For the last few months of 2023 and the first three months of 2024, something felt off. I was waking up tired, my focus was scattered, and my body just wasn’t cooperating. I figured it had to do with post-cancer joint pain because nothing I tried seemed to help (oh, and I tried everything).

Then, we discovered a gas leak.

Turns out, the problem wasn’t just in my head—it was in the attic. Fixing it didn’t just change how my house felt; it changed how I felt. Suddenly, I could think clearly again. I felt more grounded, more present, more like myself.

And that’s when I realized: sometimes, you can’t move forward until you fix what’s broken beneath you.

Last year, my word of the year was Grounded. It was about addressing the unseen leaks in my life—my health, my habits, my mindset—and making sure I had a solid foundation.

But once you’re grounded, what’s next? You align.

What the Term Align Means to Me

Alignment is about pulling everything into focus—my energy, my habits, my work, my relationships. It’s about making sure what I do daily matches who I want to become. It’s about showing up with intention, not just going through the motions.

Last year was about stability. This year is about action.

Why Align as my “Word of the Year?”

Life is busy, chaotic even. (Two parents with ADHD raising a kid with ADHD? You get it.) It’s easy to get stuck in “reactive mode,” where you’re just putting out fires.

Aligning is a reminder to pause, check in, and make sure my choices feel purposeful. It’s about noticing when I’m pulled off course and gently steering back toward what matters.

Align in Action: Daily Habits

Alignment doesn’t just happen. It’s something you create, bit by bit, every day. So here’s what I’m focusing on:

1. 10 Minutes of Reflection
   Each morning, I’ll take a moment to ask: What’s the most important thing today? It’s not about perfection—just staying clear on what matters, even if the day goes off course.

2. Intentional Planning
   Before I dive into anything, I’ll ask: Does this actually fit into what I’m trying to achieve? If not, it’s a no—calm and straightforward.

3. Course Correction
   When I realize I’m off track, I’ll adjust. No drama, just small steps to realign.

4. Body Alignment
   This year, I’m sticking with simple workouts—10 minutes in the garage. It’s not about hitting a goal; it’s about building strength and energy that works for me now.

Closing the Gap

I’ll be honest: Align feels like a big word. Bigger than Grounded. It requires work and awareness. But here’s what excites me: alignment isn’t about making huge changes all at once. It’s about small, intentional shifts that bring everything into harmony over time.

It’s a reminder that who I want to be isn’t some distant, unreachable version of myself. She’s right here—already within me. Aligning is about closing the gap.

And that’s what I’ll work toward this year. One small step at a time.