Last year Ms Maxabella Loves threw down the challenge to her readers to live their years by a single word (rather than making resolutions that fall by the wayside by January 3.)
In 2012 that word for me was “No”.
And while that might sound a little negative, if you are anything like me (people pleaser, compulsive helper, likes to be liked) then you will have some idea of how easy it is to say “Yes” all the time. And then find yourself hopelessly over-extended All. The. Time. Which is what I used to do.
In the end, while I was far from perfect in 2012, I did an astounding job of living by the mantra Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should and saying “no” much more often than I said “yes”. And when I did say yes to stuff I shouldn’t have and found myself a little over-extended, instead of telling myself too sad, too bad Kelly, you’re committed now, I did the previously unthinkable. I pulled back.
And you know what? 2012 ended up being a truly magic year for me. The culmination of this magic year was finding myself exactly where I wanted to be for the first time ever in 35 years. Nothing more to strive for, no new summit to climb.
Of course, I had no idea how to cope with this situation and completely freaked out.
It was at this point that my lovely readers came to the rescue.
Karen said: It’s hard to sail when there’s no wind. Maybe you just need to wait for the right moment to know which direction you’ll head?
Rose said: You’re not “directionless”… maintaining current focus is big work
Both these girls made me realise that I just need to sit and float for a while. Focus on my current projects instead of fretting that I don’t have the next thing lined up.
Contrary to what I think, I have not come up against some kind of barrier; one that must be knocked down so I can see what the next big thing is. The ‘next thing’ will come along in its own time and fill my sails – but there is no rush.
So there’s my word for 2013.
Float.
What’s your word for 2013?
I love this Kel – I saw all the comments to your post and I agree the resolve to stick where you are at currently is harder than focussing on ‘what next’. I culled my expectations down to 5 manageable ones this year – none of them involve new ventures or new work just sitting back and working on what I’ve already established and spreading out sideways (Im hoping my ass doesnt follow)
My word is calm. Im going OK at Day 3…check back in on day 63 will you? x
Sarah recently blogged: What I know about resolutions
Heh!! I will make a note in my diary now to check in with you on Day 63
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Hi Kel, I think float is a brilliant word for you and I think 2013 will be another super year for you also. You have found your ‘self’ and that is a wonderful thing so enjoy floating and let the current take you where it will.
My word is present. And I’m already loving it!
Jodi Gibson recently blogged: Present every moment
Thank you Jodes!
And I love ‘present’ as a word. Even though I have to admit I have actually tried to live by that word in the past and kind of epic failed!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
And I’m sure you will do an awesome job of floating. What a great word for 2013.
Mine is FINISH, as in what I start.
Heh – well if one of the things you finish is your book, that will be so awesome. And if you need a beta reader – you know where to look!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Be careful what you wish for!
I’m only at the end of chapter three and I’ve already lost complete context and objectivity.
I have been told that apparently that is what first drafts are for
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Tremendous word and very apt for you right now as you enter another exciting phase in your life. Float … it even sounds good
Johanna recently blogged: Wineries in the Geographe Wine Region. Here’s a hidden gem likely to blow your socks off.
Thank you lovely Jo
I do really like all the connotations of the word float!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Mine is Adventure. The last few years have been so by the seat of our pants that life has been on hold. No more!
Vanessa recently blogged: January Link Up – Positivity
Ooh adventure! That sounds exciting! I can’t wait to read all about it in the coming months!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
What a lovely word! My dear friend, the incredible @loupardi has a word which we use in a similar meaning which is “marinate”.
For me this year, I’d like me word to be “action”. I feel like I’ve been sitting down for too long and would like to seize the day and get a move on!
Cheryl from BusiChic recently blogged: Comment on Handy Bits and Bobs to have at work by busichic
It’s so interesting that people seem to be either all about making something happen, or consolidating after a big year of making things happen!
But 2013 is going to be such an exciting year for you Cheryl – so much fun stuff in the works!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
my word for 2013 is Faith. faith in myself, my abilities, the universe, others.
I really like your interpretation of ‘faith’ Aroha because it means something completely different to me! I like yours best!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
What a cool word for 2013. I love it. My word is ‘onward’.
Cathy recently blogged: Royal Pavilion and Ice Rink
Ah ‘onward’ Nice
And loved the feature on you in Mindfood recently Cath! So cool!!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Very very inspiring. Such a great word. Almost like pausing now and not trying to anticipate the next event. I really do like that. Happy new year to you.
Vanessa recently blogged: Hello!
Definitely pausing Vanessa. It is a weird feeling for me … but as I get used to it, I am liking it!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Just perfect for you, Kel. And once Baby arrives, you’ll be happy to do just that! Mine is ‘grow’. I posted about it at http://www.lifeonplanetbaby.com/2013/01/my-hope-for-2013.html. J x
Jane recently blogged: My hope for 2013
Loved your GROW post Jane. As I said in my comment on your site – I have everything crossed that 2013 brings some smooth sailing your way … and plenty of growth!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
A great word for 2013 Kel particularly after last year’s No – which echoes a post I saw this morning – “I don’t have a bucket list but my fucket list is a mile long”! I’m continuing with my word for 2012 – Renaissance; however going into the High period for 2013. Happy New Year!
Ha ha Di – Fucket list!! I love that!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Float. Love it. Mine’s patience. Fingers crossed it magically arrives by the truckful!
Emily recently blogged: Childhood memories can be recast by new discoveries
Ah patience – I have tried to live by that word so many times but always I have to admit defeat. But … I will keep trying!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Float.. now I am jealous.. I want that word. It wouldn’t suit me this year but it is so something I could enjoy trying. I look forward to watching you float my sweet.
My word is Future and it is exciting x
Tessa recently blogged: 2013 : One Word
Your future is VERY exciting T! I cannot wait to see what you achieve in 2013!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
LOVE IT! I don’t necessarily do New Years resolutions, more like New Years rebooting, recalibrating, resetting. And I always, always, always have a word for the year. Last year was GRADUATE! This year is ‘SERVICE’ with all my endeavours. Making sure I’m coming from a place of service. I know it sounds a bit woo woo doesn’t it.
Float reminds me of the phrase –
Be Like Water – Effortless doing. Read that on Zen Habits I think.
Jana recently blogged: Inspiration Junkie ~ “You are Not Failing” Freedom Writers Quotes
I totally heart Zen Habits. And I love that your word is ‘service’ – I love woo woo
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Courage!
Miche recently blogged: How to Seal in Fragrance on a Steering Wheel
Go Miche!! Do you want to share what you need courage for?
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
I love the idea of a word to guide you through the year! I will have to put your previous word ‘No’ into action too, but I think that this year my word will be ‘Focus’ – keeping my eye on the projects at hand and not being distracted by too many BSOs – bright,shiny objects/opportunities!! Thank you for the inspiration! x
I have used ‘focus’ before Em. It is a HIGHLY effective word!! A bit like ‘keep your eye on the prize’!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Oh Kelly, what a fabulous post, and I love that you’re living your mantras. I felt all floaty even just reading this. Ummm, finding my word is harder for me, and I’ve chewed it over a bit. I have many goals this year, and they need focus and productivity, and energy. If I get all floppy and spend too much time faffing, I’ll never get there. So, I’m going to set myself the goal of trying to be all of these without losing the essence of what makes me tick. Which is a bit of floppiness and a lot of faff. So my word is focus – on my goals, on my tasks, on the opportunities and potential.
Thanks for the nudge – now back to your floating…
Lisa@Giving Back Girl recently blogged: It wouldn’t be Christmas….
LOL love your work Lise!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Oh Kel, not only do I love this post and what it represents, but am so inspired by all the comments too!
Its hard to say what my one word will be – my first instinct was “survive”, as with the new bub will coincide with the husband basically working 7 days a week for 7 months straight. But then I thought that might be a bit negative and defeat the purpose. So I am changing it to “persist” – it will help with the days that feel like I am all alone, the days I have to juggle new needs with old, the days I need to strive to achieve.
I’m off right now to print it out and put on my vision board
Donna Webeck recently blogged: Seachanging – 3 years on…
Oh wow! That is pretty bad timing there dear husband! But I have no doubt you will rise to the challenge Don. Maybe you could even use ‘rise’
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Mine would have to be ‘content’. To be happy, satisfied, thankful & grateful in every situation that presents itself in 2013.
I’d love to see that Em. From talking to you today you have made a great start
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …
Love your word Kel – fantastic! still catching up on blog reading time after our trip (extra hard with kids at home)
I was a rebel this year and switched to 3 words. This year for me is about create, connect and clean (not the kind of clean you think of but that is turning out to be a by product of other things developing anyway). I wrote about it too http://www.homelifesimplified.com.au/three-little-words/ I love the focus guiding words give me and then still set specific goals etc
Deb @ Home life simplified recently blogged: Home life simplified in 2013
Hee hee I love your rebelliousness. And I love your three words too – and how alliterative they are. They work beautifully I reckon!
Kelly Exeter recently blogged: One word for 2013 …