Touchstone

A few years ago I started incorporating a touchstone word into my annual goals for the new year. In 2008, the word I chose was "focus." I used that year to make sure my focus was on others, rather than myself. By the end of the year, I was working three volunteer jobs and donating items and money to several others. That was the first year in all the years I've worked at this company that I had that amount of time to give and it felt great to spend time not focused on my day job. I'm sure those agencies benefitted from what I gave but not nearly as much as I did from what I received. 

In 2009, I chose the word "realize." That was the year I determined the distance between what I am and what I am to become. I identified the steps I needed to take to realize my dreams and in doing so, realized my worth and potential. That was a pivotal year. 

Last year, my touchstone word was "brave." I had absolutely no idea how often or how desperately I would cling to that word over the last twelve months. When I chose the word, I thought I would need it because I was planning on moving out of the country, building a life with someone and experiencing a multitude of cultural and personal changes. I didn't know I would need that word because my heart and dreams were going to be shattered, or because I was going to find myself on the side of a cliff with only two frightening ways to get down, or because my house and personal belongings were going to be violated by a burglar, and as a result of that, every time I closed my eyes or took a shower, I imagined someone climbing in a window and I ended up shaking with fear. How could I have known? 

I don't know what I would have done without that word to come back to, time and time again. "Debra, you are brave. You can do this. You are brave." I've had to utter that phrase so many times this year, I don't even think about it anymore. It just comes, like a mantra, to my lips. Thankfully.

I've not chosen my word for 2011 yet but knowing how powerful and impactful my words have become, I never make this decision lightly. In fact, I'm not sure I make the decision at all, but rather, the word finds me. It flashes in my mind and I know. I just know. 

If I had my way, the word would be "love." Wouldn't that be amazing, to have a year that unexpected and life-changing love found me? We will see... 

Comments

[jodes22]

Make your word love. As you've discovered from years past, only good things can come of it...

Have a beautiful Christmas and a year filled with love.

[@SantaDearest]

You are about so much more than shoes.

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