‘Toxic’ sums up 2018 quite well
I am probably a bit of an oddball, but I always look forward to learning what the Word of the Year will be. This year, the Oxford Dictionary chose “toxic,” an adjective defined as 1) relating to or caused by poison; 2) very bad, unpleasant or harmful.
I find it apropos. The year began with #MeToo and toxic masculinity, and has been marked by highly toxic politics, and toxic threats to our environment.
The word toxic as my personal word of the year is also apt as 2018 was without a doubt one of the most challenging for me. It started with a sudden and unexpected loss which unleashed an emotionally painful journey of introspection, self-discovery and change. It was a year I faced demons and battled depression. Usually self-sufficient, I relied on the support of family and friends while I found the strength to pull myself together again.
But perhaps we need a little toxicity to bring injustices to the forefront and provide the impetus to fix things. It can unite people to fight for change and speak up about what is wrong.
While 2018 was one of the most difficult years for me, it was also the most transformative, resulting in many positive changes. It forced me to focus on my emotional, mental and physical health. I changed my diet and turned to the gym and yoga to combat anxiety and stress. I had to take a hard look at some of my choices in life and identify patterns that needed to be broken.
While I would never want to repeat the toxic part of this year, I am happier and more selfaware. I spend more time doing hot yoga and at the gym and less time on social media. I eat healthier and drink more water and less wine. I concentrate on living in the moment. Exercise and mindfulness are embedded in my life and I start each day counting my blessings.
I plan to make only one resolution for 2019. If I learned one important lesson, it would be how important relationships are. Whether these relationships are with that special someone, with friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, or just the person sitting next to you on the train, always act from a place of love. Give people the benefit of the doubt and don’t let small things overshadow the bigger picture.
My resolution might sound sappy, but hey, it’s Christmas. Happy holidays!