Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do ...
Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

A Word!

A common practice in blog-land (and other places I discovered) is to pick a single word to describe the intent or focus for the coming year.

I have enjoyed reading some of these posts and recognized some repeating themes - especially if you have watched from the side lines for years like I have done.  Some popular ideas are Peace, Simplicity, Nourish, Downsize, Joy, Family, Organize, Love, and Happiness.

Did I ever pick a "word" for myself?  Never.  I always thought it was a good idea, but I never seemed to have the energy to sum up my life for a year into a simple single thought - and keep that as my focus.

But as I look back over the last decade - one word does seem to pop into my mind without any effort now.  It is more of an after thought, but very true.

Survive.

Funny, in all the years I watched others select a word for their coming year, never once did I read 'survive' as a word for the future.  I guess 'survive' mostly becomes evident after you do it.  And I did do it.  I survived a long caregiving experience despite some pretty significant set backs that had nothing to do with mom.  Sometimes you just don't know what you are capable of doing (and surviving) until you get through it.

But what about 2016!

You know ... I am thinking this is the year I just might pick a word.  When I started thinking about it around the New Year I bounced around all the typical words I had heard before.  Who doesn't want 'peace' in their lives?  And God knows, I have strived for 'simplicity' and 'downsize' for two years!  I am big on 'family.'  Family and eldercare ... well, that is like putting your money where your mouth is.  On and on, my brain rolled those words around and around.  Nothing seemed to fit this coming year.

Then it came to me.  I have a word.  It fits perfectly with my current focus.

I am 68 and I feel the weight of my accumulating years as well as the impact of past emotional stress.  I know that action always makes me feel better - even though I struggle with consistency in exercise.  My word should be an action word.  'Action' seems to slip out of the vocabulary of many older adults.  And from what I have seen, 'sedentary' is a killer.

My 2016 word is:

MOVE

All righty!  Got the word.  Now let's see just where it goes!  Or rather, just where I go!

Do you have a word for 2016?
I'd love to hear it if you do.
 



8 comments:

Paula said...

I do have a word. It is Forward!! I am 'moving' forward. I like your word. It has a lot of action to it! I am wishing you all the best with moving this year!!

Michelle said...

I don't have a word, but I like yours!

Retired Knitter said...

Thanks Paula. We are both 'moving forward.' I really feel better when I move. Although I like to sit, and all my past times involve sitting, when I do that too long, I don't move very well. The world seems to stiffen up. I sure miss the years when you didn't have to worry about such mundane things like moving, or drinking enough water, or eating healthy ... youth really is wasted on the young!

Retired Knitter said...

Hi Michelle. Thanks. I suspect with your life style - and all the animals that depend on you - you don't have any choice. Movement is a fact of life! Don't let it go. Once you stop moving, it is darn hard to get going again. cheers.

Una said...

I suppose my word might be CALM. I had a lot of worry and stress last year. But this year, I am heading into calmer waters.

Lois@Living In Denim said...

I can see why you didn't realize your word was survive for all those years. When we are in the midst of making it through one day at a time, or sometimes one minute to the next, there is very little time for reflection.

After everything the last few years has thrown at you I think your word Move is perfect for you because it shows you are putting the focus this year on you and nothing but you and your well being.

Anonymous said...

That's a good one.

Terra said...

Move is a great word for you, and I picked blossom for me.