It has been many years since I made a New Year’s resolution, instead I seek revelations. It started with one word that unlocks insight, sparks discovery, and guides me toward what truly resonates in all aspects of life. I quickly realized one word wasn’t enough. So, it turned into a word board with images, quotes, and reminders that center around my word. It becomes my visual compass for the year. I put it everywhere, it is my elevator pitch.
This year was very important as I’m in the middle of a career shift I deemed, rewiring, not retiring. When you decide to do something new and scary make sure you keep the known and comfortable around you. Keeping what I know close, dispensing, education, writing, business coaching allows me the time and bandwidth to step into a very large space of advocacy for elder vision and dementia care. I needed a word that captured this transformation.
That word is REWIRE. It’s not just about my career shift, it’s how I approach everything now. And like all good revelations, it’s layered. Each letter holds its own meaning, its own motivation, six compass points guiding me through this next chapter.
R – RECOGNIZE Recognize the signs others may not know to look for or miss. Unspoken patient struggles, untapped practice potential and dementia indicators that affect daily living through vision. Recognition is where transformation begins.
E – ENGAGE Engage with professionals through coaching, engage with the industry through advocacy, engage with the next generation. Real change happens through connection.
W – WEAVE Vision care and dementia awareness aren’t separate—they’re deeply connected. I weave these worlds together, creating better outcomes for patients and stronger practices.
I – INSPIRE Inspire change in an industry stuck in its ways. When one optician transforms their approach, the ripple effect reaches every patient they serve.
R – REINVENT Reinvention isn’t starting over—it’s channeling everything you’ve learned in a new direction. It is not easy, but it is the impact that can be made and the legacy we can build and leave.
E – EMPOWER Empower professionals to see themselves as specialists. Empower patients and caregivers with care, compassion, and commitment. Confidence creates change.
REWIRE is my word, but the real revelation? Grace for the journey. Resolutions demand perfection. A word of the year invites growth. If you’re tired of the pressure or the potential for letdown how about trying something different this year. Choose a word that inspires you, not one that judges you. Be realistic. Be kind to yourself. That’s where transformation really begins.