December 31, 2012

Word of the Year 2013 ~ I Like It


If you're a long time reader here (thank you), you know that I don't go in for New Year's resolutions.  They tend to get broken which in turn leaves me feeling disappointed in myself.  Too much pressure for this gardener.

Instead, I choose a word to guide, motivate and ground me throughout the year.  That's not really true ...  the word chooses me somehow.  Like an old, soft and comfortable sweater, the word settles on my heart and I instinctively know that it is the word.

It goes something like this:  wandering down a multitude of mental bunny trails in a distracted sort of way and then believing that I've found the perfect word only to be hit with a mental mind slap by the word that has found me. 

Some of the words I've claimed and tried to honor include:  espystretch, freedom, forgiveness, discipline, balance and spontaneity.  (My family definitely wouldn't say that I claimed (or honored) spontaneity - I tried -  they love me anyway ♥). 



The closing of this swiftly moving year finds me enjoying a satisfyingly cold and drizzly day by the fireplace.  Jotting down ideas and words, I thought several times that I had the right word, several words in fact teased  and tempted.  Completion (for the numerous incomplete projects), grace (to honor those who share it with me and to offer it to those who need it), light (because we live in a dangerously dark world that begs for more), encourage (because it makes others feel cared for and nurtured and it makes me happy to see them grow)...

But none of these words settled comfortably.  The word was just out of reach, out on the periphery of my mind's edge.  And it wouldn't be summoned. 

And then the word appeared ... and I knew it was right.



Let me share a few of it's synonyms with you:  accidentally on purpose (my personal favorite), awake, deliberate, cognizant, insightful, observant, gratuitous, premeditated.  It's a good list. 
 
It's a good word.  Solid and full of purpose.  It's all encompassing and motivating.  It's not a quiet, subtle or lazy word.  It has bite.  I like it. 

It allows room for action on all the other words that were swimming around my mind.  With intention I will offer grace, light and encouragement.  And come hell or high water, with intention I will get some of these projects completed.



 
intentional

I like it. 

 



27 comments:

  1. Good choice Cat! (Although "accidental" would be easier to fulfill) :)

    Happy New Year!

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  2. Good word choice...intentional. Tomorrow, it will be 10 straight years of working out regularly, getting charged esp. outside and more able to take on everything. But not knowing you much, I would never imagine *you* are not spontaneous!

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  3. sweet choice. it's a good 'plant your feet' sort of word. :)

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  4. Beautiful blog, beautiful soul ... Happy 2013 fun sharing friend.

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  5. I intentionally came to your blog because it is intentionally written by a person who intentionally creates goodness. You already seem quite intentional to me. :o) I bet you intend to have a happy 2013. Great word!

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  6. Lovely post, Cat. Happy New Year!

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  7. Great word, I use accidentally on purpose quite often as well! There's a certain fit to it that suits me. But intentionally speaks very strongly. Happy new year to you and yours.

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  8. I like it too! You described the word beautifully! Happy New Year to you!

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  9. Great word Cat...May your New Year be everything you hope for in 2013!!

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  10. Intentional is a strong word. You have to own it --- and own the actions that flow from it. Especially in the garden where happenstance and accident seem to be the rule. And certainly with people! Best wishes for a new year full of good things and deep awareness!

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  11. It seems that word chose you intentionally. Here's to 2013.

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  12. Great word!!! I love it! I hope all that you intend to complete in your garden comes to fruition in 2013!

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  13. What a good word - I dont make new year's resolutions for the same reason but I do intend to be a better gardener this year and finish projects

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  14. I really love your annual words to inspire us all! I intend to follow your wise example. Have a wonderful New Year!

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  15. I was just wondering what this year's word would be. I do love your process of elimination and "light (because we live in a dangerously dark world that begs for more)" struck a note for me.

    Beautiful photos. Happy New Year.

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  16. I'm so glad your word accidentally found you on purpose :-) Kind of takes espy to the next level. I always enjoy your photos and thought-provoking writings, and I look forward to checking in with you in this new year. Have a wonderful 2013 in gardening and all!

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  17. Have an intentionally great New Year!

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  18. That's a good word. Doing things on purpose. Makes sense.

    I haven't found a word, yet.....or, one find me. But, it'll come.

    Stay warm....

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  19. A very strong and defining word! I love this concept but last year I picked a word and didn't honor it well. I decided this year to simply focus my energies on my family. I have felt that I have been spread thin these past several years which has taken me from the people and things that I love most. Maybe the right word will find me soon. Best wishes to you Cat for a very intentional year! I look forward to reading about your adventures in the garden and your beautiful photos!

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  20. Great choice, Cat! This next year, for some reason, seems like a year for a determined and powerful word like "intentional." I personally appreciate its sentiments, too. And I especially enjoyed your lead-up to the big reveal...and the photos that accompanied this excellent post!

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  21. I love the build up and the word. Happy Intentional New Year! Lovely images too.

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  22. Wish you a happy new year. I really like the way you approach yourself. Intentional.... Good. :)

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  23. Cat, happy new year to you and your loved ones! That 'intentional' thing... I like it...

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  24. Ahhh, yes. Intentional. Very nice word.
    Enjoyed today's writings Cat.

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  25. I completely agree with you about resolutions. I try to avoid demanding perfection from myself and don't like to set myself up to fail...I would rather inspire and believe that I can move in a certain direction with gentle encouragement from myself. Intentional has been ringing in my heart since you shared it with me. Thank you! Wow, I didn't realize you were far away in Texas. I'm very excited to read your blog. The spiritual aspect of gardening shines through in your passion. This past summer was the first time my husband and I grew anything...we planted a community garden with a group of neighbors and were startled by how enjoyable it was for us to see miracles unfold before us from the ground.

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    1. Aw...it makes my heart soar to hear that this post inspired you. Thank you for sharing your kind words with me. I honestly think the most rewarding and amazing part of gardening is waiting for the miracles to unfold. I'm so glad you experienced such goodness with your first gardening experience. So glad to meet you Megan. I look forward to a long friendship :)

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  26. I do love the way you have a word of the year rather than a list of dispiriting resolutions. I hope 2013 is a year full of wonderful intentionality Cat - and hey, at least now you have a cast-iron excuse for avoiding spontaneity! Or can one be intentionally spontaneous? Now my head hurts...

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