Jump – my word of the year (WOTY) for 2020
It all started with a puddle and some spotty boots.
I couldn’t just walk around the puddle. Despite the fact I had just turned 59, I was drawn to jumping in the puddle – so I did!
I was in England for Christmas this time last year, and the weather was wet, cold and a bit miserable but my new boots made life fun.
I decided to jump into the New Year choosing Jump as my WOTY. I liked the fact that it was an ‘action’ word and would hopefully keep me accountable!
Every month I have posted about how I managed to jump in some way, whether it was metaphorically or for real – I took opportunities to find ways to jump:
- to jump for joy – we welcomed a new grandson to our family this year, so I was jumping for joy!
- to jump at chances – never let a chance go by!
- to jump the gun
- to jump ship
- to jump on my bike
- to jump start my blog – like introducing my #ShoutoutSaturday posts
- to jump in and out of things – photo challenges, writing competitions
- to jump on board with new ideas – like being a guest on a friend’s podcast
- I jumped at creating a playlist on Spotify – it’s full of jump songs!
- I jumped into zoom meetings with friends and family
- I’ve jumped up and down (literally)!
And in so doing I have managed a whole year of jumping – apart from June when I was pretty low and couldn’t find the energy to jump at anything. I’m only human!
I’ve managed to jump into a new decade; I’ve jumped out of my 50s and into my 60s; I’ve jumped into creative writing; I’ve jumped into learning new skills and improving old ones.
I’ve loved my WOTY and the focus it has brought me in what has been a pretty crappy year. Little did I know when I set this word, just what the year would bring!
This is a really fun way to set your intentions and theme for the New Year, or any other life event for that matter. Instead of a rigid New Year’s Resolution, a Word of the Year is your constant—yet gentle—reminder to focus on creating positive change.
Lights, camera, action!
During the year I also tried to include a jump photo in my monthly updates and here is the collection. Thanks to the Mathematician for his patience in getting my jump shots just right!
“Love recognises no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Maya Angelou
Previous WOTY
For the past few years I’ve chosen a word of the year and you can find my previous words in these posts – I always enjoy reading back over them to see what sparked my choices at the time. Are you choosing a WOTY for 2021?
2019 – Time
2018 – Focus
2017 – New Horizons
Are you like me and about ready to jump ship out of 2020 and into 2021 – it’s really been one of those years hasn’t it?
Have you had a word this year? How did it go for you?
Jumping into 2021
I have a word ready for 2021 and given that I’ve just turned 60, I think it’s quite a fitting one! Stay tuned 🙂
Take care, stay well and keep jumping!
Deb xx
Linking up to Denyse’s #lifethisweek
My monthly JUMP updates:
Jump into a new year – January
Jump in for a chat – February update
Jump in for a chat – March update
A hop, skip and a jump into July
How do you jump with a dodgy knee?
Jump starting my way through October
Finding my MOJO in November – jumping on board
You can also find Deb’s World in lots of other places – stay in touch by clicking any of the buttons below.
Everyone has a story to tell! Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. She never imagined being Granny Debs would bring so much joy to her life! You can read more of Deb’s story here
Copyright © 2023 debs-world.com – All rights reserved
Deb's World 
You’ve taken a miserable year and created something good! I’ve enjoyed your Word!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for coming along for the ride Carol! I’ve enjoyed all the jumping too – in all its various forms 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Deb – Jump was a great word – it kept you looking for the positives and sharing them with the rest of us. 2020 threw a spanner in the works for all of us, but it was interesting how our #WOTY’s adapted to the challenge. I have my word for 2021 and will be doing the big reveal in early January – I think 2021 is going to be a really great year. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Leanne, yes Jump did keep me looking for the positives in what was a pretty harrowing year all round, it was perfect in so many ways! can’t wait to read about your WOTY!!
LikeLike
What a fun and unique word of the year. I love it! I didn’t have a WOTY for 2020, but already have mine picked out for 2021. I loved reading about your year of jumping in all the different manners.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Trisha, it was a fun word and it made me keep looking for the fun and positives in a year that wasn’t too much fun! Can’t wait to read your WOTY for 2021.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Energy. I haven’t written a post about it yet though.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Energy is a great word Trisha!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love the idea of a word of the year! And jump is such a positive word too. All the best for 2021.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it really was a positive action packed word for me in a year that wasn’t exactly as it was planned. Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Jump was such a great word and I’ve enjoyed how you embraced it into your life. I’m a big puddle jumper too. I don’t believe in acting too grown up… no fun in that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Janis, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my WOTY and to hear you’re a puddle jumper too :). So much fun regardless of our age!
LikeLike
How wonderful Deb! You’ve managed to turn a year that was quite flat in many ways into something worth jumping for. Here’s to a much brighter 2021 and look forward to finding out your new word! Hugs xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Miriam, my WOTY really helped me when things were a bit grim and I loved that it was a bit different to the norm! A bit like me really 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Deb I loved your WOTY and Jump well it brought so many opportunities for you to live your word – some good and some not so good. It was lovely to see all of the Jump photos and I saw a great video on FB the other of Dawn French in a Vicar of Dibley episode jumping into puddles. It had been modified to fit the last 3 years. Such a classic and spot on I will send you the link as I think you would appreciate it. Thanks for jumping onboard with the podcast and I hope you will be my guest again in 2021. It’s been a hell of a year for everyone and I know you’ve certainly had your challenges but you’ve jumped all of the hurdles and inspired us all. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sue, I loved that video of Dawn French jumping in puddles, it sums it perfectly! The podcast with you was a real highlight during the year, so thanks for having me. Wishing you a happier 2021 xx
LikeLike
Hi, Debbie – Jump was such an awesome WOTY and you totally did it justice (A+ from me)! I greatly look forward to your reveal of your 2021 WOTY!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, an A+ is a fabulous score 🙂 Thanks Donna x
LikeLike
I was just recently introduced to the of WOTY. I like this much better than New Year’s resolutions – which I haven’t made in like forever. I’m going to have to give this some thought for 2021. It looks like you did very well with “jump,” in spite of the bizarreness of 2020.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Michelle, I was very happy with my JUMP WOTY and will miss it now that it’s all over! I enjoy finding a word and then using it to focus. Let me know if you pick one!
LikeLike
We have had a lot of rain here, Deb. Yet I love the rain! The sound, cozy when inside, exhilarating, and good boots and rain jacket make all the difference. Jump seems like a perfect WOTY for 2020 for you. Especially the “jump for joy.” I like the way you phrase a “gentle” reminder. I believe we can all be more gentle with each other and with ourselves. Your jump quote reminds me of a recent Mr. Bean video where he is on a diving board, thinking about jumping. The Maya Angelou quote is also a good reminder. I look forward to hearing your new WOTY. I look forward to visiting and sharing in 2021.xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Erica, being gentle with ourselves is so importnat especially in times like these. Thanks for being an important part of my world again this year xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never picked a Word of the Year but I do love reading about others who have an seeing what words they’ve picked and how it helps them shape their year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is fascinating to read how others select their words and then what they do with them. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
Just keep on jumping Deb, and hope your jump into 2021 is a good one, with good health and lots to celebrate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mum, so glad you are now closer. You jumped on board and made a big move, well done.
LikeLike
I’ve loved your word Debbie and think it’s probably helped you this year as well. I love how you’ve woven it into your wrap-ups – something I’m bearing in mind as I contemplate my word for the year…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Jo, it has really helped me and made me smile on more than one occasion! Especially the jump photos 🙂 Thanks, looking forward to learning your WOTY for 2021.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Debbie
You tease by making us wait for your 2021 word!
And imagining you jumping in that puddle – with the awesome Photo to give us a feel for setting – with your boots and puddle on that walk well that
Was inspiring
And then to see how the year connected to your word jump shows fully aliveness
And what a great way to end another decade
Happy 60th my friend
🎈🎈🎈
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for your lovely comment. I’ve had fun with my jumping and I agree a great way to end another decade. Happy 2021 to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy new year 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jump is a perfect WOTY for you, Deb. It’s action-oriented and evokes fun. Your photo gallery and your daughter’s gift are awesome. I look forward to hearing your WOTY for 2021. Happy holidays to you and your family! #lifethisweek
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Natalie, it was an inspired choice way back at the end of 2019! Wishing you a happy new year and I look forward to continuing visits to your blog.
LikeLike
A lovely end to the year, Deb – have a very Merry Christmas. Toni x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Toni, wishing you well for 2021. It’s been lovely to connect with you this year xx
LikeLike
You sure did well with JUMP. I cannot even imagine jumping at my age…good to have done this at YOUR age though. I was not going to have a WOTY until my husband wrote something on the envelope of my birthday card and “boom” I now do have a WOTY. All to be revealed on 4 Jan.
Thank you so much for your blogging friendship, linking up as you have in 2020 and looking forward to more in 2021 when Life This Week begins…the link up I mean on 4 Jan 2021 with “Word of the Year” as an optional prompt. Stay safe and well, and see you soon…Denyse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your friendship and support during the year Denyse. Jumping has been a highlight for me during 2020 and I’m so glad I chose it for my WOTY. Looking forward to reading about yours too. I’ll be there to link up with you and will reveal my WOTY. Take care and stay well. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for sharing Christina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so good! I set for myself New Year resolutions and it never worked for me . Plus, it’s upsetting when I realized that I’m failing. I might steal your idea of jumping on things. Looks fun and ghee no judgment for failing. Keep jumping and inspire others!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Angela, feel free to use my idea and jump on things!
LikeLiked by 1 person