Embracing 2012

Can you believe it?  It's 2012.

Wow, I'm still rolling that one off my tongue and trying to get used to the sound of it. It's that time of the year when most of us are thinking of new beginnings and although I abandoned New Years resolutions years ago, the contemplative soul that I am still likes having an "intention" to focus on.  Like many others, I've been choosing a "word for the year" for at least four years now. Some, like last years word, have been a good fit and others...well, not so much. 

This year I had a difficult time settling on my word. None of the ones that I've considered for the past month felt right.  Until today that is (I'm writing this on the 31st of Dec.).  I had decided that I wouldn't rush it...that I'd let the word find me...and it did.

As you've guessed by the photo above, my word for 2012 is Embrace.  As soon as it came to me, I knew it was perfect.  I've come to a place in my life where I'm ready to let go of striving and struggling to make things happen.  I've (mostly) let go of needing things to be a certain way.  I'm ready to allow possibilities to unfold.  I'm ready to embrace life with all it's ups and downs, it's highs and it's lows, it's great and it's not-so-great!  It's not that I'm feeling fatalistic...not at all.  I'm just ready to see the possibilities, the opportunities and the potential's in whatever rolls my way, rather than needing things to be different before I can be happy.

So there it is...Embrace.  I'm embracing 2012 and looking for the gifts that each moment holds.  Bring it on!

(Have you chosen a word for 2012?  I'd love to know what what it is, if you have.)

 

 For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.

 
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding

Comments

[olivia]

I love the process of letting the word find me, kate. "Embrace" will be an adventure this year, and sounds great. This motivates me to blog about my word for this year. Perhaps I will be a more faithful blogger. Okay, so I'm going there now (I'm trying to push myself with this accountability, plus live my word--you'll see what it is). See you there and happy new year, xoO

[Serena]

A great word choice for 2012, Kate! I love the way you've portrayed it in the image too...very clever. I'm hoping to choose my word for 2012 before the week is out.

All the very best for 2012! May there be many blessed moments for you to embrace. xo

[martie]

Happy New Year Kate! "Embrace" is the perfect word for you. After seeing you evolve these past few years, letting go and growing, I too think this is the perfect word for you! I look forward to many visits with you this year! :-)

My word is a repeat - balance. It is a work in process for me!

[Ruth]

I love how you have illustrated your word. Embrace is such a good one! This will be my 5th year choosing a word and it is your inspiration that got me started. I have been contemplating my word since my surgery, and 'embrace' is the one that keeps coming to the top of my list. Actually, it is the only word in my list! I am recycling "embrace" as I used it 3 years ago, but this time around it comes with a new focus. Enjoy this new year of embracing, Kate.
Love, Ruth

[Patti]

I sometimes think we should choose our word looking backwards, to see what the year brought us, rather than anticipate what it will be. So I'm letting the year unfold and although I haven't chosen a word, I guess it must be unfold!

Here's to a warm embracing of the new year for you Kate!

[tanna]

OH, Kate! I've been trying to 'find' my word for about a month now to no avail... could I share 'embrace' with you?! Finally!! I'm with you on all accounts and this one 'fits'!! This is the second time today while reading blogs I have seen that elliot quote and it is resonating, too. Thank you!! I sure hope you don't mind another soul attempting to embrace this coming year and all it brings also! blessings to you! tanna

[Trish]

Happy New Year! I love the word embrace for 2012. Great choice.

[Stephanie]

I am embracing this beautiful dance you have created with your word of the year!! I am leaning toward OPEN...open to everything that is put before me this year.

x..x
p.s.
did you say you have been to see the butterflies in Michoacan? What time of year did you go? I would LOVE to experience day of the dead there but have read that Jan/Feb is really the best time to see the Monarchs.

[lauren]

That's a wonderful sentiment (and I want to copy cat it !... but will think of something for myself). And I love the collage. Perfect. Happy New Year!

[nancy]

I think that is a perfect word for this year. I feel the same way. I'm more relaxed about not feeling as though I need to make things happen. I'm more comfortable with, well, being comfortable. Now I need to find an intent for myself. That is a terrific idea.

[Rob-bear]

What a delightful thought with which to embrace a new year.

And a companion quote from T.S.Eliot. Very good.

Sounds like 2012 is off to a good start.

Blessings and Bear hugs.

[kim]

I love the word, message! That is exactly what I am going to do ;) Happy New Year to you. Thank you for your kinds words! xoxo
Kim

[Georgianna]

Happy New Year, dear Kate! You are very wise in your choice and how it fits the decisions you are making. I wish you the greatest success and happiness in 2012! I don't choose a word each year but I always try to fit FOCUS in as it applies to so much of what I do (the photography and the starting-way-too-many-projects-at-once tendency). :)

Thanks so much for your visit and lovely comment. Looking forward to sharing more with you in 2012.

xo

[deb taylor]

Awesome artwork Kate! So happy to see you again!