My word of 2019: Grace

It’s the beginning of a yoga class. You’re just starting to get into your flow and the teacher pauses and lets you know it’s time to set an intention for class if you wish.

What do you usually set for yourself?

For the past few years, I’ve chosen a word that holds meaning for me and have kept that as my intention for every class I take during that year. It’s a way for me to reflect on what it means and continue to come back to it during my weekly yoga practice. For the past two years I’ve chosen “balance” and “serenity.” This year, I find myself gravitating towards the word “grace.”

grace

noun

\ˈgrās

Definitions of this word that I like: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, a charming or attractive trait, the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.

I’ve been thinking more about grace in every aspect of my life…

Grace in how I carry myself in difficult conversations and situations.

Grace, but really patience, in accepting that change is a constant. That there are so many things we just can’t control. But we do have control in the grace we bring to our reactions and our decisions of “what happens now.”

Grace in taking a deep breath and slowing down. Grace in the way I choose to believe that most people operate with positive intent (even if their actions seem otherwise).

Grace in letting life unfold in exactly the way it’s supposed to — in the messy, painful, exhilarating, lovely way it will.

p.s. the day after writing this, I came across this article by Melinda Gates where she says she also chooses a word of the year and last year she chose Grace. Gave me the chills. If I’m charging ahead on a similar wavelength to Melinda Gates, then I must be doing something right. 😉

Happy 2019! Here are a few 2018 highlights that sum up this feeling of grace for me.

Mexico happy hours