Word of the Year 2023

Páraig likes reading other writers. He also likes thinking about things and reminiscing, but he isn’t keen on perfection.

Writing is a powerful thing. This year I published my book and tied it in with processing grief following mam’s death. I am truly grateful that I was able to unravel much of my internal hodge-podge through writing. Yet, the other side of that same writing-coin is reading blogs of other good people. A few days ago I read Rosie’s post about her ‘Word of the Year’ and suddenly I realised the power of influence. This was reinforced for me when I read about the Purpose of her blog.

The purpose of (the) blog is to welcome people into my imperfect life and inspire them to embrace their own imperfection.

Rosie

Perfectly Imperfect

Immediately I am reminded of my phase ‘perfectly imperfect’, included several times in my book. In the run up to publication I discussed the option of changing it to ‘imperfectly perfect’. In any case, let’s agree on this: we are imperfect beings, but if our focus is on unattainable perfection, we do ourselves such a damaging injustice.

Purpose

That’s a very round-the-houses introduction to why this Word of the Year 2023 hit me like a thunderbolt, specifically as an alternative to New Year Resolutions. So, let me put it out there. My word is PURPOSE.

Is the idea that we are born for a reason just pure bullsh*t? Was I born simply because of a sexual act, destined to die after an alloted span? Is there a reason for my life beyond the physical world?

Annus Mirabilis

My brief summary of 2023 is answer enough for me that my life has a purpose.

Mam passed away in January. In the preceeding two years, along with my brothers and sisters, I returned the love and care given to me as a child. I was born to do that.

In July our only child married the love of her life. The circle continues. I was born to be the best imperfect father I could be.

In November I published my memoirs. Alongside the elation of seeing it through from concept to copy, I derived immense satisfaction from the strong theme of the book… Find your voice. Tell your stories. Do the best you can and do not judge your efforts harshly. You are a perfectly imperfect being and your stories are within every cell of your being.

Final Thought

Rather than make January resolutions for 2024, I will resolve to keep the vision of my Purpose clearly in my sights. It has clarified clearly for me this year and I’ll move through the year(s) ahead in sync with my inner compass.

Over To You

  • What will the year ahead bring for you? Is it written in the stars?
  • Do you make resolutions? How has that been for you?
  • You are perfectly imperfect. Does that sit sell with you?
  • Not alone is there a ‘Word of the Year’ within every cell of your body, there’s a book in you. Your stories are unique. Put pen to paper. The process is more powerful than medication or counselling. Would you see the merit in making a start?
  • Is this just bullsh*t? Do you squirm when reading about such stuff? Have you even got as far as reading this last bit?
  • Did you have a word of the year? Drop it in the comments and let me know how you did!

About the Author

Páraig likes reading other writers. He also likes thinking about things and reminiscing, but he isn’t keen on perfection or bullsh*t.

The Three Hairs – Minding My Mind

Páraig is the author of…

Published memoirs: The Write Time

This ‘The Three Hairs Space‘ : The Three Hairs

Páraig’s Gardening Space: The Three Hairs Garden

Social Media is here:

Author: Páraig

Minding my mind, one thought at a time.

23 thoughts on “Word of the Year 2023”

  3. I’m a bit squirmy as well. I don’t do resolutions or words for the year. I retired at the end of October, so the upcoming year is about getting re-focussed. I worked very long hours in a rather demanding job and I worry a bit that I might get bored – we’ll see! I just view myself as imperfect – that’s how we are. 😁

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  4. My word is ‘action’ because after 18 months of reduced mobility I have finally healed enough to be busy again, not just physically but being more involved in local community things, reviving some old projects and pushing forward with new ones and sharpening my eco-warrior sword once more. Here’s to a very active 2024! 😊

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      1. You bet! I can’t manage more than a 10k round trip at the moment but I’ll get there, I’m cycling to the farm shop every week but taking the longer (flatter) route home as my panniers are full! My goal is to be able to cycle the 8k to the charity shop, the problem being a very long steep climb between there and home. 😬

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      3. Doesn’t it just? 😉 This one is quite interesting geologically, though: we live in the crater of an enormous ancient volcano and the hill is the climb up the side of the rim to the top. Should be a doddle after the Asturian mountains but I’m seriously out of practice.

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  5. I read through to the end. Your message resonates with me. I like the word Becoming. Since I am “imperfectly perfect”, I strive to voluntarily take responsibility for my own life. It is my pledge to myself and to others.

    Many years ago, I listened to a motivational lecture that made three points. First, do your best, second, never give up and third, be kind. Whenever, life is not going right, I refer to those three points.

    Thank you for making us a little bit squirmy.

    Happy New Year and Lets Continue the Quest.

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  7. Ah, so much to comment on! I just watched The Bear on Disney +, and I think one of the most notable points of the series was the importance of having a purpose. I love how Rosie’s blog inspired you! Actually, I love how we all become connected despite living quite different lives in different locations. Word of the year? I hadn’t thought of making one, but I will now. Your book sounds like a wonderful read. I agree with you that we all have a story to tell AND that we are all perfectly imperfect! I sometimes laugh at how long it has taken for me to learn that ‘being perfect’ is not an option. Wishing you and your family all the best in 2024 – as a year with Purpose! (I’m leaning towards ‘Purpose’ as my ‘Word’, too…)

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  8. Pingback: 2023 Reflections + My Word for 2024 | Mom in the Garden

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