I have no shame in telling everyone that I was asleep before the ball dropped to ring in the new year. It’s 6:42 AM now, and I am writing this blog only because everyone else in my house is asleep and the fitness center doesn’t open until later.
As the end of December approaches, I start thinking about my One Word for the new year.
In 2014, I read Gordon, Britton, and Page’s book, One Word that Will Change Your Life. The book describes the failed attempts at keeping a new year’s resolution, and the power of defining your goal in one word. Through a process of self-reflection, I study my heart and outlook for the following year.
In the past, I haven’t deviated much from what I believe is my forever One Word, Inspire. There’s something motivating to want to approach every conversation, engagement, relationship, interaction, and moment with a sense of how it can be an opportunity for inspiration. An opportunity to inspire hope, encouragement, love, and faith.
For 2021, I choose TOGETHER as my One Word.
It makes sense, as it fits within my life quote:
The visual connotation of TOGETHER has a sense of belonging and connectedness; that we aren’t alone. Yet, it’s more than just putting people in the same room, being TOGETHER invokes a sense of hope and a spirit of vitality.
Being TOGETHER takes you more from existence to harnessing the power of the collective energy everyone brings inside them.
Being TOGETHER invokes a sense of wonder, thoughtfulness, and a realization that positive change can take place.
To affirm my One Word of TOGETHER for 2021, I plan to surround myself with quotes that emulate this sentiment:
- “Let us work TOGETHER for unity and love.” Mahatma Gandhi
- “Coming TOGETHER is a beginning; keeping TOGETHER is progress; working TOGETHER is success.” Henry Ford
- “Sometimes, love brings you TOGETHER even as life keeps you apart.” Mitch Albom
- “If everyone is moving forward TOGETHER, then success takes care of itself.” Henry Ford
- “Alone we can do so little; TOGETHER we can do so much.” Helen Keller
- “Alone we are smart. TOGETHER we are brilliant.” Steven Anderson
- “As individuals we are strong. TOGETHER, with God, we are unstoppable.” Rosemary Wixom
- “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Desmond Tutu
One of my favorite movies is Facing the Giants, a movie of a high school football coach finding faith in God to rebuild his life, marriage, and the football team. A pivotal theme in the movie is the realization the coach has in knowing his purpose in helping the student athletes to “Come TOGETHER” – a song by Third Day.
Is there a “TOGETHER” quote I missed and need to add above?
Have you discovered your One Word for 2021?
If so, feel free to leave it as a Comment to share in the inspiration!
Neil Gupta, Ed.D. 
If you don’t mind, and I know you don’t, my word for the year will also be together.
Quote from Helen Keller, who had amazing vision even in blindness:
“Alone we can do so little; togther we can do so much.”
Happy New Year!!
I’d be honored to share the same One Word with you, Pat!
For similar reasons I chose the word Listen as my one word. I believe very strongly that we are meant to live “together”, to be in communion with one another. I think the road to togetherness is, seeking to understand more than to be understood”, and in order to do that we need to use our two ears more than our one mouth and listen. I’m focusing on gaining my own listening skills, which I hope will help me contribute to togetherness and ultimately to love more perfectly.
Blessing to you and thank you for your insight. I enjoy following you.
Be well, stay safe
Leila – thank you so much for your beautiful response! I love your One Word of Listen – it’s definitely a powerful attribute in order for everyone to thrive together.