Less is More!

Mental Health Matters!
By Jennifer Cruze, MSW, LICSW, Mental Health Counselor with Swedish

Published in WHS "E-News from the Principal" January 10, 2020

LESS is MORE!

January is a common time for people to make New Year’s Resolutions; however, around 90% of people fail to keep them. I challenge you to something different, taught by popular speaker, author, and motivator Jon Gordon – come up with ONE WORD to live by in 2020.

Can something as little as One Word make a difference? YES! Words are powerful. They can inspire, encourage, appreciate, and turn the impossible into the possible. Choosing One Word to live by can help change the way you think, the words you speak, your relationships, and your actions. Here are some ways to help you come up with your One Word for 2020.

Look IN: Prepare Your Heart
This is a time for reflection. Begin with the end in mind: What story do I want to tell at the end of the year? What do I need to do this year? What do I know needs to change? What are the obstacles preventing me from reaching the outcome?

Look UP: Discover Your Word
Now it’s time to listen up for your One Word. Be open to words that can help describe how you want to live this year and write them down. Sample words include: focus, friendship, kindness, patience, intention, margin, commitment, courage, relentless…

Look OUT: Live Your Word
Then live by your One Word. Come up with a creative way to showcase your One Word: make it your phone’s wallpaper, design a poster, paint it on a rock and put it next to your bed. Keep it front and center where you will be reminded to live it every day.

Look AROUND: Spread Your Word
Share your One Word with your family and friends, encourage them to come up with their own One Word. Then hold each other accountable to live by your One Word.

In summary, choosing One Word is a way to help us focus on what matters the most and live our life in a positive way. What will your ONE WORD be for 2020? Students, feel free to stop by my office in the library and share it with me – I’d love to hear it! Happy New Year!

Don’t ever diminish the power of words. Words move hearts and hearts move limbs. – Hamza Yusuf

If you or a loved one are in crisis, call the Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text CONNECT to 741741