Nurture – the word for 2017
verb: to care for and protect (someone or something) while
they are growing.
So each year in January, I choose a word for the year. Just one word that encapsulates my priorities
and travels with me, hopefully permeating everything I do. I think extremely carefully about what my
word will be and the process usually starts sometime in December with a few
words that spring into being, before I finally settle on the word. The trick to
finding your word, is not to think too hard about it, just let the ideas come
naturally and you’ll just know when you’ve got the right word. Past words have been laughter, peace and one
year was hope. This year I had several
options that floated around my brain for a few weeks – cherish and nourish –
but during a meditation session the word ‘nurture’ popped into my head, and
there it stayed and so this year’s word is nurture. In the process of choosing my word I shared
the process with some friends and family and we had a totally hilarious hour
coming up with a variety of suggestions (many unprintable here!!). In the end, those same people ended up with
their own words – one of which was home – something that was so relevant for
that person and for the year ahead.
For me, the other word that goes with nurture, is growth. So in the year to come, I will protect my growth,
I will fiercely guard my right to grow, in whatever arena that may be. In order to grow, like a tiny seedling, there
are things that I will need: time to relax and recharge – to read, run warm
baths, meditate, walk and contemplate; to know when to retreat and take things
at a slower pace; I need to nourish my physical body – exercise and nutritious
food, as well as nourishing my inner self – making sure I silence the inner
critic and talk to myself in the same way that I would encourage others. I will
seek out the new and relish the experiences, knowing that everything is
contributing to growth. I will cherish
my relationships, those already in my life and those yet to be made. I won’t let fear of failure stop me from
chasing down my dreams.
So… there’s my word. Now it’s your turn… what will yours be?
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