2009: Mettle
2010: Engage
2011: Build
2012: Embrace
2013: Author
2014: Risk
2015: Fly
2016: Selah
Picking a word began in 2009 with the word, METTLE. ENGAGE followed that in 2010. BUILD, EMBRACE, and AUTHOR continued the tradition in 2011, '12, and '13. In 2014, the words seemed to find me...RISK and FLY in 2015. Those are two words that made a great impact on my life. I just said goodbye to SELAH for 2016. This word was out of the ordinary. I loved this word. I used it to name a business that I opened this year. These words become part of my DNA.
Picking a word became easier for more the more I did it, until this year. It seemed that if I was open and listening, the word would find me. It was a moment. Obvious. That didn't happen this year. I struggled to pick the right one. It wasn't until I let go and allowed it did it find me.
I wanted a synonym for "show up". I think the act of showing up is important to a good life and I wanted a daily reminder for myself, but I didn't want to use a phrase. When I started searching for it, I found ARISE. I like that, but I wasn't sold. I played around with the word AWAKE for awhile, but I kept coming back to RISE.
It occurs to me that one of my favorite songs of 2016 is Katy Perry's "Rise".
It's powerful and strong and I feel inspired every single time I listen to it. It also reminds me of a favorite poem by Maya Angelou...
"Does my sassiness upset you?"
"You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise."
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise."
I am going to memorize that poem this year...maybe more than that. Those words are power. Finally, I love the connection with my favorite music from 2016...Hamilton. Yesterday the soundtrack was on as I was cleaning and I heard it...
I can't wait to see where this word leads me. I'll RISE up to meet it!
Thank you to Ruth Ayres for providing this space to share our celebrations. Please join us and share your own!
Oh my goodness, we have the same word! Won't be writing until Tuesday but will share my story then! I have changed my header on my blog for this word already, but more to come! Can't wait to rise with you this year!
ReplyDeleteYAY! Leigh Anne, I'm excited that we have the same word. That's awesome!
DeleteLovely choice. Thanks for sharing the backstory!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous word! Love all the links and meaning to it. Mine is cultivate . Next year may need to be rise!
ReplyDeleteI thought about choosing Rise as well, especially because I love the Hamilton connection. That may have to be my word for 2018. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled you found your word! As soon as I read it I started singing Rise up! in my head. Can't wait to see how this plays out for you throughout the year.
ReplyDeletePowerful choice. Enjoyed reading your backstory!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of the word rise, I think of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, but I don't think that's you or why you chose the word. It reminds me of my word Reach a few years ago. I haven't settled on a word yet. Hoping I have it by Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, rise is a strong word that follows your other words in a beautiful pattern. Let your words rise into the 2017 sky. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeletePowerful and promising word. May it guide you well! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI think you already started to show up, to rise! Looking forward to working with you! š
ReplyDeleteYou have heard the calling of the perfect word, Michelle! Good for you for listening and being open. I know you will RISE this year to great heights!
ReplyDeleteI love this word and the story behind it. I'm sure you will have many, many opportunities to RISE and so many people will benefit! Happy New Year!
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