Courage
"I learned that Courage is not the absence of fear,
but the triumph over it.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid,
but he who conquers that fear."
Nelson Mandela
My new word for 2013 scares the bejesus out of me. That's why I know it's the one I need to hitch my wagon to this year.
"Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway."
John Wayne
It's my hope that it will help make the difference between staying small and making some headway toward the realization of at least a few of my creative dreams.
"I'm very brave generally
only today I happen to have a headache."
Tweedledum
These words have an intriguing way of manifesting in unexpected ways, so it's always with a sense of anticipation that I choose my new word for the year.
Have you chosen a word to represent true north for you this year?
Have you chosen a word to represent true north for you this year?
24 comments:
Que sera sera..... can i have three little words? During this year hubby and I are moving to Thailand, so i am hoping to work with the whatever will be, will be and not stress. I hope you have a great 2013!!, i read your blog often but have not commented before. Take care,
Wendy from Oz
Wendy: If you say it fast, it sounds like one word. *grin* The intent sounds very similar to my word in 2012 - Flow. Exciting changes afoot for you! Best of luck to you & your husband.
Catherine & Linda: I see you. For some reason, Blogger is not publishing your comments.
Brave, and looking forward, and it's going to go fine. You can do it, and we will all be here to cheer you on.
Jen
Jen: I'm feeling pretty excited about the year ahead. This community of bloggers is absolutely the best.
Courage to you in the New Year!!!
I'm very fond of the house you're living in, at least I'm fond of the way you photograph it. Happy New Year, Carolynn. (I'll think about the word.)
Chieftess: Thank you! I can use all the help I can get.
Karin: We're pretty fond of it too and are looking forward to putting our personal stamp on it. There's still quite a bit of work to do. Come visit - we have a guest room all ready for you & Albert.
Having a word seems like making a resolution, and they both feel like setting myself up for failure. I believe I will go along a day at a time and just keep counting my blessings. Maybe my word is Gratitude. God knows I have a lot for which to be grateful!
Carolynn, you inspired me to find a word to live by this year, but it's frightening, isn't it? Going to need a dose of your "courage", myself! Thanks for giving me something to think about.
June: I can see your point. For me, my Annual Word serves more as a guide, a reminder of my intentions and - this year - a little kick in the pants when I need it most. I think Gratitude is an excellent word and perhaps, as I've noticed for myself, the word has chosen you.
Shadowlake: It can be a little daunting and yet, it's exciting too, no?
I LOVE your word for 2013! Your thoughts have given me a lot to ponder about my own need for more courage. I often feel like Tweedledum and think I say, "I'm very brave generally only today I happen to have a headache" far too often. I need be more as Nelson Mandela suggests. Maybe if I did, I wouldn't self-sabotage so much in my own creative endeavors.
Cindy: My feelings exactly!
It's a great word, Carolynn. And the world definitely needs to see more of you. I think my word will be nourishment - as I plan to improve the quality of all I allow to enter my life in every way. xoxo
Corrine: Excellent word. I've already been challenged to defend my word in my daily life.
Carolynn- I remember when I first started blogging in 2009 and I would peek over at your blog (hopping over from Sharon's)-I remember thinking, "oh my goodness this woman is amazing and funny and insightful." When you took up with the Frenchmen I added courageous. Not because it was dangerous but because you opened your heart to all that change. So I wish you the best as you circle around courageous this year. Good luck in your "new" place - enjoy fixing it up and making it home. Get yourself some good tick repellent. Happy New Year!xo teri
Teri: Thank you so much for your generous words of support & encouragement. It always looks very different from the other side of the fun house mirror.
I had to come back over and tell you that I've had the photo in the post come back to my mind several times since I initially read your blog post. It is an impactful photograph. Stunning really. Thank you for sharing it and your creative eye.
Courage is indeed a good word to work on! I'm by nature, a big chicken. LOL!!
Hope all is well in Swift Current taday. I have been in Manitoba since Thursday with an unexpected trip for a funeral for my most favorite Aunt. We will be home later Sunday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo Catherine
Cindy: Thank you so much for your kind words. I was surprised that this fellow stood so still and calmly for me when I got out of the vehicle. I thought for sure he would run away, but he was a most gracious & regal subject.
Catherine: I'm a big chicken too, but no more. *eep* Safe Travels!
It's a bit of a toss-up between Growth and Challenges for me ... and a bit scary too so I might even add yours to the list too. Can you tell that I'm indecisive?
The photograph is beautiful, makes me feel a bit like stepping into a fairy-tale. Best wishes for 2013!
Carolynn, I have been thinking about this post and your word since you first posted. I think of you as courageous for all the reasons Teri stated so eloquently. You follow your heart, and I think that is the most courageous way to live. To extend that courage to realizing your creative dreams is exciting! Your community is behind you:)
A word hasn't chosen me this year. It could still happen....
Mariana: I'd say moving to France was certainly a courageous move. Your artwork is so stunning and you're always working on new and challenging ways to display it. I'd say you were well on your way with both words.
Sharon: You're so kind. I do feel supported by this amazing on-line community. Your word will find you, don't worry.
I'm keeping Believe from last year and adding Simplify to it. I probably don't need to keep believe, because I pretty much live by that word, but I really do want to simplify my life and house and yard. I want to be able to enjoy my yard and home, have friends and family over and not worry about "how things look". I've started simplifiing my kitchen cabinets and it sure feels good.
I think you have already been living your word for this year, but I can't wait to see what you have in mind.
ZeldaMom: I've found that the words I've lived by in past years never really leave me when I choose another. I love the concept of simplifying. Clearing away clutter is an incredibly freeing, uplifting process that works to clear the mind, as well. Bon Chance!
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