We begin again

Here we are at the start of a brand new, spanking fresh year. Don’t you love it? All the possibility right there in front of you. Every year I get a surge of excitement and inspiration at this time.

Except this year. And it has me flummoxed. Why now? What’s different? What’s missing?

I have no answers, but thoughts keep surfacing and crossing my mind, like . . .

  1. Now that I’m well into my off-career phase in life (still not comfortable with the “R” word), have I lost my sense of purpose?
  2. Do I even know myself anymore? Have I changed – deeply and significantly – but just don’t realize it yet?
  3. Or is this just the calm before the storm of creative inspiration that will enfold and enlighten me?

Your guess is as good as mine at this point.

So, I’m doing things that I typically do when I’m feeling stuck.

  • I take myself and laptop to the bookstore. This is one of my happy places. After an hour or two, I usually walk out feeling more energized or inspired.
  • I read – a lot. Magazines, books, other blogs, newspapers. I underline passages, capture a few quotes in my journal, turn down pages.
  • Get quiet and listen.
  • Go for a walk and listen — to nature, music or an inspiring podcast.
  • Yoga.
  • Iron. Yep, you read that correctly. Thanks to my mother, enjoying ironing is something I do to give my mind time to roam while making things look so smooth and nice.

 While I was doing any number of the items above, I landed on my word for 2018. Last year, as I was embarking on this new phase in my life, my word for the year – appropriately – was Discover.

And discover I did. It was a freewheeling year of sorts. We traveled a fair amount, took off on day trips – on a Wednesday, because we could — and generally rebelled against schedules. I luxuriated in having time. Boy, did it feel good. The blog gave me enough of a schedule and commitment to keep me honest and challenged. Writing over 70 posts helped me discover my writing style and the joy of writing once again.

Overall, 2017 was a joyful year –- lots of fun, lots of freedom.

On to 2018.

The word I’ve chosen for 2018 is – surprise, surprise – inspiration.

Inspiration – not only for myself, but for others as well. My blog is definitely a part of that on both counts, I hope.

I recently read an interview with Jodie Foster and something she said struck a chord with me. When she was asked what drove her in her work for all these years, she said “I wanted to be meaningful. It’s been my mission since childhood.”

Me, too, Jodie.

So I think for 2018, I’ll be seeking inspiration to do what is meaningful (however I define it) – especially at this time of life. And along the way, I’m hoping to find answers to the questions at the top of this post. I’ll keep you posted (no pun intended).

How about you? Are you feeling energized and excited? Have you set a word or intention for the year? Are you looking to reinvent yourself in some way? Please share.

I’m open and looking for inspiration.

Till next time – I wish you the happiest New Year ever!

Judy

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10 Comments

  1. Cyndie
    January 5, 2018 / 6:51 am

    Judy- this year my word is mindful. Mindful of what I put in my body and how how I treat it, mindful of how I spend my time with work and play, mindful of what I say(I have a tendency to just say it) without thinking.
    Just so you know, I find you inspirational-always have. Happy New Year!

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      January 6, 2018 / 1:38 pm

      Hi Cyndie! I love your word – Mindful. I especially need the mindfulness around what comes out of my mouth – just ask Michael. lol.

      Thanks so much for your kind words. Means so much to me.

  2. Dona sabolick
    January 5, 2018 / 10:26 am

    I agree with Cyndi! You are so inspirational to me as well. That is a great word for 2018. I’m excited to share a new year with you Cheem!!! And to read more of your blogs and be inspired. As for me, I need to do some soul searching. Thank you again for sharing your life with us.

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      January 6, 2018 / 1:39 pm

      Thanks, Dona. Love you.

  3. Linda
    January 5, 2018 / 10:43 am

    Hi Judy,
    My word for 2018 is energy. I’m totally with you on cringing at the “r” word even though I have been out of the w-2 workforce for over 10 years, but recently I have become aware of a complacency settling in and I’m not sure I like it. My time is filled – as busy or busier than ever, but I find myself hesitating to take on those things that require more effort, mental and physical energy, as in “I would like to, but it seems more trouble than it’s worth.” Don’t get me wrong – I love the everyday-is-a-weekend life that we have earned, but I do miss some of the intensity that goes with working under pressure. I should probably just calm down and file this under “Be careful what you wish for”, but I am looking for 2018 to be a year to dive a little deeper or soar a little higher.
    Love your blog – keep up the good work!

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      January 6, 2018 / 1:52 pm

      Hi Linda,
      I so relate to everything you wrote. “Dive a little deeper or soar a little higher” – what a great way to put it. Let 2018 be the year we figure it all out. 🙂

  4. Debby
    January 5, 2018 / 11:52 am

    Thank you for the inspirational words for the New Year. My word for the year is “Believe” because believing is seeing and goals will happen! Happy New Year!

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      January 6, 2018 / 1:33 pm

      Thanks, Debby. Yep, believing is seeing. I think we engraved that once on a paperweight, didn’t we? haha

  5. January 6, 2018 / 6:18 am

    Judy,
    I never knew the “One Word” concept until I went to last year’s BLOGHER conference with you. You seem to have known it all along. I just wrote a blog about ditching our resolutions and choosing ONE WORD for the year. I told my readers about it, and most of them had not heard the concept either. DISCOVER and INSPIRATION…fabulous…I’ll add that to my list of suggested words.
    My word for 2018 is FOCUS…and it will be applicable to so many areas of my life.
    Wishing you joy.

    • Judy McLane
      Author
      January 6, 2018 / 1:32 pm

      Hi Sharon,
      So good to hear from you. I love your word for the year – Focus. Such an important effort. Hope all is well in your world. xx
      Judy

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