I’d originally planned on sweeping away the glittery residue from 2020’s debut without sharing a personal New Year’s post, but the other night as I pondered my own monthly intentions and desires for growth, my word for the year came to me.

Allow.

It’s not glitzy and head-turning, but when you break it down, “allow” is a truly important and meaningful word—particularly for a control-freak and world-class worrier like myself.

Why Did I Choose Allow?

I already said it—I like to be in control. I prefer to be the author of my own story—even if it means nipping a response, a detour, or a potential serendipity in the bud.

I function best with a routine, and I become anxious when things happen outside of my reasonable (and let’s face it, unreasonable) expectations.

But, of course, life is full of things we cannot control. And if we become so rigid and closed off to surprise, we miss out on unexpected joy and kismet that can only be revealed to us through letting go.

Through allowing the struggle, the scary feelings, the embarrassing remarks, the unexpected friendships, and the diverging paths—we truly become alive.

I don’t want to miss out on opportunities because I was afraid or caught up in my own rules and habits.

I want to be open to spontaneity and see where I end up.

How will this work?

When sadness and fear bubble beneath the surface, instead of pushing them down and distracting myself with some numbing behavior, I’ll allow them to rise and feel them in their entirety.

If my perfectly-planned Saturday is knocked off course by a temper tantrum or spur of the moment decision, I won’t become critical and controlling. I’ll allow the moment to grow into something memorable and pleasurable.

When something poignant shakes me at my core and leads me to question my deeply-held beliefs, I’ll allow the reverberations to travel through my consciousness. leading me toward the right conclusion.

In moments when I’m faced with disagreement to the point of ridicule and personal attack, instead of replying quickly and in kind, I’ll allow the misguided display, because I know my heart and my worth.

When human connection tugs at my soul begging for vulnerability, I won’t cut off attachment and retreat into the dark. I will allow myself to trust and embrace the courage among living, breathing, feeling beings who long to be heard, held close, and validated.

When risk presents itself, I’ll allow myself to jump without overthinking.

If somebody wiser and more secure watches me fall, I’ll allow the grasp of their extended hand so I can be pulled back to safe ground.

And, at the end of the day, if I don’t reach all my goals or rise to my own expectations, I’ll allow myself to cry, to rest, to fail, to chart a different course, or to gear up and try again.

Allow: My Word of the Year Share on X