In 2009 I ditched making resolutions that I wouldn’t keep and began the tradition of choosing one word to carry with me for the entire year. One single word that called to me and one that I wanted to dive deep into.
What I love most about this tradition is that I never know how it will unfold.
“Your mind shines brightest when you enlighten others; your heart, when you encourage others; your soul, when you elevate others; and your life, when you empower others.”
Since 2009 I have had the tradition of choosing one word to tuck into my pocket for the entire year. A word that is calling to me. One I want to manifest and dive into. I never know how it is going to unfold but it usually brings me exactly what I need, even if it is not what I expected.
As I was journaling my way through the end of the year my word emerged. I know that NOW is the time for me to step into the work I am meant to do in the world. I have deep creative dreams brewing and this is the year to make them happen.
My word for 2018 is:
verb
* to move or raise to a higher place or position; lift up
* to raise to a higher state, rank, or office; exalt; promote
* to raise to a higher intellectual or spiritual level
* to raise the spirits; put in high spirits
* to raise (the voice) in pitch or volume
I want to elevate those around me. Be a guide in my community and help others unearth the brilliant light inside them. I want to choose joy and be aware of the energy I carry with me. Raising my own spirit and carrying kindness into every interaction. I want to radiate my own light and not be fearful of how bright it can shine. I also want to raise my voice and allow myself space to be heard.
In 2011 I made a piece of art with my word and it still hangs on my wall today. It was powerful to do it and was the year that my word manifested itself in the most brilliant and unexpected manner. It was as if taking the time to create something I could see every day helped proclaim to the universe how serious I was about this word. This week I am going to be working on a piece of art for elevate. Something that will inspire me each day to live with this word in my heart.
Do you choose a word or intention for the year? Would love to hear what it is.
My previous words have been:
2017 - Expand
2016 - Daring Greatly & Gather
2015 - Connection
2014 – Build
2013 – All the Cards on the Table
2012 – Soar
2011 – Love
2010 – Connect
2009 - Wings
Yes, this is my word for 2017!
I have had the ritual of choosing a word of the year since 2009. My previous words have been:
2016 - Daring Greatly & Gather
2015 - Connection
2014 – Build
2013 – All the Cards on the Table
2012 – Soar
2011 – Love
2010 – Connect
2009 - Wings
It has been incredible to see the way these words manifest themselves. Usually not the way I thought they would but it turns to be exactly what my heart needed.
I found my word for 2017 as I stood on the oceans edge. The warmth of the sun greeting my face, the sound of the waves creating a sacred rhythm inside my heart as I took a deep breath in filling my lungs with the crisp salty airy. The ocean is wide, deep, expansive. It takes up the space it needs as it ebbs and flows. In and out the waves roll with a fierce strong conviction. The ocean understands it's place in this world and it shows up unapologetically each and every day. Never is it frozen over or lazy. The waves continuously roll in and out expanding their reach.
Expansive, expanding, expand. To spread out. To develop. To reach far and wide. To allow myself to be seen. To be heard. To show up. Arms wide open. Heart ready to give and to receive. Taking risk's. Going the extra mile. Reaching out a hand. Asking for what I really want. Asking for help when I need it. Expanding my horizon's. Being free. Being strong. Being fierce.
Yes! This is what I am looking to create in 2017. I want to expand into the fuller, deeper version of myself. I want to show up in the world unapologetically. Sharing my passions. Inviting others in. Doing what I love. I want to expand!
And so I am tucking this word deep into my pocket to carry with me for the entire year. I am holding it close and also giving it space to breath. I am not sure what doors will open. What choices I will have to make. What unknown moments will occur. But I do know one thing. I am ready to expand. Ready to express myself for fully and in greater detail. The time is now to begin accomplishing my dreams. No reason to wait any longer and so I am off. Taking the reins of 2017 and carving my own path.
Do you choose a word for the year? I would love to hear what it is. Let me know in the comments and together let's celebrate the all the potential that this year holds.
Since 2009 I have been choosing one word to guide me throughout the year. One word {or phrase} that I can tuck into my pocket as a reminder of the direction I want to go. Sometimes the word chooses me and other times it takes a bit of digging to determine what that word will be. The one thing that always remains the same is that the word unfolds in ways I never dreamed of and takes me places that I really needed to go.
My previous words have been:
2015 - Connection
2014 – Build
2013 – All the Cards on the Table
2012 – Soar
2011 – Love
2010 – Connect
2009 - Wings
I thought I had my word for 2016 all figured out. I was even journaling about it the other day. But as I sat down to write this post another word came up and I can't seem to shake it.
My first choice was a phrase :: Daring Greatly. To me this means standing in the arena, taking risk's, being seen, being afraid of failing but trying anyway, standing in my power, showing the world who I am, going after what is in my heart, speaking up, and letting my light shine bright.
At this moment in my life this feels like exactly what I need to do. I have worked hard to get to this point. I have pushed myself. I have learned who I am and what I want. I have discovered my inner strengths and have made my way out of the shadows. I am ready and prepared to be in the arena and let my light shine.
These words have been percolating inside of me since first reading the below quote:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
In order to make great things happen I must take the risk and understand that it might not work out. I must try even when I am scared. I must put in the effort. There is no magic fairy want that will make things happen for me. I have to do the work. I have to dare greatly.
It is time to shine. To step outside of my comfort zone. I do not want to live small. I want to make an impact. I want to show up, reach, and learn. I want to inspire others to do the same. I want to seek out adventure and live more intentionally. I want to live big!
As I write this now I see that my secondary word fits in perfectly with "daring greatly". This word is "gather". Deep in my heart I feel a call to gather in person with women. To break bread, share stories, allow ourselves to be seen. Shifts happen when women come together. Hearts open, love pours fourth, and we are able to see our inner beauty and learn how to shine our light.
I know deep in my heart that this type of work is powerful, necessary, and life changing. When we learn to love who we are and take time to work through our old stories and inner daemons the world opens up to us. Our heart shifts, happiness flows through, and we learn how to seek out the good and appreciate the moments.
In order to lead a gathering I need to dare greatly and take the risk. I need to put it out there and trust that individuals will be called to it. I need to be willing to fail and open to the possibility that it could be better than I even expected. I must take the chance.
I have never chosen two separate words as my word of the year, but there is no reason why I can't. So I am jumping in and going for it. This year my words are:
How about you? Do you choose a word each year? If so, what is it? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
With a new year in front of us and 365 days to write a brand new story I have chosen another word to tuck into my pocket and carry around with me this year. In 2014 my word was BUILD. As I reflect back on all that has happened I can see from a vantage point how deeply that word showed up in my life day after day.
A finished masterpiece does not occur with the wave of a magic wand. It takes time to put each piece together and figure out your next steps. You must show up and do the work. It will not always be easy, and there will be times that you will fall off course but little by little it will come together and you will be amazed and delighted at your progress.
One of the biggest lessons I learned this year was --- show up, just show up.
When you show up you are able to build the most amazing things like a stronger body, a thriving mind, a creative spirit, deeper friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. You will be able to do things you never thought you could like run a marathon and teach a class at SQUAM. You will feel your life coming together one moment at a time.
For 2015 the word that spoke most to me is CONNECTION.
Connection to me feels and looks like:
For 2015 I am inviting more connection into my life. Opening up my hands and my heart to the possibility of what that may be. I am ready to dig deeper and throw open the door of my heart.
What about you? Have you chosen a word for 2015?
My previous years words were:
2014 - Build
2013 - All the Cards on the Table
2012 - Soar
2011 - Love
2010 - Connect
2009 - Wings
open your heart & share your story
Hello I'm Jennifer! A writer, podcaster and heart-centered guide. I believe in the power of the written word and am here to guide you in opening your heart.
