Integrated
By definition, it means “with various parts or aspects linked or coordinated.” Synonyms: unified, united, and cohesive.
It’s the focus of the book I’m reading, The Whole-Brain Child, and it’s my word for 2019.
I’ve never done an official “word of the year,” although I’ve liked this idea that I’ve seen floating around social media for the past few years. A person who’s not a fan of resolutions, I like that it’s more of a theme for your year, a positive focus to guide you for the next twelve months.
Integrated Parenting
I didn’t set out with the intention of creating a word this year, but it truly just found me. While reading The Whole-Brain Child over Christmas, I immediately bought into the idea of integrating all compartments of the brain for effective parenting. As a parent of a two-year-old, it made so much sense to me. A two-year-old is essentially 100% right-brained and emotional. I’ve known that he won’t have the logical part of his brain developed until around three, but that hasn’t stopped me from trying to rationalize with him or expect too much out of him. And of course these different wavelengths don’t align, so we end up butting heads – literally. Now, I know how to identify and explain his emotions to him (and myself) so we can start putting logic into the equation.
Not only do I have a better understanding of my child’s brain, but I also have a better understanding of my own, for I have felt so misaligned since becoming a mother.
Integrated Self
With the help of this book, I now understand that I was oscillating between emotions and control. I wasn’t maneuvering my boat down the river like I did when I rafted the Ocoee. Instead, I was getting tangled up in the rocks and brush on both sides of the river, over-compensating for each by throwing myself into the other. In summary, I was disintegrated, and I could tell.
Now, with the tools I’ve learned from the book coupled with overcoming my anxiety of these past few years, I feel more integrated to myself, my child and my life. I’m making decisions for the year that are integrated (unified, united, cohesive) with my values and the goals I have for myself and my family. This has even been as simple as not impulse shopping those New Year sales and starting a new morning routine that reduces the overwhelm.
I’m finding myself integrated into 2019 and this “word of the year” idea, and I’m excited to have a simple guide for success.
Have you made a word for this year? How have you found it to be helpful? I would love to hear about yours!
