2007 was the Year of the Fact. 2007 was the Year of the Bus.

2008 was the Year of the Body. 2008 was the Year of the Future.

2009 was the Year of Lagom.

This is my alternative to resolutions. Sometime in January, usually within the first few days, I settle on a key word or two for the coming year. It is perhaps a bit like a resolution, as I hope that the words guide the year somewhat, but this guidance is pretty undefined, and the year may work in reaction to the word. The Year of the Bus was probably closest to a resolution–I planned to ride the bus more, and I did.

Lagom is a word I learned at a Unitarian church that I thought about joining (I took a lover instead). It is translated from the Swedish as “enough” or “in moderation,” but lagom isn’t just enough; it’s enough plus some. Enough is only enough to survive on; lagom is enough to live on and be well. Everything in moderation, including moderation.

Year of is also less personal, less private. It doesn’t belong to me, though other people may disagree about what it’s the year of, certainly. I am not going to specify how I came up with this Year Of; you can fill in your own blanks, if you decide that you agree. And without further ado:

2010 is the Year of the Program.

2010 is the Year of the Filter.