Monday, January 5, 2015

one word for 2015


brave: 1) possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance; not cowardly or timid 2) a brave person; a warrior 3) to meet or face courageously; to defy, challenge, dare

synonyms include: audacious, bold, confident, daring, fearless, gallant, gutsy, heroic, intrepid, reckless, resolute, spirited, valiant

German translation: mutig



 This year I want to do things that scare me. Take risks. Love courageously. And be brave.

I have big BIG goals for this year- both personally and creatively. Some are goals we will work towards together (Waldi & I) and some are goals I will share and chronicle here on the blog. But all are goals that scare me a little (or a lot!) 

Growing up, and even over the past few years, my Dad has often said to me when I had to do something hard "I raised you to be brave". And it's true. I know it and I feel it too. Somehow, in the past, hearing these words from him would give me enough courage to step into the task I was faced with. It didn't eliminate my fear but it somehow made it possible for me to move forward anyhow.

SO. This year I want to intentionally embrace this word for my life. I want to risk something everyday. Do something courageous that feels too big, or beyond my grasp or just really really scares me. Whether it's wearing red lipstick, finally publishing the blog post that's been hibernating in my drafts for months, or daring to share my time, money, home and love with those around me. 

I've got my lists- both big picture and monthly to keep me on track. And I will also be using this daily goal tracker from Elise. Now, I'm not expecting that I'll fill in every day (I'm a firm believer that we all need a few days spent cozily in our comfort zones) but I'm hoping that when I look back on this year, the chart will tell a story of how I embraced this word. How I courageously reached for my goals, risked love and braved generosity. 

If you've chosen a word for the year, I'd love to hear about it!

2 comments:

  1. Great word! Wasn't it Eleanor Roosevelt who said something along the lines of "do something everyday that scares you." And another (maybe from O'Keefe or some other artist?) goes: "I've been terrified everyday of my life but it hasn't keep me from doing what I want to do." Often the biggest rewards follow an act of bravery. I wish you lots of luck with your word this year!

    I envy those of you who can choose one word like this. I don't think I could narrow it down like that. The overall theme of my year is to learn how to work smarter, not harder and make sincere changes, even if they are scary. And learn and grow. See? I can't pick just one! ;)

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    1. Thanks Liesl! Those are both really great quotes- I'd heard the Eleanor Roosevelt one before, but the other is new for me, I'll be sure to write it down for future reference :)
      It's certainly a challenge to pick just one word, which is why I always end up setting goals in addition to my one word. Sometimes the word I choose fits perfectly, and I really connect with it over the year. Other times it really hasn't worked out that way. But I try to hold it loosely and not take myself too seriously ;)
      Your themes for your year sound great- challenging but absolutely things worth learning and doing! Wish you all the best as you chase after them.

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