"Have you chosen a word of the year for yourself for 2017? What is it? If not, what words would you consider?"
A couple of years ago I set an intention for the year. I don't recall what it was. I might have done it at the beginning of 2016, but unless I wrote it in my journal (which I'm too lazy to get up and retrieve from its shelf), I don't recall that either. Maybe a word, one simple word, will be easier than a full on intention.
What words would I consider for 2017?
Hope comes to mind first. I think we are going to need it. I think we will need to remind ourselves that somewhere ahead of us in this dark tunnel is a light. I think we will need to remember that there is an generation coming up whose values are more progressive and open than any before. We will make progress.
Work. Work because there is going to be so much of it that must be done. I expect difficult times; that we will need to take a stand over and over and over again. I expect moments of exhaustion, but the work will be done because there really isn't any other option.
Community. Do I need to explain this one? I can say this for the election results, it has brought people together. I have seen and experienced friends reaching out to each other in concrete ways (you know, beyond the usual social media likes and virtual hugs). I sent of a few dozen holiday cards this week, something I've not done in years, because I wanted to connect in a more real way. We will need to continue to come together, to support one another, and to love one another.
Finally, I'd pick joy, because even in the toughest of times we need to celebrate the high moments. We need to share cake on birthdays, spontaneous picnics and potluck dinners (yes, my joy often involves food). Even gloomy old me has to smile once in a while.
Hope. Work. Community. Joy.
There are my words for 2017. Somehow I think this coming year's words will be more difficult to forget.
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