my word {2011}

I've been doing a great deal of thinking about my word.

My word of the year.

Last fall I wrote about my word for 2010.

I find it fascinating, and humbling, to get myself to one word.

One that will become a meditation, a mantra, a prayer.

I had a word all picked out earlier this week.  Had a blog post all written about the word.

Then changed my mind.  (Hmmm, maybe my word needs to be uncertain?)

So I saved the blog post as a draft and have continued brainstorming words.

This seems like an important year for me.  I've given myself something of a time frame to be intentionally reflective.  Intentionally forward moving.  Intentionally becoming.  Becoming the woman I am intended to be.

Not that I am not who I am right now.  I am.  I am the me of this particular time in my life, but I also recognize that as a Mama, a professional, a wife that it is easy to be so busy busy busy in each of these roles that the role of self doesn't take the time to be still.

Be still.

Be quiet.

Listen to the heart.

Oh, and most importantly, then heed the heart.

So this year's word seems like a rather important one, don't you think?

My sister recently gave me this small stone with this wonderful little quote from Rumi.  I have it on my kitchen window sill so I can see it many times a day.  (After all, I am at the sink, washing dishes many times a day.)

I believe in many ways this quote moves me towards, and through, the year ahead.  It gives me courage and encouragement.

Wondering what word I have finally chosen?  Well, I haven't quite yet.

I've considered many.

I am most considering either the word purpose or the word meaning.  I like them both.

But just as I will give my inner self time and quiet this year, I am also giving my word a wee bit of space.  So I will let you know when my word is chosen.  After all, like last year, I will have to create something that bears my word, and that creation will surely be shared here.

What word would you choose for yourself?