Each new year, I choose a word that will serve as my theme for the year—something that I want to work with, explore, cultivate, both personally and professionally. My word for 2022 was “Gratitude,” and I learned a lot about how to feel more grateful. This year, I want to explore a rather different kind of word.
My word for 2023 is (drumroll please…)
TRUTH
Now, as a philosopher, I know that “Truth” is no small concept. There are thousands of years worth of tomes dedicated to the questions: What is true? How do we know? Can we even access it? Is all truth subjective or is there an absolute Truth out there? Who decides?
I’ve studied these questions for years and while they’re fun and interesting, my reasons for choosing this word lean more toward the spiritual growth angle.
I’ve found that the more I can ask myself what is true—what is actually happening—rather than simply believing the stories I tell about what’s happening, the better off I am.
For example:
Is it true that I’m a bad mother because I lost my temper and yelled at my kid today?
Is it true that the person who is cutting me off in traffic is a selfish asshole?
Is it true that the latest news story proves that the world is doomed beyond repair?
Or is it possible that there is a larger, and much more complex truth for each of these?
The more I can question the knee-jerk judgments, interpretations, evaluations, and stories I have about myself and the world, the more humble, curious, and open I become.
When my emotions and self-righteousness get the better of me, when I hear that voice inside say, “Of course it’s fucking true!” and I feel that seductive rigidity setting in, I try to bring myself back into my own sense of what is actually true, for me, right now:
I’m having a hard time right now. My body feels tight. I’m telling myself a story in an attempt to avoid pain. There is a much bigger context to this moment. I want to feel ease, peace, love, and belonging, as most living things do.
The more I can see the difference between what is actually true and what is just happening inside my head, the freer I feel.
So, I’ll be exploring Truth this year, and I invite you to join me. I can’t wait to see what we discover.
What are your thoughts about my selection of “Truth” as this year’s theme? If you were to pick a word or phrase for 2023, what would it be, and why? Come share your answer in Mother Den!
Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. is a Philosophical Coach, helping new moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is the creator of The Meaning of Motherhood course, and co-creator and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings fun, accessible, philosophical thinking to the real world. To join her mailing list, subscribe here.
© Copyright Danielle LaSusa PhD, LCC, 2021. All rights reserved.
