What’s That Word?

A few years ago, and not that consistently, I picked a word that might encapsulate how I hoped to approach the new year. Looking back I’ve selected “create”, “attitude” and “discipline”, among others. To be honest, the process has been an on-again, off-again exercise. I can’t say that I’ve been more focused in those years when I’ve had a word slogan. But some years it just seems right to try to come up with a rallying cry. I have to be in the right mood for a mental target.

This is one of those years.

I’ve decided to use the word “EXPLORE” as my 2021 mantra. If I do things correctly, if I embrace this challenge wholeheartedly, I hoping I’ll employ the word on multiple levels. For introspection. For my art practice/creativity. For my exercise program. For intellectual pursuits. For recognizing new bits and moments of joy. For a whole host of things I haven’t yet discovered.

I’m a excited, and a little bit daunted that I’ll run amok as I get lost down rabbit holes exploring new things that pique my interest. Wait, scratch that. That’s pretty lame. I’m not racing off towards the horizon, trying to prove the world isn’t flat. I’m just going to be exploring within my safe little universe that will still be structured enough so that we eat on a fairly regular basis in relatively clean clothes. Yes, keeping perspective will be important.

I signed up for a SAQA mentor to help with my art practice and creativity. For the next year we’re going to be picking apart my brain, emotions, and making to see what might be there that needs to be nurtured and/or what need to be eliminated. The estimable Lesley Riley has agreed to guide and join me on this journey. Thank you, Lesley! I’ll try to keep you posted on my discoveries. I’m hoping it will help to keep me accountable. Stay tuned.