Tag: Song for the Year

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Year of Alignment

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A new year brings with it so much anticipation! Fresh year, fresh start, new experiences and new opportunities make every January exciting for me.

Each new January also brings a fresh theme for the year along with a symbol to guide me and a song to inspire.

This is the Year of Alignment.  Learn more about how that word will shape the next 12 months.

Year of Alignment title

Year of Alignment Theme

My word for 2023 is alignment. By definition, alignment happens when thoughts, choices, actions and beliefs all honor higher purpose and core values. Alignment is the resulting state of agreement or alliance.

The word originates from the Old French alignier meaning “set, lay in a line”. I like that it also refers to a direction or course, such as in life.

Alignment for me is when my inner world…my thoughts and beliefs…line up with my purpose in life. And how do I know that I am in alignment? I observe what is going on in my outer world. When my outer world and the way I am living my life are in agreement with my thoughts and beliefs then alignment occurs, bringing joy, peace and a high level of vibration.

Year of Alignment word for the year
Year of Alignment – word for 2023

Year of Alignment Symbol

Each year also brings a new symbol to guide me. It represents the theme and when I see the symbol, it is a reminder of what’s important to me this year.

The word “alignment” doesn’t automatically bring to mind symbols associated with the word, beyond perhaps a straight line. However, as I considered what alignment means to me, I realized the importance of recognizing that the world I create and live in is a reflection of who I am, what I think and what I believe.

Reflection.

A mirror seems the perfect symbol.

When I look in a mirror, what I see reflected back is the reality of who I am, in that moment. When I look at the world around me, and whatever is going on in that moment, that is a reflection of my thoughts and beliefs. It doesn’t mean that bad things don’t happen in the world or that I cause them. However, my response to those things, good and bad, and how they impact me, is on me. I can shape my own responses. And I can choose to shift my thoughts and beliefs about what’s happening.

For example, if I believe it is a beautiful day, then my reality shows me that it is, no matter the circumstances. If I’m experiencing a challenging day, my reality is showing me a reflection of what’s going on in my heart, mind and spirit. I need to pay attention to that reflection so that I can shift my thoughts and beliefs back to a higher vibrational frequency.

So not only is a mirror a symbol for 2023, the reality I experience, when seen as a reflection, is symbolic as well for what’s going on in my inner life.

Year of Alignment mirror
Year of Alignment symbol – mirror

Year of Alignment Song

Finally, I chose the song for 2023. The song, like the symbol, serves as a reminder of the year’s theme and what’s true for me.

I knew immediately which song represents alignment for me.

A Million Dreams, from The Greatest Showman movie and soundtrack, captured my keen interest back when I watched the film for the first time.

In the movie, PT Barnum (portrayed by Hugh Jackman) grows up with a vivid imagination that guides and inspires him to take risks and create the reality he wants to live in. I love that. It’s a wonderful song to feed my inspiration and creativity as well.

“Every night I lie in bed, the brightest colors fill my head. A million dreams are keeping me awake. I think of what the world could be, a vision of the one I see. A million dreams is all it’s going to take, a million dreams for the world I’m going to make.”

My Year of Alignment

I’m always excited as a new year begins. This year is no exception.

I feel like my theme for 2023 is an expansive one, a deep one. And yet, each year is a progression for me. The words/themes, symbols and songs aren’t random. No, they are a progressive map of my life and each new year provides a hint of what’s ahead on the journey.

This year promises to be life changing, with an intense focus on my inner life and manifesting a reality that matches…that aligns…with who I am at my core.

I’m already amazed, a week into the new year, with all that is showing up as I focus on alignment.

Do you have a word or theme for 2023? A symbol? A song? Please share them in the comments!

Year of Alignment 2023
2023 Year of Alignment

Need help choosing a word or symbol for the year? Check out this post.

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Unpacking My Song for the Year

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I enter into each new year with a guidance system of sorts. For the twelve month journey ahead I carry with me a word, a symbol and a song. Those may seem insignificant. After all, wouldn’t a map be better? Not for me. Those three tools lead me onward wonderfully well providing insight, awareness and direction.

My word for 2020 is curiosity. It is already leading me down exciting paths. The key, my symbol, represents how curiosity unlocks doors of adventure and opportunity. And my song “How Far I’ll Go” is from the Disney film, Moana.

Today I’m unpacking my song for the year. I’m sharing how this tune found me and why it is significant to me.

Unpacking My Song for the Year title meme

 

How Far I’ll Go

I first heard this song in 2017 while flying high above the earth. As the plane carried me back to the US from Italy, I tried to lull myself to sleep by watching the Disney film Moana for the first time. I did not sleep. Instead, Moana captivated me with her thirst for adventure and desire to explore the unknown. I liked the song “How Far I’ll Go” so much that I downloaded it on my iPhone.

Have a listen to the song. Does it stir something in you, like it does me?

Choosing a Song for 2020

As I’ve mentioned before, typically my word for the new year comes to me first, then the symbol and finally the song. This year followed that pattern. As the end of the year approached, I felt drawn to two songs: Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down” and Disney’s “How Far I’ll Go”, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

I think I leaned toward Jack’s song for two reasons. The lyrics contained my word, “curiosity”, and it wasn’t a Disney song. I’ve nothing against Disney at all…it’s just that a couple of my previous songs for the year came from their animations.

Those reasons proved not valid and because of my resistance, I came close to missing my true song for 2020. Fortunately, I decided to listen to both songs before declaring one the winner. I like “Upside Down”, from the Curious George film. It’s catchy and it’s about curiosity.

However, when I listened to “How Far I’ll Go” I immediately responded to it. My heart rate increased and tears filled my eyes. Those are strong indicators that I’ve learned to pay attention to. Once more I listened to both songs, with the same results. “How Far I’ll Go” is my song for this Year of Curiosity.

Unpacking My Song for the Year Moana
Unpacking my song for the year…How Far I’ll Go from Moana
See that line where the sky meets the sea
See that line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me.

Unpacking My Song for the Year

That song inspires me…and here’s why.

In the movie, Moana is an island girl, the daughter of the tribe’s king. She’s in training as the next ruler. Moana wants to please her father and be the perfect daughter. Surely stepping into her role on the island is enough to create the life she longs for. Or is it?

For as long as she can remember, the ocean has called to her. A sense of adventure overflows her heart and soul, creating an intense desire to set sail and see where her curiosity takes her.

I’ve carried a similar longing all of my life. Moana’s familial duties initially kept her island bound. My fears waged war with my desires.

The words from the song that make my heart beat faster are these:

“See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me. And no one knows how far it goes. If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me, one day I’ll know. If I go there’s just no telling how far I’ll go.”

And these words brought the tears:

“See the light as it shines on the sea? It’s blinding. But no one knows, how deep it goes. And it seems like it’s calling out to me, ‘so come find me…'”.

Unpacking My Song for the Year So Come Find Me
Unpacking My Song for the Year…so come find me.

So Come Find Me

As a child, I often heard my name called. That’s not an uncommon childhood experience, except the calling to me came when no one else was around. From a young age, I climbed to the tops of trees and onto the roof of my house, seeking solitude. In those moments of aloneness and reflection, the voice called my name.

No matter how much I searched for the source, I never found one. The voice seemed distant and yet right there next to my ear. I couldn’t even tell if the voice was masculine or feminine, but it knew my name and it called to me.

I’ve heard that calling throughout my life.

In 2016 my song for the year was “Just Around the River Bend”, from another Disney film, Pocahontas. A line in that song moved me as well:

“Should I choose the smoothest course, steady as the beating drum? Is all my dreaming at an end? Or do you still wait for me, Dream Giver, just around the river bend?”

Those dreams that are just around the river bend, that line where the sky meets the sea…they call to me. They whisper my name and say, “So come find me…”

I’ve slain my fears. Nothing binds me. My heart is whole and free, my spirit untethered.

My song for the year reminds me that an adventure calls to me. With the “wind” of courage and hope and anticipation filling my sails, I am discovering just how far I can go.

“Are you brave enough to leave the safety of the shore and set sail?” asks the Dream Giver.

“Yes,” I answer, “yes I am. Going beyond…this is what I am created for.”

“So….come find me.”

“I am on my way. Keep calling to me…”

Dreamer
I am a Dreamer.  I am an Adventurer. Keep calling to me….

I am a Dreamer t-shirt from Solgave Clothing

 

 

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Year of Curiosity

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

It’s 2020 and what a year of promise! I’m excited about it already. I love the symbolism that accompanies the auspicious date. The very nature of the number 2020 hints at clarity and vision. For those with the openness to see clearly, 2020 offers opportunities to cast visions and gain personal and business insights.

As is my custom, each new year begins afresh with a word, symbol and song as companions for the twelve month journey. This is my Year of Curiosity and I’m full of anticipation for where it will lead me.

Year of Curiosity title meme

Year of Curiosity – the Word

As is evident, my word for this year is curiosity. I’m thrilled about this word. The definition is “a strong desire to learn or know something; a strange or unusual fact or object”. My intention for 2020 is to follow curiosity, daily, to see where it leads me. I’m curious about everything, and have been since childhood. I love when curiosity nudges me and I begin the “what ifs” or “wonder whys”. Curiosity possesses the power to launch adventures and unlock doors of opportunity, if I will follow where it leads. I am willing to follow.

I looked up the root word for curiosity. It is derived from the Latin word cura. Our words “care” and “careful” come from this root word as well as the word “cure”. At first I found it difficult to see how curiosity and careful can be related. However, I love the connections I perceive with cure, which I suppose could loosely be defined as “take care of”. How amazing to think that we can take care of or cure boredom, stagnation, fear, ignorance and complacency with an energizing injection of curiosity.

I love the paths that curiosity leads me down. This year I’m throwing off restraints and eagerly journeying under curiosity’s guidance.

Year of Curiosity definition
Year of Curiosity definition

Year of Curiosity – the Symbol

As soon as I realized that curiosity was my word for the year (check out this post to see how I choose a word each year), I picked up my childhood copy of Alice in Wonderland. This junior deluxe classic book, published in 1954, has accompanied me throughout my life. I’ve read the story many times. I strongly associate curiosity with Alice and her adventures in Wonderland. As I read through the story again I wondered, curiously, if the rabbit from Wonderland might be my symbol for 2020.

It turns out the key is my symbol. A key unlocks doors so that passage can be gained. Curiosity is the key that unlocks more knowledge and deeper answers and it opens doors to paths that disappear around the bend in the road. Those paths beckon to me. I must follow to see where they lead.

Ironically, after I accepted that the key is my symbol for the year, I happened to glance at the spine of my well worn book. There is a drawing of the rabbit…and a key. That makes me smile. I’ll create an art piece for this year, a sketch of the rabbit holding a key. And throughout the year, the symbol of the key will remind me of my journey and guide me. It serves also as confirmation that I am on the right path by appearing at key times.

Year of Curiosity Alice in Wonderland Book
Year of Curiosity – Alice in Wonderland Book with the rabbit and key on the spine. I believe my younger sister decorated the book for me.

Year of Curiosity – the Song

My song for the year typically arrives last, sometimes months after the word and symbol. Music is important to me and I look forward to seeing what song shows up repetitively, which is my signal that this is the right song.

For 2020 I thought I knew the song…”How Far I’ll Go”, from the Moana movie and soundtrack. And then a Jack Johnson song, “Upside Down” began to show up. That song, from the Curious George movie and soundtrack, even contains the word curiosity in the lyrics. I felt torn between the two songs. When I’m not sure, I wait.

Today, I decided to go ahead and call it, choosing the song “Upside Down”. In the car I listened to the song. It’s a good tune. I like it. Then I listed to “How Far I’ll Go”. Tears filled my eyes. My heart beat faster and I could feel emotions swirling around my heart. I knew. THAT’S my song. The connections between the lyrics and me are powerful. I wrote another post, unpacking this song more fully, and sharing why it impacts me so. Listen to How Far I’ll Go.

A New Adventure is Underway

I’m off, on a new adventure. I have no idea where curiosity will lead me this year or what doors it will unlock. However, I’m here, alert and aware, gazing forward and inward at the same time. Curiosity calls to me, “Come with me…”. I’m eager to do so.

Do you have a word, symbol or song for this year? I’d love to know.

Curiosity Quoye

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Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.