Listening

A friend of mine on Facebook posted on New Year's Day that she was still considering what would be her word for 2013.
One of my favorite things about New Year's is choosing a theme word for the upcoming year. Last year's was "integrity" -- think I did a halfway decent job of letting that one guide me through a very splintered 2012. This year: "grace." I like it already.

I was immediately captivated by this idea and started thinking hard.  I think my word in 2011 was "steadfast" as I continued my journey back to health.  In 2012, I think my word must have been "gratitude," because that's truly what I felt the most.

And now here we are on the second day of the New Year, which is actually the real beginning of the New Year for me because my kids went back to school this morning (yesssss), and I think my word for 2013 is "Listening."

Listening.

To my body, to what the world wants me to be, to my still small voice, to those around me, to things unsaid. To the winds of change and the often unnoticed (by me) rhythms of nature. Just listening, in stillness and calm and love.

What's your word for 2013?

“The first duty of love is to listen.”
Paul Tillich

Comments

Shaatzie said…
I had some real upsets in 2012, but the year ended in Gratitude.
I'm hoping 2013 fulfills my recent writing which centers on Grace.

I'm hoping for it in everyone's life this coming year...
Shaatzie said…
I had some real upsets in 2012, but the year ended in Gratitude.
I'm hoping 2013 fulfills my recent writing which centers on Grace.

I'm hoping for it in everyone's life this coming year...
Ei said…
I like it too, Barb. I pick "compassion"
Ei said…
I like it too, Barb. I pick "compassion"
Karen said…
My word for this year is "faith." And not really in a religious sense, more of a spiritual/karma type thing. I don't pick a word every year - in fact, I don't really PICK words, they pick me. This year it was like getting hit over the head. FAITH.
Barb Matijevich said…
Oh, these are all so good! I'm with Liz--I've never picked a word before. Well, one year: http://www.sothethingis.com/call_me_mrs__right.htm

But I like the idea--sort of like setting one's intention before a yoga practice.
Kathy Ireland said…
Today, I feel like my word should be "awake". Apparently, 2013 is NOT going to be the year of a good night's sleep. Sigh.

Speaking of setting your intention before yoga practice. I didn't know what this meant so I googled the term and found this really great website that I haven't actually tried yet but I plan to (there is a 14 day free trial).

http://www.yogaglo.com/online-class-917-Set-Your-Intention-Yoga-Practice.html
Susan said…
Patience. Many things in my life with require it this year.
I was given a word last spring that I think will be the word for me in 2013: Gentleness.

I aspire to it and it challenges me. (The real me, not what outsiders see. Just ask my husband and kids.)