I don’t make resolutions. Resolutions make me feel less than and I don’t want to start the year feeling like a failure. In 2009, I discovered One Little Word as an alternative. I’ve been picking a word of the year since 2009. 

My word guides my year. I have an ongoing list…on my phone, in my notebook…and I’m always looking for potential words. I believe it’s important to find a word that will lead me to a new and wonderful place in my life. Words are important and meaningful to me and having one to guide me has proven very helpful. 

When I pick my word, I have a vision…a goal. In my head, I know what I’m hoping my word will accomplish for me. The best thing about the word of the year…it never goes where I think it will, but it always goes somewhere better. I trust this process and it works for me. 

Here’s a little history…

Usually, it takes awhile for me to pick my word. This year was different. I was sure of my word. I’d picked it early. I felt comfortable that I’d made a good choice…until I started reading a book by Dani Shapiro.

The book is Still Writing. Ironically, my original word of the year was going to be still. I was looking for peace and reflection during the craziness and busy-ness of life…but as I read these words by Dani Shapiro, I knew I was wrong. Another word was waiting for me:

“…the willingness to fall flat on our face again and again…” (p.179)

“When we set our  hopes for this life, we are staking our future on the contents of our own minds.” (p.179)

“There are no half measures when it comes to risk. Risk means that gut-wrenching feeling, having your heart in your throat, not knowing…not having a plan.” (p.179-180)

That’s my word. It scares me. It scares me SO MUCH! And that’s why I need this word. I know that I’ll carve out time to reflect and be still, but I often avoid taking risks. I’m a home body. I like routine. I like to know what’s expected…but life isn’t like that! I need to get out into the world and BE me!

Wow! I just looked up the definition of risk…it’s a downer.
from Merriam-Webster’s site:

risk:  possibility of loss or injury :  peril

2:  someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard

3 a :  the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract; also :  the degree of probability of such loss

It’s all about perspective. Possibility of loss…on the flip side is possibility of gain! Someone that’s a hazard…I’m looking at that as someone who is doing what needs to be done…for the good. Here’s a visual representation of  risk: