Monday, November 25, 2013

Change, change, change

Every year about this time, I start thinking about the year that is nearly over and the nice fresh year coming up. I think about what I wanted to accomplish, what I did accomplish, and what I didn't accomplish.

I think about the things I didn't know I would want to do, but ended up doing; I think about the things I thought I wanted do, but didn't end up doing. And then I start auditioning words to use as a touchstone for next year.

Last year's word was Joy. It was a good word, and the very fact that I still remember it is a good thing. Sometimes the words I choose lose me along the way; I thought they were words that would mean something to me for a whole year, but they're not.

Joy turned out to be inspiring, but sometimes it was a tough act to live up to.

In those hours where it seemed like I would never know it again, it was still there; reminding me that it was a goal, not a given. Sometimes joy has to be worked for; sometimes it has to be waited for. Sometimes it has to be believed in, even when it can't be seen. After working with it for nearly a year, I'm not going to be letting go of it. But I am ready to choose a new word, and this year the word has come early.

Change.

Unlike joy, it's a given, but it can also be a goal. This year, I plan to make it a goal; to change the things I can, and to accept the changes that I don't plan. I want to be open to change, even when it seems confusing or strange. I want to let go and see what comes instead of hanging on to the old ways of doing things, and, most of all, I want to embrace change with joy.

6 comments:

KipperCat said...

"Embracing Change with Joy." What a wonderful way to be. What I love about these words is that they seem to percolate in our unconscious and manifest themselves in our lives.

Carole said...

Cindy,

I think it's great that you could hold on to the concept of joy while going through the trials of this past year. I think maybe it might even have helped you a little bit. As for change - you're so right about it being a fact. It's gonna happen. I like the idea of choosing a word for the year. I once read a book where that was the key theme. I just might try it myself.

Unknown said...

This past years' word was one that I lost about February...
I like "change", I may have to use that too.
I tend to focus on the things I didn't get accomplished that I really, really wanted to, and to forget all the things I did. I'm thrilled that 'joy' stayed with you. I know my online jewelry relationships definitely brought me joy! Getting to interact with you, and all the rest of the talented artists out there has been such a thrill for me.

Sally Anderson said...

I also love the idea of embracing change with joy. I am going through a lot of changes in my health. But I keep trying to find the good, the positive. It is there and it sure helps! Here's to a joyous, changeful 2014 for you, Cindy.

Cindy said...

Beautiful idea Cindy! I love how your posts inspire me to think about my own direction for the coming year. Have a joyous, changed 2014, but before then, a wonderful holiday season!

NEDbeads said...

Wow. You said a very great deal with such a small amount of words… how do you do that? You always do… I'm so happy that your joy stayed with you no matter what, and that the waiting paid off. I would be terrified to use 'change' as my word for the year… but I am really hoping that this next year's word can be just a little easier to live with than 'courage' from this year. It's been an uphill sort of year… (((( Cynthia ))))