One Little Word ~ courage

I love this time of year. New beginnings, a fresh start. I especially like this quote I read in the current issue of Whole Living magazine.

"The new year isn't a do-over; it's an opportunity to take your next big step."

With that in mind I completed the free workbook from Susannah Conway, Unraveling the Year Ahead 2012. You can download a copy here. It's a great exercise to close the door on 2011, to remember the highlights and lessons, and let go of all the rest. And then to focus on the year ahead, to choose a word for 2012, to imagine how that word can guide you, where it can take you.

In 2010 I chose the word Dream. And I began to dream big, really big, scary big. And you know what? Many of those dreams came true. One of my biggest dreams was to be featured in Artful Blogging magazine. And in February of 2011 it came true. I am such a believer in dreaming, no matter how out of reach your dreams may feel, there is a power to them.

In 2011 I chose the word Believe. It was to remind myself to believe in my dreams, to believe in myself and my ability to accomplish what I could dream. I dreamed a bucket-list kind of dream last year, and it took working for most of the year to accomplish it. There were times I was tired of the work, resentful of the amount of time necessary for the work, and just downright scared of failing. But, I continued to believe in myself, that I could indeed do whatever I set my mind to. Oh, it didn't come easily, but it was so sweet when I accomplished it. I finished a full marathon in October, and I have a finisher's medal to show for it.

For 2012 my One Little Word is Courage.

cour· age \ mental or moral strength enabling one to venture, persevere, and withstand fear or difficulty firmly and resolutely; confidence that encourages and sustains; implies firmness of spirit; determination to achieve one's end; brave

{I made myself this pendant as a reminder to carry with me. The back reads:  courage \ confidence that encourages and sustains}

I again have a list of dreams and goals for this year. I am counting on my OLW to give me the courage to dream, to believe and to work toward my goals. It can feel downright scary to attempt such lofty, seemingly unattainable projects. And the fear of failure can keep me from beginning the work.

When I ran the marathon, I treated myself to a pendant for finishing, on one side it reads: twenty-six point two, the other side reads: The Courage to start. Strength to endure. Resolve to finish.

This year I plan to work through the fear, to have the courage to begin, the resolve to finish. Have you chosen your OLW for 2012? I'd love to know what it is.

Cheers to 2012 I hope it's your best year yet.

xo

maureen

If you would like a banner of your OLW, like mine at the top of this post, check out my Etsy shop to order yours.

More information about  the idea of One Little Word, can be found at Ali Edwards' blog here.

I'm also linking up at The Lettered Cottage, where you can read more about One Little Word.