Try This: Choose a Word for 2021
By Peggy Gomula and Sally Kidder Davis
2021 has come in like a lion! There is a lot going on that is vying for our attention and staying focused can be a challenge, especially with ADHD.
We’d like to offer a respite from the chaos around you. This activity may be an opportunity for your family to focus on what's really important - your relationships and your connection to one another.
At the beginning of a new year, many people choose a new year’s resolution. We’ve both done that, but with limited success. As coaches, we often encourage our clients to choose a meaningful word instead of a New Year’s resolution. Interest in a resolution can wane after a month or so. If chosen carefully, a word can motivate, inspire, make you a touch uncomfortable, but ultimately could help you feel more at peace and connected as a family.
Have the whole family participate in choosing a meaningful word.
What would it look like to have your whole family participate in choosing a meaningful word that could be a guiding compass for this year?
Here’s a way to get started.
At a Family Meeting ask everyone to brainstorm the following questions:
What could we use more of in our family?
What could we use less of in our family?
What characteristics would we like our family to have?
What do you see as the most important value our family could have?
Right now I feel . . .
By the end of the year, I want to feel . . .
Now, based on your answers, have each person in your family contribute one word to a list. Then, choose a word or words to be your guiding light for 2021.
2020 was a hard year for families, especially families with ADHD. Finding a meaningful word helps your family focus on what’s really important in these turbulent times.