I’m exploring the contours of Treasure Island in my hiking boots. With each step, I leave behind another set of footprints. I’m not the only visitor on this last weekend in December: Joggers, beachcombers, surfers, and seabirds….side-by-side and single-file, we write our stories into the sand.
But.
And.
The waves advance and retreat. Flotsam and jetsam, shell fragments and seaweed… everything gets swept away by the currents. Even the deepest footprints are eventually erased by nature’s Etch-a-Sketch.
At this time last year, for instance I created from my hopes and dreams a sand painting, very similar to this one. A spark of inspiration, not a resolution, inspired by Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise.
RISE—my 2017 Word of the Year—was all about stretching myself in ways I hadn’t yet imagined. What did it mean, in the abstract? Reaching for my highest potential, and lifting my candle against the dark. How did it play out in reality? Long story made short, it’s been a baffling-enlightening-exhausting-exhilarating adventure. Life, with all its ebbs and flows…and lots more wheeeeee! than whoa.
And here I am again, exploring my favorite beach, as yet another year give way to the gravitational pull of time.
2018 lies just ahead: a clean slate on which to write the next chapters of my life. I’ll start tonight by laying claim to my new Word of the Year. There were lots of strong contenders, but when SING popped into my head, my heart beat a little faster. I’ve learned by now to heed those inner stirrings.
I love a good metaphor, don’t you? SING gives rise to lots of interpretations–aside from the obvious, which is very much a work in progress. Speaking of which, oh my goodness! I forgot to mention that I sang onstage with the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir, at B.B. King’s? Yes, that’s me, making a joyful noise at Sunday Gospel Brunch! (More about that NYC adventure soon, but meantime…Can I hear an amen chorus?)
Photo credit: Donna Sullivan
SING. The word itself holds deep-seated significance for me. I can’t lie: It makes my stomach churn just a little, to think about the challenges it represents. But oh, the rewards…!
I’ll draw this year from the wellspring of my innermost reserves, remembering always these encouraging words: “Do everything as far as you can for love and you will see what you are capable of. One can make more progress this way in a year, than in ten by the way of fear.” That St. Mary Euphrasia was a wise woman, don’t you think? I’ll bet she sang solos in her church choir.
Long , deep breaths, Melodye! Plant both feet on solid ground, and lift your voice to the heavens.
This is the year that I sing to my heart’s content, speak with courage, and tell my story true. I can’t yet imagine where all of this might lead me, but I’m already excited about the possibilities!
What a great word! Mine is Create. Here’s to a wonderful new year!
YES to create! I’m looking forward to seeing this unfold for you!
Well said My Friend!! Yes, sing, sing praises to God!!!
“Go tell it on the mountain” is one of my favorite anthems. I want to revisit its meaning in 2018.
SING! Rejoice with aII your sweet, wonderfuI, gifted heart and souI. Sing the ocean’s song and nature’s song of renewaI. And know that we are singing with you.
Mmmm, I love the ways you’ve interpreted “SING”! Thank you for that, and for singing with me. xo
Happy New Year! Here’s to your singing!
Happy New Year, Jenn! Here’s to us singing a duet. 🙂
All sounds good! Happy new year!
Happy New Year, dear Jeannine. I’m inspired by your poetry, which (to my ears) is also a form of singing.
Sing from the highest mountain and let it be heard in the deepest valley.
Wow, that’s quite the vocal range! Happy New Year, Dan. Hope you’ll sing along..
Last year my word was laugh
Kenzy like you, had chosen sing, last year and Tahlia picked Joy…
We will start to think about 2018 for the next few days as our words start to form for us.
I love that you do this with your girls, Arielle. Let me know when you’ve settled on your words. xo
Here’s to a joyful, harmonious, and bold 2018. Belt it out, sister!❤️
Lofty goals, but…still I RISE. I will lift my voice this year, absolutely, and hope you’ll add yours to the chorus. xo
YES!!! Sing your story to the world! Sing your life! Sing your dreams! Sing your hopes and fears. SING!
That’s a lot of singing, Beth! Thanks for the encouragement. I plan to make lots and lots of joyful noise.
“Sing” is the perfect word for you, Melodye!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you, as well! You know what I think? Your beloved tulips are nature’s Ode to Spring.
Sing, Oasis Sister!
I know you’ll be singing along side me, all the way. xo
Sing it, sister!
And Breathe!
And enjoy and savor every moment this year brings to you.
Fabulous post.
Breath is an important part of singing, isn’t it? Thanks for the reminder. xoxo
Hallelujah! The bushel is being lifted and the light of your voice is going to burst forth. We all are waiting to hear this year’s chorus. In a literal sense, being a lucky one to have actually heard you sing I can hardly wait to hear it in person again. ?
Oh my goodness, I totally forgot about that. “Lucky” might be a overstatement, lol. I do love your Biblical metaphors, though. Happy New Year!
LOVE THIS!
Did you choose a word for 2018, Kim? If so, I’d love to hear it. xo
Singing along with you. And wow – RISE was really appropriate!
Yes, RISE was both an encouragement and a solace, in 2017. I’m looking forward to singing with you this year, Kelly!