I’m running behind after being away from home for the past couple of weeks, but being on holiday didn’t prevent me from journaling about my word for the new year. Last year I was incredibly late with my Word of the Year, Evolve, which I did plenty of and continue to do so day after day. Not surprisingly, it took me awhile to settle on which word would best represent the challenges and achievements I hope to both tackle and overcome in 2010. After much consideration and jumping back and fourth between two or three choices, I finally decided Believe would be the most suitable.
When I think about all the things going on in my life and the world, Believe seemed like an obvious choice. In terms of having faith in something (in a non-religious manner), I know it is something that at one time or another, can be a struggle no matter who or what it involves. There are three subareas I recorded in my journal beneath my Word of the Year.
The World: I need to believe that the world will recover from it’s weakened state, and will offer some relief to all the suffering that has been on the rise.
Myself: I have been so fortunate and blessed this past year that I sometimes think it’s too good to be true. I therefore must believe in myself that I have worked very hard to get where I am, and that so long as I continue to do so the future is bright. Being your own worst critic clouds your confidence, and this is something that I always struggle with.
My Sister: This is perhaps the most important of all for me. In the past I have ‘adopted’ soldiers who are deployed mailing them cards, care packages, etc. It is so much easier to stay positive when a stranger is involved, but now that soldier has a face, and it is that of my sister. Now is the time to be strong for someone who already knows my weaknesses. I need to believe above all, that my sister will be healthy and safe until she can come home to us and be out of harms way.
Who knew one little word could carry so much weight and meaning? As the year progresses, I hope to do the same. I know things aren’t always served sunny-side-up, but sometimes all a person or situation needs to step out on the other side, is for you to believe they will.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i like that “believe” comes after “evolve.” evolve seems like change will take its natural course, and believe implies more faith, more hope.
thinking back, i switched from “evolve” to “believe” right before my life started to REALLY change.
i hope you find what you are looking for, and i hope all goes well with your sister.
Words are powerful, and can transform your life. Isn’t that why we write? I loved your description of your sister and believing for her.