Wow. So this is fun. I love reading posts from past years and seeing I’ve learned my lesson…
Every year around this time I say, “It’s going to be different.” Well, gentle readers, it’s not. It’s quite the same. Which is to say, I let myself get caught up in a shitstorm of stress and overwhelm by choosing others instead of myself, by over-committing, by working too hard on things that don’t bring fulfillment or happiness, by helping everyone but me.
So, last year, my One Word for 2018 was: Self.
It was a good choice. It worked. Some of the time. Not as often as I’d hoped.
The year before that, my One Word for 2017 was Accept. I did not accept anything. I sort of UN-accepted pretty much everything. I faltered. Failed. Moved on.
And…here I go again. Another year, another word, another promise. Despite everything, I really do believe in the power of focus words (and in the power of me not failing). Success to me and my One Word!
It’s difficult choosing just one word when we writers love language the way we do, but, unlike past years, it wasn’t too bad this time. I’ll say right up front, I did shop around for synonyms because it’s not a pretty word but, eh, what the hell. Here it is, my friends:
MOVE
As I said, not the most beautiful word but, seriously, check this out:
move
/mo͞ov/
verb
- go in a specified direction or manner; change position.
proceed, progress, advance
Proceed? Advance? Count me in.
- change or cause to change from one state, opinion, sphere, or activity to another.
change, shift one’s ground, change one’s tune
Changing opinion/activity as we speak (or, read, whatever). Already whistling another tune, my friends. Done.
- take action, act, take steps, do something
inspire, prompt, motivate
“she was moved to act”
Dude, just reading this makes me want to DO SOMETHING. Watch me take action. I am motivated! I am moved to act!
- provoke a strong feeling, especially of sorrow or sympathy, in.
stir up (an emotion) in someone
affect, touch, upset, disturb, make an impression on
“I was deeply moved by the story”
This. Yes. This is what I hope to accomplish with my writing so I’m keeping this one in here. I would love to provoke strong feelings in readers. Affect people. Even upset or disturb them with my stories. It’s all good as long as it makes an impression.
- make progress; develop in a particular manner or direction.
make progress, advance, develop
I’m marching here. I am. Advancing. Stepping ALL OVER the enemies: self-doubt, imposter syndrome, procrastination, stress, overwhelm… I am making progress!
I’m moving. And 2019 will see another book from me. (Preferably two.) Here’s to moving, my friends! ❤
Have you ever taken part in the One Word Challenge?
If you haven’t, why not try it? Or think on it a moment and leave one in the comments. What could your focus be this year? I’d love to hear what your One Word is for 2019.
Lemon Shark 