“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh
One of the most profound things I learned from the last three years of experiencing the pandemic plus my husband’s terminal cancer diagnosis was to be present in the moment. It was quite a beautiful experience, actually.
We were home for most of that time, hunkered down to avoid exposure to anything, and knowing that our time together was limited, we simply focused on each day. Each day was precious. Over time, that became our practice. We didn’t dwell on the future, although it was there, ever-present. We often said, “not today,” to that looming darkness. And memories of the past brought happiness and humor to the dailiness of our lives. Being able to live in the moment, with all that love and joy at simply being alive, was a precious gift that gives me strength now.
So, when I started to think about choosing a Word for 2023, “MINDFULNESS” seemed right. I very much want to continue being deeply in touch with the present moment. I want to continue to live my life with that level of awareness and appreciation for all the little things, because that’s what really matters. My other recent Words of the Year — hope, gratitude, cherish, and courage are all part of being mindful of how to live deeply each day filled with love and wonder and appreciation.
A Fondness For Reading 
I have been wondering about your choice for 2023. Mindfulness has so much to offer as we live our daily lives and think about the others who share our journey. I will try to be conscious of this right along with you. Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Marlo. It will be nice to have you sharing this journey this year.
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An excellent word for 2023. I especially like that quote by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Wishing you a joyful New Year, Robin.
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Thank you, Les. That quote really spoke to me. Wishing you and Rod and Andi a joyful 2023, too!
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The word mindfulness is worth a 1000 moments :). To live this life fully aware is such a gift. Happy New Year to you, Robin. I look forward to sharing this year with you.
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Thank you, Fran. Happy New Year to you and Tom! I’m so glad we are sharing this journey together.
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A great choice! I love seeing what others choose and why. I don’t typically choose a word for the year but I do have some affirmations that I’m going to be working with this year.
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Iliana, I think that daily affirmations are so powerful.
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Hi, Robin. Are you on FB? If so, I was hoping to send you a friend request. I also am curious about Word Press as an avenue for doing a blog. Is that something that you could assist me with?
I look forward to hearing from you. Fran
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I’ve been feeling so gloomy and reading this, your word for the year and the quotation has been inspiring – thank you Robyn.
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Jane, that quotation is my guide and goal for now. I relate to your gloomy feelings. I think early January can be so gloomy with the short, dark, cold days! That’s why my January reading is often about gardens or travel or are stories set in warmer climates!
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Last January I read The Lark by E Nesbit which I thoroughly recommend, maybe I should read it again!
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