Word of the Year 2023: SPACE

For the past few years , I have participated in the 'choosing of a word' hype to carry with me for 365 days. The past two years my word was the same - intentional. I felt with the word posted literally everywhere I was constantly reminded of the need to be intentional with my time, energy, and projects. So nice I did it twice. This year's word actually found me. Never did I think a five letter word could have so much meaning. I look forward to creating and leaning into SPACE in 2023.

I have to admit when this word popped up for me I was like "Huh?! Space? Really Lord?" I remember looking around my apartment like, ok Jesus lemme watch you work! And over the next couple days, I realized I was in for a rude awakening. In my devotional time God was real quick to clarify. I needed to make space. I looked past my desk to the chaos that is perfectly shelved where my clients and Zoom calls can't see. I have things I never use or reference anymore hiding things just like it or things I'd use if I could see them. In my time of reflection, I understand that my first thought about God increasing my space and me buying a house ain't too far off. And though I'll have more space, I won't be able to take a number of things currently in my tiny apartment (and new storage space) with me - which sounds crazy!

And them me and God really started to tussle, cause He said a word I have a love/hate relationship with - more. And I knew He meant not just stuff had to go to have space but people, projects, jobs, people, hurts, insecurities, fears and did I say people? That's the thing that got me. That I am at the point where I can actually slow down, look around and see - I got stuff everywhere, out of place and with no business there. When it hit me, I said this may be another two year word, I can feel it.

Then here come the Holy Spirit pulling a Kanye, talking bout - Imma let you finish but you know 'space' has a couple meanings. So I went to look it up. And sho nuff, five definitions down there was this second definition that leaped off the screen at me. This idea of coming into my own and actually taking up space brought up so many feelings. I'd spent my high school years folding my frame and other aspects of my being to not take up too much space, over the years, a few could not be contained and burst out. And now we're toying around with the idea of actively taking up space? Really?! Ok... I guess... These past few weeks, I've become more confident in space. More accepting of the fact that it's time for both to happen.

I look forward to sharing the process of this year. The good, the bad, the stretching, the healing. Do you have a word or phrase for 2023? Share it below if you'd like!

Take care, and be safe!

#wordoftheyear #growthmindset #space #evolve #takeupspace #faith