Thursday 30 December 2021

#Word365 For 2022

This year my word has been Adventure. Who knew just what an adventure retirement would turn out to be? Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, I have visited new places, made new friends, learned new skills, tasted new foods and done all sorts of things I never expected.

I've grown - and eaten- my own salads. I've lost weight, I'm on my way to walking 1000miles in my 67th year
We live in our own property at last - and have bus passes and pensions... And three beautiful grandchildren. So what word am I taking for 2022? Well, I'm choosing two - a simple phrase 




There are different ways to interpret this. It can be in relation to habits and activities - I want to look again at the way I do things. Bob and I have realised that our pattern of life changed when we moved to Ferndown, and I was at home, not dashing round supply teaching, and I had time to bake more. We both put on weight. Bob no longer has regular "work related" demands on his time, so we are freer to do more things together. We need to look again at our lifestyle, sensibly planning meals and times for exercise. 

I need to look again at favourite hobbies [craft, reading, baking] How do these fit in now? And what about new hobbies? [gardening, walking] 

I need to look again at my role in the life of my church and my community. How and where can I most usefully contribute?

And my role in the family - particularly helping my children and grandchildren, and supporting my aunt and her grandson following the sudden, unexpected loss of Gillian last month. 

I need to look again at spending patterns. 8 years ago we had a large monthly mortgage payment, and I had well paid regular work supply teaching. That income disappeared in Dorset but the bills were the same. Now Cornerstones is paid for, as is the car - and we are pensioners. We must budget wisely, and use our resources responsibly. 

Those are all Big Things with long term consequences . But I need to learn to look again at the little daily things. To look again at my surroundings when we go on our walks, properly appreciating the beauty of nature, the changing seasons, the patterns of sunlight... To look again at situations, beyond a superficial response, asking myself  "What is this person really saying? How can I best serve them today, and show real love and care?"... What would Jesus do?

To look again at the emails and flyers from the charities and campaigns, which daily fill my in box and fall through the letterbox. Before deleting the message or recycling the leaflet, perhaps I should spend a minute or two reading them, in case they genuinely do need something from me. 

"At first glance I decided I should..." and "My first impression was..." are valid thoughts - but in 2022 I want to learn to slow down, take my time and



22 comments:

  1. Nice one! You've certainly adventured in 2021 so I look forward to looking again with you in 2022.

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    1. And I look forward to reading your blog through another year too

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  2. Yes, today and tomorrow are times to take a complete 360 degree look around us, close up and into the distance, figuratively and literally. Thank you

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    1. What a great way of describing it - thanks K.

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  3. Look Again is a great choice for 2022. You've helped me decide on my word for 2022 ... I'm unashamedly copying your 2021 choice and choosing 'Adventure'. Many thanks x

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    1. Well done - May your adventures in Wiltshire (and beyond) through next year be as exciting as mine have been in this one

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  4. Look Again, brilliant words to live by. They can be used to cover so many things and looking again and thinking again about so many aspects of our lives will mean a slight pause and time to think things through and then perhaps come out with better solutions ... or know that you are right in what you do.

    Two wonderful words to take into the New Year.

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    1. I chose "Look again" because of all the possibilities these words hold

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  5. This is a wonderful post Angela
    I often read your blog but seldom comment
    Thank you for these words of wisdom
    Siobhan

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    1. Thank you Siobhan, for your kind comment! Happy new year

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  6. Look again sounds like a wonderful phrase to take through 2022.

    Glad you got to experience a fun amount of adventures this year.

    Blessings~

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    1. Thank you - God bless you and yours in twenty-twenty-two too!

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  7. A. good choice - we all need to take stock regularly of the way our lives are going and you are so right, there are the lovely things (and people) around, that need a second good look as well.

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  8. You're phrase of the year is very well chosen! So many things and events deserve a second look, don't they? I haven't chosen a word for the new year, yet.

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    1. I'm sure one will occur to you soon, Bless

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  9. I love 'Look again' and all the ways you have interpreted it!

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  10. A great post, Angela, and I look forward to seeing how you 'look again' in your daily life in 2022. We have had to look again at our finances too and face new challenges this year x

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    1. Thanks PP. Happy New Year to you and yours 🙏☺️♥️

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  11. Love your reflection and your phrase of the year. I haven't had a word for the year in ages but this year felt called and it is 'Faith' most especially living out the liturgical year at home. Many blessings to you this New Year xx

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    1. Faith is a great #word365. My grandmother used to say FAITH means Forsaking All I Trust Him

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