M. Suzanne Terry

I knew what next year’s theme word would be about four months ago. I was just catching my breath from jumping into the new job (still catching my breath on some days), and I was grateful for the lessons that pondering the concept of home had taught me up to that point. 

The more I thought about home and what it means to make space to be at home in my life and all the things that go with that, though, the more I recognized an underlying quality I need in order to feel not just at home but at rest.

I need quiet.

This is not to say that I only need quiet. I still need community and conversation and music. The sound of wind chimes. The happy chaos of change and growth. However, a better, more consistent balance is in order.

At the beginning of each day, I start with the energy and focus I need to see it through. And if everything stays in balance, it will take me through the whole day, including my decadent hour(s) of reading each night. But if I try to do too much or there is too much going on around me, I run out quickly and early. And when it’s done, it’s done. There’s no more until the next day. 

This is particularly important to keep in mind as I face surgery (surgeries?) in the next few months. I don’t know all the specifics of what my current health challenges will require of me, but I do know I will need considerable space for them. It would be unreasonable to try to go into this particular season with the same timetable and to-do list as usual as if no adjustments were needed. 

Quiet is showing up right on time. 

In the past couple of years, I’ve outlined my theme word with definitions and what I think it might mean or where it might take me. But I think I’m just going to acknowledge this one and let it sit here. I look forward to exploring it.

Do you choose a theme/word for your year? I’d love to hear what it is!