The year of differenter.

Some people have new year’s resolutions. I have a different practice. (Or should I say, differenter?) I create a theme that I use to guide me as a somewhat fuzzy beacon through the year. And I choose one or two words to stamp on a disc which I wear on my wrist as a reminder to follow the theme.

Why? Because resolutions usually fail.

Resolutions are a binary practice (you either follow them or you don’t). A theme is easier to deploy. For example, if you set your theme for the year to be the year of “bravery,” you can remind yourself to be brave in any given situation. To point out the unsaid or the uncomfortable, damn the consequences. Or dive in and take charge when needed. Or maybe just try a new, exotic food. There’s no wrong answer. It’s just a guide. Like a beacon that lights your way, yet it doesn’t dictate the path.

This year I have chosen a made-up word to light my path through 2022:

DIFFERENTER.

I define differenter as 1. adj. even more different than different. 2. noun. a person who does things differently, works against the status quo, and also makes a difference when possible. The past 24 months were less than perfect. 2021 was pretty much a bad xerox copy of 2020 with a government insurrection thrown in for good measure.