A word, please

My word for 2020 was Patience. I put it on my screensaver as a reminder I needed to be patient. Not a patient (noun) but patient (adjective).

Here is a definition, just to be clear:
1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3: not hasty or impetuous
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5a: able or willing to bear —used with of

It was helpful in these uncertain times of business on hold, isolated at home, concerned about our country, and a myriad of other things. As I marinate on the upcoming year, I’m thinking of a new word.

Present is that word. I need to be present (adjective) in my activities, location, and behavior.

Here is a definition of that one too:
1: now existing or in progress
2a: being in view or at hand
2b: existing in something mentioned or under consideration
3: constituting the one actually involved, at hand, or being considered
4: of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is expressive of present time or the time of speaking
5 archaic : INSTANT, IMMEDIATE
6 obsolete : ATTENTIVE

The opposite of being present tends to be worry or regret. Worry about the future and regret about the past. Both of those steal the joy of today.

Worry is spending time on things outside your control. We have to understand we are in charge of many things but in control of very little. God made tornados to remind us of that.

Regret is time spent on things we can’t change. We can attempt to make amends for our regrets but there is little else we can do. It is a lesson to be learned, not a life to be lived.

My word looks like it will be Present. To be Present in my day. I’ve heard it said “Be where your feet are”. I think that’s a good plan for this year.

How about you? What’s your word? I’d love to hear it.

Thanks for listening,
Jerry Robertson