My word for 2021 is shift. Like everyone I know, I’ve learned a lot, since this time last year. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that change and uncertainty just are. Since I’m not in control of much more than which yoga pants, Zoom-appropriate top, and slippers I’ll wear each day, I needed to figure out how I could deal with all the change and uncertainty. That’s where shifting comes in.

For me, shifts involve acceptance and adjustment. I know I don’t have much control, but I have unlimited choices. I can shift. 

Some of my recent shifts have been pretty significant. Some have been tiny. Some haven’t happened, yet. And I’m sure I’ll make a lot of shifts I can’t even imagine.

Hydrangeas are among my favorite plants, even when they look like this. I walk by this particular plant every time I use my front door. So, I see it often. Yesterday though, I SAW it and that shifted me.

I was shifted first because this plant reminded me of me. Not too many months ago, even in the midst of a pandemic, it was in full bloom and encouraging. Right now, it looks more than a little bedraggled and SO OVER its external environment. Those leggy twigs look a lot like my hair these days. And then – when I really saw it, I saw sure signs of growth happening. And like me, I’m not sure how all those signs of growth will mature, but I’m sure looking forward to it.

The other way it helped me shift is the sad truth of how easy it is for me not to see the many good things that are right in front of me. So, I’m going to do better. I’m going to shift my focus.

What kind of shifts have you experienced lately?