What One-Word Theme Would You Choose for 2022? Some Ideas from Listeners.

At the beginning of a new year, many of us look for ways to make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative in the months ahead.

I love these kinds of exercises, so for 2022, I...

made new year's resolutionsjoined the yearly challenge—this year, to "#Rest22in22"made a "22 for 22" list

There’s another kind of exercise I love: identifying one idea, summarized in just one word or phase, as the overarching theme for the coming year.

My sister Elizabeth and I have been doing this for years. Some of our choices:

Elizabeth: "Free Time," "Style," "Hot Wheels," "Novel," "Home," “Control,” "#6," “Lighter,”  “Butterfly," and for 2022, "Step."Gretchen: “Upgrade,” “Bigger,” “Lighten Up,” “Re-purpose,” “Delegate,” “Infrastructure,” "Growth," “Open,” and for 2022, "Salt."

In episode 358 of the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, we talked about the one-word theme and suggested that listeners choose a theme for 2022. We've heard so many brilliant ideas!

BreatheIntentionShinePlayReveriePrioritiesPepper (I got a kick out of this, given that my word is "Salt")ActionHigher/HireEvaluatePresentFlexEmbraceRestorationRechargeClearClear AwayHonestGreenDragonNowDonePresent (be present and give a gift to yourself)MoreHealthPeaceRhythmRenaissance

On episode 363 of Happier, we talk about responses from listeners about why they chose the words they chose.

Have you chosen a one-word theme for the year? I'm endlessly fascinated by the themes people choose, and why.