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.
My friend Margo introduced me to a new word this week – ‘awfulizing’. Among other things, it refers when people turn a less-that-ideal situation into an AWFUL situation, with their words. Words can hurt. They can also help shifts happen.
“These shoes are killing me.” This is not a true statement. The shoes might be uncomfortable, or hurt your feet, but they are not killing you.
“I can’t change.” Yes, you can. It’s not easy, but yes, you can. You just can’t change other people.
“I have Multiple Sclerosis (insert your disease/ disorder/ challenge here).” My body has MS in it. And the MS in my body is only one piece of who I am.
How we choose our words can shift how we live our lives. How has word-shifting helped you?
Lisa’s Cheap Therapy blog 
I used to say (think) to myself “I have failed” – because I had not met the one person who would be my best partner for life. Everything else paled beside this one gaping hole in the heart. I circled around that drain every single day. For years. One day, in my early fifties, as I “talked with” my Dad at his grave site, I said instead “I have a GOOD ENOUGH life-kids I love, work I enjoy, a nice home, great friends.” That moment transformed everything.
What a powerful shift, Penny! ‘Enough’ indeed. Thanks!