Happy New Year folks. it’s yet another year. I don’t know if it’s just me but the years feel shorter. It seems like only six months ago when we were saying merry Christmas to each another. Time is not a renewable resource so we best make the most out of it.
I hope you all enjoyed your break and are geared up for 2023. I had a good vacation away from a large water body as has been the norm. This time I went near a large mountain. My family and I spent a few days in my favorite small town, Nanyuki. It was quite different from what we are used to. Temperatures are much lower there than at the coast especially usiku. We had a lot of green grass to play on in place of the beach. I thought my people would complain but to my surprise, everyone asked if we could go back there next year. I guess it’s not just me seeking changes in my household. There is a family transition going on, at least as far as vacationing is concerned. We’ll see what happens end of this year.
It’s good to be back here. And being the first story of the year I thought it good to consider our word for the year. Since my dad passed away in 2021 my word of the year kind of lost meaning. Life can swing you a pothole mpaka you spin and lose direction. But we can’t stay down forever and that’s why I’m back to crafting a word for this year.
My 2022 word(s) was Keep Moving. I feel this served me well because we covered some good ground in coaching, photography and public service. This year no word floated to the surface during my break. That is when I usually get my word of the year. I wanted it to be a word that will build on last year’s word because I don’t want to lose momentum.
The word that’s come to mind is decisive. Google defines it as, “settling an issue or producing a definite result”. It is also “having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively”. This word feels like a sharpener to my actions. The ground covered last year has been good but I feel a little bit more clarity and direction are required to realize my dreams. For instance, we did a few half-time roundtables but I feel we need more structure to attract more folks to this life-changing program. I, therefore, need to be more decisive this year to make better progress. This year I want to sharpen previous achievements by removing the devil from the details hehe
Mt Kenya was shy up to the last day of the year. Somehow that helped me land on this word. The clarity from the clear view just showed how grand and majestic this creation of nature is. It always feels like the first time when I see Mt Kenya. To me, the view was better than the new year’s fireworks that followed that night. Part of being decisive folks is being clear in what we are doing, both for ourselves and with others. That reduces room for confusion and we manage expectations better.
For me, this word is worth living by this year because I feel it will help me achieve more in less time. Folks, our dreams are our real job. For us to live the lives we dream about we need to produce definite results by moving quickly and effectively. I need to sharpen some loose ends and up my game. Being decisive can be just taking small steps repeatedly. For instance, I have not posted photos as regularly as I planned to on my Instagram page yet I hope to increase my following. This year I will need to improve on that. The less decisive we are the more we sabotage ourselves.
What do you need to be decisive on this year folks? I hear that new year’s resolutions have a very short shelf life. Most of them will have died by this date next month. I find that having a word for the year tends to live longer but I have to keep it alive with my actions. The aim is to keep trying to live by your word and when we fall short, we get up and try again. Sooner rather than later the momentum of our actions and ensuing results will carry us through. It will be like a tide that’s carrying you to your desired destination. Shortly we will realise we are saying merry Christmas again and when we look back we will be pleasantly surprised at how much ground we have covered over the last twelve months.
Folks may you get to the top of your mountain this year. But remember to carry the advice of Andy Rooney with you. He said, “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occur while you’re climbing it”. so be decisive on having fun too this year hear
May 2023 be your best year yet.
My word, this year as last year: discipline
Happy new year Lucas,
Our dreams are our real job….small steps repeatedly….my take away.
Thanks as always…keep doing what you do.
My dreams are my real job. Oh my goodness this is poignant !! This has given me my phrase for 2023. It puts all into perspective so that work won’t feel like a chore but a pursuit of the desires of my heart. Merci.
A great new year to you Lucas and yours. May the journeys and the climbs be fulfilling and impactful.
Such a powerful reminder – “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occur while you’re climbing it”.