Six years ago, I wrote “20 Words for 2020.” I remember it very well, carefully choosing those 20 words that I wished for everyone in the coming year. In many ways, that seems like a very long time ago. That was before the pandemic stole millions of lives from the world. That was before my sister’s diagnosis and our difficult battle with her terminal cancer. So, as 2025 came to a close, I wondered if those 20 words had stood the test of time.
Beginning the list, my first 4 words are virtuous: Honesty, Integrity, Honor, Courtesy. Yes, those still deserve to be at the top of my list, and I continue to hope our human interactions can be guided by them.
The 4 words in the second set are aspirational: Inspiration, Artistry, Creativity, Encouragement. These words are a wish for more beauty in the world.
The next 4 words continue the uplifting theme: Appreciation, Respect, Recognition, Acceptance. These would be positive steps for our professional and personal relationships.
The 4 words that follow are a wish to bring back the delight we knew best when we were young: Excitement, Amusement, Happiness, Joy. These could bring more laughter to our lives.
Finally, the concluding 4 words are also virtues: Compassion, Generosity, Kindness, Grace. Yes, I wish these for everyone still.
My sister asked why I concluded with grace, which is the most difficult to define. I answered that it was very important even though its meaning varies, because it is so closely linked to a good heart. Sadly, it was throughout my sister’s battle that I was able to witness grace many times, alongside true caring and compassion, sympathy and empathy. In the end, I continued to wish for it the most.
So, what words are missing? The 6 words I live by and have always taken as given. They are: Strength to face any challenge life throws us, Determination to keep fighting regardless of the odds, Love because there is no better motivation, Heart because actions without meaning are fruitless, and Faith because no matter what our beliefs are, it is our faith in what we hold dear that motivates us to live a Good life.