For the last few years I have picked a 'word for the year'. The word for this last year has been flourish and I have enjoyed contemplating what it really means to flourish. This contemplation has led to thoughts about resilience, knowing myself, tending to the roots, storing up for the lean days, and rising above circumstances. It has been enlightening.
In previous years I've had the words grow, stretch, then flourish. So what comes after flourish? I thought about this over Christmas. Several words popped up, but none of them seemed to encompass what I was feeling. Words like persist, remain, abide. They all held aspects of the word that was on the tip of my brain, but they just weren't it.
Then continue came along. And it sits well. It holds aspects of remaining and abiding by persisting and persevering. It also includes journey and movement and growth, along with starting up again with something that was interrupted.
If faith is 'a long obedience in the same direction' (Eugene Peterson) then continue seems like a good word to sit with for a year.
Choosing a word to contemplate for the year seems to be an inspirational alternative to the habit of making New Year's Resolutions. I enjoy making a list of resolutions, but I realize my list is more like a list of intentions or a bucket list for the year. I'm wondering about sitting with a word for the year, but have not, so far, tried it. You have inspired me to think about this. I wonder what word I could choose....?
ReplyDeleteA strong word, Tracy, and one filled with infinite possibility!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great word! Looking forward to what 2016 will become!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're on the right track and you want to follow it. The chevrons were my symbol for last year with the word 'progress', implying 'change'. Quite different in meaning to yours. Continue means you're happy with your path, whereas I was looking for change. Then life taught me to be careful what I wished for!
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