One Word

I don’t do resolutions, having found that I abandon them pretty quickly. But I have tried the One Word concept a couple of times. I like having something to focus on/reference as I move through the year.

Two years ago, when I worked hard to encourage teachers to rethink their teaching practice, the word was : Invite

Last year, my word was:
Gather And I did gather–with friends and family, in the studio, in classes, and at work, even creating a magazine where writers gathered to publish. I’m in love with our writing/arts community in downtown Fredericksburg.

The idea behind One Word is to let a word rise to the surface, become the word you need for the year. 2013 has been a year of significant change for me. Writing and creating take up the bulk of my time, and I do much of it alone. The older I get, the more I seek solitude.

And there it is. My word: Solitude

At first I resisted. After all, there can be a negative connotation to solitude (loneliness, detachment). But solitude also brings to mind tranquility, reflection, quiet. And those concepts appeal to me.

So, I’m going to see where this goes….for now.

You can also use the One Word concept in your writing. Try it.