One Word

My word came to me pretty easily.  I blogged about it before, actually –but it
was before the word and I were officially going steady.

A number of bloggers talked about picking a word to focus on
for the year.  For Christine, it was “Intention.”  For Alison, it was “Do.”  

Their posts encouraged me to take a word and make it mine.

 
Fire 2

(Of course, the word
is now Sharpie tattooed on my belly).

In lieu of a new year’s resolution, I like the idea of using
a word to guide us.  In yoga, we use
mantras, sounds that we repeat to help with concentration in meditation.  They are also words that are considered capable
of creating transformation.

I wanted a mantra. 
Something I could repeat to myself daily – to stay focused on the
important things.

And that’s another reason why I like the “one word” approach
over the resolution.

Losing those ten pounds may help us feel more comfortable in
our own skin, but it won’t help us feel more comfortable in our own soul.

Sustainable change   -
change for the sake of those “important things,” comes slowly.

There’ a lot of talk in yoga about fire.  Known as “Agni” (which also refers to the
Hindu god of fire), Agni/fire have a broad spectrum of meaning, but is known
for its creative energy and its transformational powers.  Sometimes, fire is discussed in relation to
our passions, our in particular, our passion for the practice of life.

The “Fierce” in Fierce Diva is really about fire.  It’s about finding passion in the things we
do. 

If you can’t find passion in those things, then maybe it’s
time to find something else to do.

What do you need to change this year?  What word will you choose to help guide you?

 

Comments

One Word — 26 Comments

  1. My word is commit. I love using it as a one word mantra when I want to flake on something I’ve started. It motivates me to push through fear, pain, exhaustion, etc.

  2. That is my word as well! When it hit me, it really hit. The description about wanting to flake out is too familiar. 🙁
    I now have a quote from Darren Hardy on my computer: Commitment is doing the thing you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.
    Love your word, Ilene. I look forward to you using it to blaze a path forward!

  3. I love your word. It’s perfect. Perfect timing to because I’m starting to read this book called the Fire Starter Sessions which is all about finding and cultivating our inner fire and committing to those passions. That’s what I INTEND to do more of this year. xox

  4. Fire is perfect for you! Love it! I’ll throw away control and mistrust of myself and take trust and bigness for 2013! And let’s throw in big heaping hunks of joy and fun for good measure!

  5. I LOVE this word. To me, fire means passion and strength. Taking control and not giving up. You go, Ilene!
    I haven’t chosen a word. It’s hard to pick just one! It might just simply be Write since my aim is to write for Me this year.

  6. I think your word is perfection. I am still thinking. I think mine will be shine. I let things get dark last year and I need to focus on the things that shine in my life and also feel confident to follow my dreams and allow myself to embrace my passions, like writing, an activity that makes me shine from inside out and fills me with joy.
    I dig that.
    Go you.
    Kiran

  7. wow. Awesome. 🙂
    I need to think about my word. Maybe “embrace.” Embrace change. Embrace opportunity. Embrace my kids, and myself. (Turning it over in my mind a bit.) 😉

  8. I love Embrace because it is opening us up to what’s around us. You have probably heard what my favorite yoga teacher has said before – his definition of yoga – it’s gaining the awareness to know when the great things are happening. I would like to think there are great things out there for all of us – that we just need to become more aware of. Here is to embracing your great things, Justine!

  9. Oh, I think this is definitely a perfect word for you!
    Good luck, you will have a great year!
    (and thank you for the shout out)

  10. My word for the year is “Spirit” I want to have the spirit and uplifting mood in everything this year. But I want to find myself in that spiritual way as well.