My perfect word for 2012 was (Embrace) Change and my perfect word for 2013 was (En)joy. I spent some time today reading the posts and saw the theme for both was anxiety and my anxiety about the future. The future I was anxious about is now the present. The things I worried about are still concerns, but I've made the leap into the big unknown of Retirement. I still worry -- just my nature -- but I worry less and it's time to move even more fully into the future.
I've been thinking about the theme of gifts -- thank you, Little Drummer Boy -- and what gifts I have to give. Three things came to mind -- writing, friendship and enthusiasm. Words come relatively easy to me and the gift of writing has been a way I've earned a living. I hope to use this gift to send kind words, to continue to blog and to write about causes that I think are important.
The second gift is friendship. I am blessed with friends, but I want to be a better friend in 2014. I want to be more patient -- not one of my gifts -- and more thoughtful. I want to listen carefully to those around me, smile more and offer friendship even when it's difficult.
The third gift is enthusiasm. I am enthusiastic about the things I like to do and generally upbeat. I've worked hard at it and there are times it's very hard to maintain, but it's been well worth it. I want to keep up my upbeat self when it's difficult and share it with those who need a boost.
These are tough challenges for me, particularly the last two. I've come to enjoy my solitude and writing days and I need to reach out and share more than I have for the last few months. But these gifts do best when shared and that will be my challenge for 2014. What's your perfect word for 2014?
Last night I found this sign on the sidewalk last night in front of a cafe on Broadway and West 72nd St.
I've had a nice "blogcation." I found myself composing posts spontaneously and planning posts for the next week came very easily. I'd gotten a new writing wind by taking a rest and it pushed me along happily into the new year.
I spent New Year's Eve with friends from my Bible study at a local restaurant. This has been our custom for the last decade and we had a very nice evening. We watched the ball drop in Times Square via television eating our dessert of apple crumb pie. I don't go anywhere near Times Square on New Year's Eve. On a regular night it's much too crowded and adding that there are no bathrooms for those waiting for the ball to drop, it's not a happy combination for me.
Let me echo the words of Gigi and Staff..."Happy, healthy 2014. Love!
19 comments
Happy New Year to you, Buttercup! May 2014 be a year of peace and joy for you!
Hi Carol, thanks so much for the stop by my blog and I'm wishing you a happy and healthy new year! I like spending new years eve quiet and not with a lot of crowds too. Enjoy the rest of the week.
Julie
I like your focus on giving of your gifts. I, too, want to serve more and share my gifts. You have given me food for thought.
My word is adventure. It kind of surprised me when it first came to me, but I see that it does fit my life now.
Happy New Year, Carol! Peace and joy to you!
Don't you love that the end and beginning of the years are times for reflection and goal setting? Your worries don't come across much at all in your blogs. You always seem fairly upbeat and excited about showing us things you have seen. Even when your foot was broken, you made it sound like an adventure. We watch Times Square every year on the TV but would not want to be there - - - toooooo cold as well as crowded.
Happy 2014. sandie
HAPPY NEW YEAR. May your 2014 be healthy and happy. My word for this year is BELIEVE.
Happy New Year! I was wondering where/if you saw the Ball drop.I don't have a word yet..I have several rolling around in my head..but none to speak. Blessings
I do like Your word for 2014 ! We forget sometimes that giving is better than the receiving. Happy New Year.
Your new word for the coming year "Give" is so special.
Thank you for your prayer for my brother-in-law. I appreciate it so much.
Happy New Year!
~Sheri
I think you have very good gift goals. I wish you the very best for 2014. Hugs, Lura
The best to you for the new year! I prefer to watch the ball drop inside, warm and near a bathroom too!
Best,
Bonnie
I wish you a happy and healthy 2014 dear friend! BIG HUGS to you and many blessings for the new year!
These all resonated with me especially giving the gift of friendship. Since I am such an introvert and love solitude, my friendship is often given through writing. Bill's illness has shown me how much personal contact means even to this introvert and I had already vowed that 2014 would be different in terms of my reaching out with my presence. We spoke of you on New Year's Even pretty much knowing your WEREN'T watching the ball drop and hoping we might get to see you again in 2014!
Happy New Year, friend. I so enjoy your blog posts and photos. Your friendship is a blessing. Wishing you health and happiness in 2014.
It's nice to take a break now and then. I find it helps me too.
I admire your choice of words for 2014, Carol. I'm still thinking on mine for this year. Last year I chose Joy and Yes. :) Wishing you all the best 2014 has to offer. blessings ~ tanna
Reading your post has reminded me that I need to do many of the same things. i need to put aside my fear of rejection and reach out to people and initiate calls and visits. I'm used to being alone, but it's not that healthy. i also need to return to volunteering. It's a good feeling when I help.
I'll keep thinking so I can come up with a 2014 word.
Again, you've given me much to ponder ... that's good!
Love your candor, as well! Too often, I think we fool ourselves into believing some things just come Easily to others. (Am I making excuses for myself?)
Thanks for reaffirming the gift of unconditional friendship and sharing through Blogland!
Hugs,
Myra
Happy New Year! Your heart is in the right place for 2014. I haven't tried the practice of picking a word for the year. You have given me something to think about.
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