Originally written 1/1/2022
My word of the year for 2021 was Transform. As usual, I had no idea where that would take me, and as usual I couldn’t have predicted even a little bit of it. The word transform found in Romans 12:2, which was my verse for the year:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
At the start of 2021, I was weary of the political and social climate, the pandemic, and all things us versus them. My soul was crying out for renewal. I dove into Romans 12, which is so rich and full of practical lessons—those that are easy to read but hard to implement. Transformation is not fast—mentally, physically, or spiritually.
As we continued through 2021, I learned that my job role was going to change due to an acquisition—more ways to transform! I wanted my team to be well prepared for new leadership, policies, and practices while still maintaining the standards that we should. I met with my direct reports to study leadership by going through Adored: Be the Leader Your Team Needs You to Be by Dan Owolabi. I wanted to see their leadership transformed so their teams would thrive. I soon learned that my journey for transformation wasn’t as contagious as I would have hoped. However, my team read through the book, answered my questions, and dutifully met every other Tuesday.
Then, came the literal renewing of my mind through my stroke. I knew that words were important to me—they were the currency by which performed nearly all of my job roles: teaching, problem solving, and behavior support to name a few. However, I couldn’t fathom the frustration of learning how to form words, make sense of sentences and paragraphs, and simply conveying my basic wants and needs. It was a transformation that I couldn’t have foreseen and that still feels surreal at times. Thankfully, my language came back quickly with therapy (though my spelling is still horrible–thank goodness for spell check!!), but the shift in focus caused by my stroke will carry on.
I am so thankful to be transformed mentally, emotionally and spiritually through 2021. I am happy to ring in 2022 but grateful for the lessons of 2021.
Thanks for reading 😊 EW