Courage.

My word of the year 2022 is courage.

It has been my word of the year for the last two years. Since the pandemic started in 2020, “courage” is what I’ve been reminding myself, my colleagues, and my clients.

In these trying times, we need to have courage. In its various meanings.

Courage — for me — is all about facing the uncertainties with determination to try and succeed — or fail and learn. Courage is waking up determined in the morning to make a difference in spite of the uncertainties that there are and the challenges that may arise. Courage is not about the absence of fear, but is trudging and soldiering on in spite of the presence of fear.

Courage is also all about “having a heart” — the root of courage is the French word, coeur. And to have a heart is to be empathetic, sympathetic, and compassionate to others at all times. And to have a heart is simultaneously all about being empathetic, sympathetic, and compassionate to one’s own self at all times.

This pandemic is not ending any time soon.

Courage is what we need to face the challenges and uncertainties this pandemic is giving rise to.

Have courage.

What’s your word for 2022?