Happy New Year! As many of us set resolutions, goals and a new routine in January, a trend in recent times is to pick a significant word that represents what you plan to achieve for the year.
In fact, last year I chose FOCUS for my word as both verb and noun. It’s hard enough without life’s demands to do so. When I was younger, I had a much better grip on focusing on tasks. Sometimes I feel like I have ADD. I blame technology. 🙂 (Too many tabs open in your browser, too?)
While my FOCUS last year did in fact become narrower due to day job changes, I’m still in the process of figuring out my writing process and schedule for 2023.
I am a WIP just like my current writing projects!
This year, my chosen word is HOPE. Not to be understood as a verb but a NOUN. Why choose HOPE? Look around. If the last three years can’t explain it, nothing can. Ever the optimist wannabe, I’ve grown tired and bored with the fervor, panic, fear and anxiety that has saturated our culture. I believe that there is a future for me as a writer and published author and that gives me HOPE!
This year, I will not HOPE to xyz, but I will grab onto and live out HOPE. This year, my goal is to self-publish my first fiction piece. This is my HOPE.
I recently had a conversation with a writing coach (yes, really) who tried to tell me my word isn’t right and that I should pick another word. But, this is MY word and I know what it means for me. I want to write stories that inspire readers to have HOPE! Couldn’t we all use more of that in our lives?
Although we have made it into February, spring is coming and my favorite holiday, Easter, will be here soon enough. Speaking of spring, the daffodils planted along my driveway have already started to bud. While out walking my dogs this morning, the chirping of birds accompanied us on our way through the neighborhood. Such a blissful soundtrack to our morning stroll!
(Can you spot the bird in the tree and the daffodil buds in the pine straw?)
And that gives me HOPE that spring is coming and that the future awaits all the stories I have to share.
What about you? Have you picked your word for 2023? Does it inspire you and will it inspire others? Do you have HOPE? I encourage you that while it may be winter in season, spirit or writing, hold onto HOPE that spring is on the way!
Sophie
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Sophie Leigh Fox 