Word For the Year: Build

I have befriended many marvelous women since becoming a part of the Skirt! community.  One of these fantastic females, Dr. Robyn McKay, has a tradition of choosing a word for the year, a word that embodies her desires, goals, and focus for the new year.  I tried it out last year, loved it, and decided to continue the practice this year.

To me, a word for the year is a filter of sorts.  Instead of writing down myriad resolutions and then trying to stay on top of them, I reduce all my impulses and ideas for self-improvement into one concrete word.  The simplicity of this works well for me.  Last year, my word was engage.  Looking back on 2011, I am pleased with the many improvements made to my life as a result of focusing on that word.  Choosing one word to embrace comes without guilt or a grit-my-teeth-and-just-do-it mentality.  It sets me free to experiment and experience rather than imprisoning me within the confines of my own best laid plans.   

My word for 2012 is build.  I love this word because it applies to the many aspects of my life that can always improve.  I want to build myself up instead of tearing myself down.  I want to help build foundations of compassion, confidence, hope, and strength in others.  The idea of building more offline friendships as well as building up my own community excites and inspires me.  I will build my skill set and my own confidence so I can reach my ever loftier goals.  I will build great things in 2012.  I am sure of it.