At the start of 2015, many of us identified “One Word” we hoped to work toward, live up to, embody, strive toward and more… Here are a few of our reflections (along with, maybe, our new word for 2016)…!
Jessica shared, “My word for 2015 was “creativity.” I’ve been conscious of my need to create & the joy I get from drawing, doodling, painting, and more this year. Each morning I try to begin my day with drawing something, doodling, or what have you. It really helps me to ground me in my day. If I can’t do that first thing in the morning, I’ve been making sure to do something creative throughout the day overall… or evenat the very end of the day. My word has absolutely kept me in a state of presence and gratitude. Creativity has lead me to reclaiming joy! 2016 will be my year (and word) of JOY!”
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Julie’s word for 2015 was determination!
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Rosa shared, “…dance! It’s for the actual activity that I want to do more of but it’s also the metaphorical meaning of “dancing” — meaning flexibility, impermanence, joy, lightness, etc. …(I) have certainly held this mantra all year…. & boy, has it fit & taken me on many extraordinary adventures!!! Throughout 2015 I feel I have “danced” with so many new and interesting people, travelled to several exotic locations to literally dance & help others dance, & have looked for ways to bend & be more flexible as life sometimes happens. The lovely blend of real dancing & the idea of dancing has clearly been a theme for me this year, & has pulled me back into my youth as well as pushed me forward into more of the now me. I have visualized a need to sway more, jitterbug, or even samba through situations. I have also needed to pick up my pace, do a stomp, take the lead, & more importantly / more often lean into my partners more to go with their rhythm (admittedly, not always easy for me). I have connected with an amazing jazz musician who learned of my love of tap dancing & has asked me to dance with him on a few occasions. And I now have a very colorful tutu that I ran 2 5k races in! As to 2016, the word that keeps coming to me in many ways & from many sources is wholeness. This represents to me a desire to go deeper & to find connections with various threads in my life, to better connect my many selves, & to find within me other ways to grow in fullness & oneness.”
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Nancy Jo writes, “My word is helpful this year (2015)”
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Stacey shares, “…I believe my word is commitment! I found at times, I wasn’t sure about something so I said to myself just make a decision to commit to it and own it. …Or keeping a commitment to someone or self. It was about a lot of things…making and reaching goals, personal and professional. …Going places, Doing things, Seeing people, What clothes to wear, and so forth…make a decision no matter what and commit to it.
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Michelle writes, “My One Word for the year has been “give.” I had grand plans of “giving” in different ways each week, but life took me in a different direction! Instead of quick “gives,” they turned out to be much more thoughtful, some very involved and time intensive, some required giving of myself in ways I have never done before! The year has opened not only my eyes but also my heart to the real meaning of “giving.”
Next year’s word: Pause — My new word is “pause,” and has two meanings for me. One is to stop before taking action, to think, process, and make good decisions. The second is to pause and observe the wonders around me and enjoy moments and create new memories, using all of my senses and abilities.”
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