“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

- (Quote attributed to many)

What are you thinking about as the end of the year approaches?

Are there any reflections on the year’s events, or are the goals and tasks that await you in 2024 coming to mind? Thinking about making a New Year’s resolution?

I wanted to share something I was sent by WhatsApp a couple of years ago on New Year’s Day (the image below). The instruction attached was, "Pick out the first four words that spring instantly off the page." So quick, so simple. But I found this seemingly superficial exercise to be sweetly positive and thought-provoking.

After I picked my words (or did they pick me?😛), I forwarded the image to friends, who came back with their own four words, which were all curiously and marvellously different.

I wrote my four words on a Post-It note and stuck them on my mirror, which stayed there for a year. Whenever the words would catch my eye, I’m sure they percolated a little in my brain and did something - who knows what, but some kind of significance in word and thought and, somehow, in form.

This weekend, my yearly review will be scribbled; the lists for January are already taking shape. NY resolutions - none for me (long abandoned!) However, I’ll be repeating this simple word search. A few more words will be chosen on New Year’s Day, and a fresh Post-It note will go on my mirror.

Give it a go yourself, why not?

I wonder which words will appear first for you, which will land, and what might they create in your world.

This invitation might seem like a silly little thing that you get sent occasionally by excitable and fanciful friends like me, but there’s also something to it, isn’t there? However frivolous or random this feels, we can’t help but make meaning from words. They stir the imagination, direct attention and energy, and we might even wonder what might be in store for the coming year.

And if you aren’t one for having words chosen for you, which four words would you choose if they could inform your 2024? Which words would help orientate the thoughts, habits and actions that could empower and serve you throughout the year?

As we close out 2023, I’d like to wish you a splendid weekend and the most beautiful New Year.

See you on the other side.

Love,

Chang