I am consciously working to accept each day as it happens. I’m planning less. Yes, I am still planning, but fewer things and not broad-scale invites. I’m allowing myself to be OK with days that do not have scheduled activities, and to allow changes in plans to happen without stressing. This is still challenging for me, but my acceptance mantra is, “Take it one day at a time; it’s all good”.
I’m accepting how my friendships are in reality, recognizing that I had some fantasy expectations. I’m not over-reacting when I hear of events/activities I was not invited to. I realize that I am on the periphery of a number of longer-standing circles. I’ve done a lot to settle in to our new neighborhood and do know many people, but it’s only been 3 years. With time, I might get further into those circles, or not, and I’ll be ok either way. I’m grateful for any invitations I do get to join in on activities/events!
I’m becoming more accepting of dabbling in the things I enjoy, doing it on my own, and not needing external validation about it. From enjoying my monthly Tarot readings, solo beach combing, playing with crafts, weekly cardio drumming, and even my summer research project – I don’t need anyone’s approval for dabbling (versus mastery) nor anyone to do it with me.
Am I finally accepting my own retirement lifestyle vision? I feel a little like the proverb, “Physician heal thyself.” I wrote a book on the topic, blog about it, but struggled to fully accept living my own retirement lifestyle vision!
Accepting it is what it is. Yes, A WOTY choose me: ACCEPTANCE
Do you use a WOTY? How is it going at this half year point?
Picture Credit; me – a stormy sunset this week.
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Hi, Pat – I love when a WOTY appears on its own, and takes control. l believe that it is very powerful that way. This year and last, I have used a ‘pocket WOTY,’ one that I do not share with others until the year is up. This has worked very well for me and helps me focus on the internal without need for explanation.
Acceptance is a wonderful word. And a wonderful attribute. ❤
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This is the first time a WOTY has materialized for me. I couldn’t recall your term “pocket WOTY”…although mine’s a bit different, as I’ve obviously shared it! But I do recall I was intrigued with your approach.
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I don’t choose a word every year. Before I retired I chose: SIMPLIFY
Simplify my days: do what I want, when I want, if I want.
Simplify my calendar: as in mostly empty. When something comes up, I can say YES!
Simplify life: Stress load dropped 95%. Sleep improved to 7-9h most nights.
Simplify home: Strive for moderate minimalism, have what we use and quick to clean.
Simplify finances: All our investment accounts are in a single agency. 1 credit card, 1 checking account w/local bank.
SIMPLIFY 🙂
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Elle – I love how you’ve gotten into how practical that word is! When I have chosen a WOTY, it was helpful for me to really bring it into my life, like you’ve done with simplify. I think I need to do more with Accept….I know I’ve been working on accepting what is, accepting myself. I wonder if there’s other ways to think about acceptance… like you’ve done with simplify. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Hi Pat, I reflected on my WOTY a few weeks back and it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped but I’ve got another 6 months to focus on it! Funny how a word can pick you when you’re not looking for it 😄 Now that it’s revealed itself, hopefully it will bring you more peace.
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Sharon, Acceptance is definitely a work-in-progress for me. Accepting what is, accepting myself. Yes, the word choose me this year, that is for sure!
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Hi Pat – how serendipitous to have a WOTY settle on you so nicely. I just started writing my half-way post for my WOTY that I’ll publish in a few weeks (hard to believe we’re halfway thru the year already!) As I’m writing it I’m also discovering that I’m a WIP – getting there, but still with much to work on. Still, progress and positive acceptance is how we gain contentment in life isn’t it? Well done on “healing yourself” 🙂
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Leanne, Isn’t that the truth…being a WIP! Acceptance is definitely something I’m working on. Some days/weeks I think I’m doing great, and others not so much. I look forward to hearing how you’re doing with your (quite unique) WOTY.
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