Word of the year 2022: GROWTH

Is it just me? I get giddy whenever I see a new leaf growing from one of my houseplants.

The soft rubbery, light green-colored burgeoning sprouts give me an odd sense of joy and satisfaction.

I love my monstera plant that is growing so well. (canon t6i)

If my husband is around when I make the discovery, I squeal: “Look! A baby!”
*point point*

(My husband is more amused at my amusement than the plants.)

I’m not sure why I get so excited with new leaves— Is it the proof of life of something that seems so inanimate?
Is it because I feel like I contributed to creating this new life?
Is this a glimpse to feelings of motherhood?!

About five of my plants are giving birth to new leaves right now, and I check in on them almost every day. We don’t have a lot of room in our apartment, but I am so happy to see the GROWTH of my plants!

Speaking of which, I now pronounce my word of the year for 2022 to be GROWTH.

My pothos plant is giving birth to this new leaf. (canon t6i)

I am not into New Year’s resolutions per say, but I do like to pick a WORD for the year.
I started doing this a few years ago, after reading how VC/author Claire Diaz Ortiz does this every year.

So I come up with a word BEFORE setting new goals of the year. Throughout the year, I make sure my word ‘directs’ me in my thoughts and decision-making. Having a word for the year also helps me remember to FOCUS on what is important to me and my goals.

I am expecting a lot of PERSONAL and PROFESSIONAL growth in 2022. My personal growth entails character-building + self-discovery + introspection as I am on this journey of living in a new city, no longer as a single woman, but as a wife.

I expect professional growth this year, too, as I embark on a new chapter of my career, and tackle new and different challenges.

The unknowns are always daunting- but I am excited for what’s to come on this new year of growth.

I <almost> feel like that new baby leaf that’s about to uncurl and bloom!