My 2023 summed up in ONE word
The Power of Choosing a Word for the Year
Every year, I choose a word to guide my intentions.
2022: Growth – A year of awakening after severe burnout and addressing generational trauma.
2023: Spaciousness – Leaning into relaxation, abundance, and giving myself space to breathe and heal.
Although I wasn’t sure I fully embodied “spaciousness” throughout the year, my recent trip to Vietnam with my mother revealed how deeply this intention shaped my journey.
A Complex Relationship with My Mother
My relationship with my mother has been anything but simple:
We’ve only spent 8 years living together in my entire life.
She’s a strong-willed woman who endured trauma as a young widow, immigrant, and provider.
Our interactions often involved anger, resentment, and shouting matches in public spaces.
But something shifted during our 3-week trip to Vietnam, where we shared breakfasts, long walks, and even conversations about our tumultuous past.
Breaking the Cycle of Triggers
One pivotal moment during the trip was when my mother brought up a familiar and often triggering topic—my decision to leave China at 13 to pursue education in the U.S.
Instead of reacting with resentment, I:
Paused before responding.
Chose compassion over defensiveness.
Let the moment pass without escalating into conflict.
This pause was transformative, allowing us to move past our narratives and find common ground.
Finding Spaciousness in Compassion
As the trip continued, we experienced moments of connection that felt miraculous:
We held hands while walking through a flower market in Hanoi.
My mother expressed that she finally felt seen and appreciated after 37 years.
Decades of pain and trauma began to wash away, leaving room for healing.
Through this, I realized that spaciousness isn’t just about physical time or relaxation—it’s about creating emotional room for compassion and understanding.
Lessons from 2023: Spaciousness in Unexpected Ways
This year taught me that trauma and its triggers are like waves—they don’t disappear, but we can learn to ride them with grace.
By pausing before reacting, I created space for compassion.
This spaciousness allowed for love, validation, and acceptance to flow where resentment once lived.
My intention for the year was fulfilled in ways I didn’t anticipate.
Looking Ahead: What Is Your Word for 2024?
As I reflect on the last day of 2023, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey this year brought. Now, I ask you:
What is YOUR word for 2024?
What are you calling in and letting go of?
Join Our Community in 2024
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💡 Ready to make 2024 your best year yet?
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Here's a photo of me and my mother meditating this morning to a YouTube video. Sitting still in full presence is something I am trying to be better at. But I am slowly making progress day by day.
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