37 Days
Thank you to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Tara, Beth, Anna, Kathleen & Deb for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.
With only thirty-seven days left until the new year, I want to reflect on 2015.
My one little word this year is FLY. What has the word brought to me? How has it changed me? FLY brought me a new friend, Jennifer, who shared this OLW for 2015. We became close and she inspires me with her kindness and her positive attitude! I'm grateful for my new friend.
FLY...it's hard to put into words how this word has changed me. It's given me permission. When I think of FLYing, I think of being free. This year has been a year of growth and a year where I'm working on accepting myself...all the part of myself, even the parts I don't like.
Doing things that help in that journey of self acceptance...writing retreat...listening to one of my favorite authors speak...being part of a book launch team...working on intentional friendships...writing a book...claiming the title introvert. All of these things have helped me FLY this year!
I've contemplated things that FLY and really thought about my fear of them. Changing that self-talk, I feel like I've come a long way from my irrational fear of birds.
Just yesterday I was listening to a song called, Superheroes by The Script and I heard the words for the first time. These lyrics say it well, "...you've been working every day and night, that's how a superhero learns to fly..." I've spent this year learning how to FLY.
Photography was another goal for me this year. The original plan was to take a picture everyday at the same time. I set my phone alarm for 5:22 PM. As the days and weeks went by, I loved seeing the pictures. As the months passed the time became a challenge, so I decided to use the hashtag #522Haseltine to remind me to take a photograph everyday...even if it wasn't at that time. I made a video with lots (not all) of the pictures. You can find #522Haseltine on Instagram and Twitter too.
What will 2016 bring? New OLW. New project. New opportunities and experiences!
Ah, you re good to start your year end reflecting so early. I cannot believe it is almost over. I have enjoyed following your endeavors this year!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see you were able to carry through your one little word and all the things you connected with your word. Continue to FLY - it seems to have done you well.
ReplyDeleteLove all the pictures, remember many from FB, especially love that one of you peaking over a book, but they're all fabulous. What a nice memory, Michelle. FLY! And have a Happy Thanksgiving, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to spend time reflecting as the year closes. I loved your joy at having flown this year. I have enjoyed getting to know you as well and watching our interconnectivity on Facebook, Twitter, and TWT.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reflection on your OLW.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I *think* my 2016 word found me over the weekend.
Your OLW has given you wings. I am happy for you. I wrote about my word on Saturday. I had no way imagining where the word would take me. Thinking of something smaller and quieter for next year. Or maybe we both could be even more daring. :)
ReplyDeleteFly has been perfect! I can't believe there are only 37 days left. It did fly by but as you reflect here, with so many really good things. I'm thinking about next year's word too. Your reflection here helped me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a grew recap of your year! Isn't it funny how these OLW's just take hold of our lives and really help us to define who we are. I have loved sharing this with you. I hope to get our writing group back. I miss our Saturday mornings. Maybe after the holidays when winter sets in and keeps us in?
ReplyDeleteI am reminded that I should revisit my OLW. We seem to get a few months in to the year and forget about it. I'm glad you took the time to reflect.
ReplyDeleteI admire your dedication and commitment to your OLW! I find that I often try to start challenges, especially daily ones like photography projects, and end up failing spectacularly. Your post has inspired me to think about an OLW for myself next year... thanks for sharing!
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