New Year. Fresh Start.
Several years ago, at a gathering, some of my friends discussed what word they wanted to symbolize their goals and aspirations for the coming year. I thought this was a great idea, always liking the mental exercise of playing with various possibilities.
Picking a word for the year is like picking the clothes for the first day of school. Or the serendipity of seeing an old friend after a long time in the same restaurant. It should be a Goldilocks word. Neither too big, and certainly not top small. Ripe with potential and promise. But not life or death.
Last year, my word was BOLD. And that was what I wanted to change from 2015. I wanted to shake off some of stick-in-the-mud habits and routines that had been following me for a few years. Looking back on 2016, I did have moments of BOLDness. I bought a spiffy new car. I tried new things in my writing organization. I finished a novella that was important to my heart. I accomplished major financial goals. I continued with my schooling.
I got out of my own way.
I think my word for 2017 is STRETCH.
I not only want to stay out of my own way, I want to challenge myself. How to expand that novella into the full-length story it deserves? How many classes can I take to fulfill the degree requirements? Six? Eight? Can I use my subway time to study? Both ways? Can I break out of my shell and find more groups of likeminded people to write with, to travel with? Stay in touch with distant family and friends, finding face to face time? Once I squeeze 20 minutes a day to work out, can I make it 25 minutes? 30?
Having moments of BOLDness taught me possibilities. In 2017, I seek moments of STRETCHiness to extend the life lessons. Stretchiness to keep my world expanding instead of contracting.
What are your New Year’s rituals?
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