Several years ago, I began the ritual of choosing a word of the year. It helps me to set an intention for the direction I’d like to see in the year ahead.

This year, my word of the year is more than a word, it’s a philosophy, a promise, a resolution of sorts. This is the word I’m committing my attention and focus to in the upcoming year in a major way.

My word is altruism. Webster defines altruism as the principle and moral practice of concern for the happiness of others. There are different levels of altruism, many of which I plan to explore and share in the coming year. It comes at a time where it is too often an outdated mentality, and I intend to do my small part to change that.

I’m not sure how it became so commonplace to live so selfishly, but the past several years have shown me how much we are need of altruistic thinking and living. I’m a firm believer in sharing good and happy stories to grow a movement of positivity. We spend far too much energy on negativity and outrage, and while there is still plenty to feel outrage over, we need to shine a greater light on those who spread kindness, who model compassion, and who understand selflessness. This is how I’ll do my part.

I hope you join me in exploring altruism this year, and hopefully it will carry over for years to come. I share my word partly for accountability, so please help hold me to my goal. And when/if you see altruism that should be shared, please don’t forget to forward or tag me so I can do the same.

If this is all new to you, stick around. I’ll help you get started.

Happy New Year and may we all have the year we deserve.