Saturday, January 2, 2016

One Little Word 2016: Brave

Every year, for the last nine years, inspired by Ali Edwards, I have been selecting "one little word" upon which to focus during the year. My previous words include: open (2007); flow (2008); accomplish (2009); horizon (2010); health (2011); home (2012); paramount (2013); illuminate (2014) and selfhood (2015).
For 2016, I have chosen the word Brave. I like the word because of the way it shifts meanings depending upon whether it is being used an adjective, a verb or a noun. They're interrelated but carry different meanings. When used as an adjective (its most common use), it means being fearless, daring and intrepid. But change it to a verb, "to brave," and it means to confront, endure,withstand and defy. Finally, after playing around, I realized that it can also be a noun. A Brave is a warrior, a hero (think Native American) and even a yoga pose.
And there is so much about the word which speaks to me. About where I am in my life right now. And how I want to behave this year. And where I want to be at the end of 2016.
What about you? Have you chosen a word?
In the next few days and weeks, look for some reflections on my 2015 word and some brave posts about why my 2015 word speaks to me.

11 comments:

helena said...

I like it - I hadn't really thought about its noun and verb meaning before. I'm still thinking about a word for this year - nothing is resonating at the moment

Lady Ella said...

Good luck with it Rinda! I have never tried One Little Word but I always think the words others pick are great and love hearing their musings on it. Why don't I think of things like that?

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

I love how this word has such deep meaning for you by way of expanding its definition. I've been kicking around the idea of choosing a word for this year but haven't settled on one yet. Can't wait to see how BRAVE unfolds for you! xo

Karen said...

I've settled on mine, and already know it's a good fit. I follow a woman who choose "brave" last year, and it was a wonderful experience for her; may it also be for you. Happy New Year!

Sian said...

I'm looking forward to seeing how you use your word throughout the year

Linda said...

Brave is such a good word Rinda! I am looking forward to seeing how it develops for you throughout the year. I am choosing GROW, but also Develop and Flourish. Last year I had Adventure, and now I want to grow and develop on those 2015 adventures. You've inspired me to write a blog post too!

debs14 said...

Good choice! So many ways to interpret it too.

alexa said...

What a super word - I can see it suiting you well, and have enjoyed your unpacking of it. Wishing you every success with it, Rinda, and looking forward to read your experiences with it.

Anonymous said...

Excellent choice of word.

Melissa said...

Such a brave word for the new year - looking forward to seeing where it takes you. I didn't choose a specific word this year, but have several focus goals that I'll be working on instead. Happy New Year!

Missus Wookie said...

What a great choice of word - I like your heart with wings. Look forward to seeing where they take you!