Last year I chose two -- hygge and action. I lived the hygge life, embracing cozy, while trying to be more proactive, respond to political issues, standing up instead of letting things pass by on which I have an opinion. Doing. And for the most part, I did really well (especially with the hygge part!)
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| How many times in our life are we told not to "stand up"? |
I realized there are a lot of words I want to live by -- joy, compassion, kindness, strength. I also realized that I pretty much try to do that as is. No need for it to be the word of the year.
What I really need to do is "extend" myself, get out of my cocoon. Dig deeper, learn more. Do more. Yet I also find myself procrastinating, doing it "later" instead of "Now."
So, once again, I will try to marry those words -- Extend and Now. Actually, these are a bit more on the same theme than last year's. I will listen, try to extend my thoughts and then act in a timely way.
My goal this year is to take a few more chance, to work a little harder to become a better painter, to not put things off that really should be done -- rotate the tires, call for the free home energy assessment, clean the litterbox (which I just realized I forgot to do yesterday), travel farther, read deeper.
We'll see how that goes!
Sounds good. I chose "act" or "action" this year as last year's word was "rest" and this year I need to get some things done ;-) Good luck with your new themes.
ReplyDeleteHello, love the images and post. It is good to have goals. Getting out of the cocoon is what I need to do. But, it feels so cozy and safe. I wish I had more money to travel farther. Good luck with your goals. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend!
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ReplyDeleteI am sure you will make your words resonate:)
:)
I am sure..
I wish you a wonderful time as you 'do more' of all the things you wish to explore further. I find companion words have a lot to teach us. It sounds like your last years word served you well.
ReplyDeleteLovely day to you.
I hope your chosen words/ideas will inspire and accompany you through the year. Have fun. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteThose are good choices. I feel similar in some ways. I want to expand what I do to make it more meaningful. So I get what you are saying. By the way- have started a book called the Year of Living Danishly which talks about Hygge and the Danish lifestyle. Written by an English woman who moved there. It's quite funny in parts but now I think I really know what hygge is. I think if I tried to be more hygge the last 2 years of work would be difficult for me. Ha-ha! Happy weekend. Hope it is not too bitter cold in Michigan. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteOh but wanted to mentioned that according to this book and your posts, I agree, I think you have mastered hygge!
ReplyDelete"hygge"
ReplyDelete:) It is a wonderful thing.
"read deeper"
Ooh! I like that!
Happy New Year and happy new words, Jeanie.
Blessings,
Sandi
I like the thought you put into your new words. I'm still trying to figure out what I want/need from 2018. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThese are good words to live by. I used to choose a word or two for the year, but I don't do that anymore. But I certainly want to be certain things, and they are pretty much continuous - kind, compassionate, a good mother, wife and friend. That's always important to me. But what I want to put my focus on is "decluttering my life". After I had seen what I chose to take with me in case we had to evacuate during the fires I realized that I can get rid of many things I currently own. I've already started and it is extremely freeing. (Can you imagine that I took my knitting stuff with me? That is obviously very important for me.)
ReplyDeleteLove this thought-provoking post....
ReplyDeletemy 2018 word is DETERMINATION
with my sweetheart no longer here by me, I am having to learn to do a lot of things that he did for me. I am such a wus...and if I can't do it the first time I tend to want to give up on it. well, I am DETERMINED to do things outside mt comfort zone, even if I have to do it 15 times before it works.
Good luck to both of us on our chosen '18 words.
Love to you, Jeanie
from another Jeanie
Well, I think it's a great idea! I haven't chose just one word, but just always try to do better, work harder, and be kinder. :)
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I like how you decided to not use the same word a second year, and I DO like your ideas on extend now. Not just words, but a great concept, too. My word for 2018 is concentrate, something I didn't do a whole lot of last year. I guess the word chose me as much as I chose it. I look forward to seeing you put your words into action.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty picture of the clouds!--and I love the frog/salamander? and the sun faces on the fence! (yourfence?) Ya know....I've never done that "pick a word" each new year but I like reading about those who do!!It's so hard to believe that another year has already passed us by isn't it? Time used to drag on so when I was young....now it just seems to be racing by!
ReplyDeleteMy word came to ME. I didn't seek it, since I'm not one to decide that January 1st is a magical time or day....but, a word came to me and spoke so loudly in the silence of my thoughts: SURPRISE.
ReplyDeleteThat word to me in this context of "Word of the Year" means, WHAT will I do that will surprise even me? Based on what someone famous once said (Eleanor Roosevelt, I wonder), "Do something each day that surprises you", I decided that I wanted to continue more INTENTIONALLY, to do things out of my comfort zone, or rather, to pursue things out of my comfort zone. I'm always surprised at what my colleagues accomplish. I'm always surprised at what my students learn or attempt to achieve. But when was the last time I did something like what I did just 20 years ago like, learn the harp and play it rather well, teach myself a second language, go to university, get my degrees, become a teacher of that language, and teach in one of the most rigorous learning environments? I think my "surprise" is now reserved for a more personal goal: to write, to compile a collection of photos and quotes, and to do it so well, that I surprise even myself.
Let's see what good surprises issue out of this ordinary life.
P.S., I just got another thought: this will be the biggest surprise of them all, but, will I react in a more dignified manner toward certain people who mistreat me...now there's a challenge. FORGE AHEAD!
ReplyDeleteI've never picked a word for a year. For whatever reason, it feels limiting to me. But when Bellezza was picking her word this year, it suddenly came to me: if I were to pick a word, it would be "Freedom."
ReplyDeleteOf course, that would include the freedom to change my word-of-the-year every month if I felt like it!
Love your words for the year Jeanie! My word for this year is "Warrior." I am going to fight to and conquer all the things I have been lugging around which I allow to weigh me down. Relationships, belongings, etc. If it is not bringing me joy and lifting me up, this warrior is going to try hard to get rid! xoxo
ReplyDeleteGood word choices. I like the depth that "extend" implies and I like the action of "now."
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will do well with this year's choice as you did last year. I have't given this thought but having read your post several words would be appropriate for me at this time. I need to "let go" (I know, two words) of baggage this year. From organizing to cutting out anything stressful. Now I need the "courage" to do it! Good choice for you Jeanie...........
ReplyDeleteWhat an uplifting post, Jeanie! I love picking a word to try to live by for the year.
ReplyDeleteNice choice Jeanie! As you know I am working on generating a joy filled life through following various pathways that I have let go of, for what I considered at the time a better choice for the family. My husband and I long daily for a joy filled life in the mountains...big step. Let's see if we can take the plunge!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I admire your creativity and zest for life so much! Doesn't the new year feel so good with its clean slate? Can't wait what you do this year that will in turn inspire me. ;)
ReplyDeleteI like taking the time during this change of season (so to speak) to refocus. I admire your commitmemt to hygge and joy and compassion, but the word 'extend' is great. Its kind of like my intention... experiment, do and learn new.. I look forward to sharing the journey.. I especially look forward to seeing your art grow more (as it has over the years). Heres to 2018 and the new...
ReplyDeleteGood words and intentions, hope you can accomplish all you set out for this year Jeannie.
ReplyDeleteMy worlds should be "organize", "organize", "organize" and then "relax"!
I love the words you chose! I'm looking forward to seeing how you put them into action. I'm glad that you mastered hygge! It's so important for us to take care of ourselves and gives ourselves time to just 'be'. One of my friends reminded me one that we are human 'be'ings, not human 'do'ings. I need that reminder from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI didn't set a word for the year, but if I did it would probably be something like 'present'. I want to be present in each moment and in each stage that our baby will go through once he or she is born. I'm such a planner that I'm often thinking ahead to the next project or decision, etc. But I know that time with our little one will fly so I want to try to be as present as I can!
Great goals. You are the featured blogger this week at Keep In Touch. I hope you accomplish all that you set out to do.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your words. I love hearing the words people choose for the beginning of a new year. They do make an impact. My word from last year still seems to be popping up, but the new words are coming into view also. I love watching it happen. Maybe one year I need to choose hygge, I like that word.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued so I'll have to go back and read more of your older posts this past year. Thanks for dropping by recently.
ReplyDeleteHope today has been a pleasant and productive one.
ReplyDeleteHow is your lip?
I love your words, Jeanie! I never thought of picking two, but sometimes I have trouble picking even one. My word was a no brainer this year for me. I hope your words will guide you well, my friend!
ReplyDeleteYou did GREAT with the HYGGE and ACTION last year, Jeanie--I salute you! :) Hygge can be an in-built part of our lives for always, if take the time to cultivat all that works best for us for a well-balanced life. I like your thought on expanding one's self--going deep, digging more... EXTEND and NOW are good as a segue from your focus last year. Good challenges! Looking forward to hearing/seeing your experiences are you go deep, my friend! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteOnce we introduce hygge into our lives there's no going back, it stays with us for always.
ReplyDeleteI've chosen a sentence not a word for 2018. "things can change". Not surprisingly they have already started to. Our trip to London in 2 weeks time to celebrate a family milestone which has been planned since October has had to be cancelled due to lack of dog sitter but we're rescheduling for March.It will be a different kind of gathering but we will be together and that's what's important.
Love & best wishes from Normandy.
I think "Now" is a good word for the new year, Jeanie. Living in the now is a good place to live, although I do cherish some memories of the past, and dream for the future. I love that colorful iguana on the fence, and that cloud picture is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are off to a good start this year.
~Sheri
Thank you Jeanie for your thought provoking post that makes me ponder a few things! I just want to enjoy each moment and see the beauty in the small things that makes our lives richer! I will be following your journey!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals! I try to live by the same ideas - although I have no trouble standing up and expressing myself.. lol..
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words on my blog - you've got a new follower as well.
Love.
ReplyDeleteWonderful goals, Jeanie... keep us posted how it goes. Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your words. I'm sure you'll embrace them as much as you did your words for last year.
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely extend hygge unless you've totally mastered it...or you could just do more field research. ;P
ReplyDeleteSo is your word going to be "extend" or are you still looking? I think it's a great goal myself...
Well, that should keep you out of mischief Jeanie for the next 12 months for sure - could the travel further extend to Bangkok, that would be awesome?!
ReplyDeleteHave a great year - may your tyres be whizzing round in a whirl of creativity!
Wren x