Touchstone Word 2011
My touchstone word for the new year found me soon after writing this post. I had a short list of possibilities, words that I thought I wanted to steer towards, but no, that isn't the way touchstone words work. They seek you out -- tapping you on the shoulder, whispering in your ear, tugging at your sleeve -- until you just have to take notice. Once you do, it's amazing how easily your intentions for the year just fall into place. That's how you know the right word was chosen.
Every year, my touchstone words have been verbs, action words. Most touchstone words are, from what I've read. That is by design. We are driven to change, grow, learn, explore (all good touchstone word choices, by the way) and touchstone words enable us to focus that energy.
I've done a lot of searching the past couple of years. I had no idea what I wanted when I started and now I do. I've taken myself through personal journeys most people never attempt and I've loved every moment of it. I can see what it is I need to do and what I want to do and I am ready.
This year, my touchstone word is INVEST.
It's time to put my time, energy, resources and passion into the things that matter most. I can see this touching every area of my life, which is exactly what a touchstone word should do. It should be your guiding light, your compass, your touchstone in every situation.
- This year, I will INVEST in relationships that fulfill and uplift me, that make me feel that I am more instead of less. I will build stronger ties with people who matter and learn to let go of the people who do not. This includes investing in the relationship I have with myself. I will continue to make healthy choices so I can maintain my strong mind and body. I will love myself more, think of myself in a more positive light and cut myself some slack.
- This year, I will INVEST in my personal growth and creative nature. I will continue with the self-exploration, learning to dream, dare and discover. I will laugh more and cry less. I will take chances, seek adventure and continue to be the brave person I have come to be. I will make time to explore my passions and improve the quality of my non-work time. I will write more stories, take more photos, create more recipes and generally find more ways to enjoy life.
- This year, I will INVEST in the world around me. I will do my part to sustain this planet, care for people and animals who aren't in a position to care for themselves and try to bring joy wherever and whenever I can.
- This year, I will INVEST in my career and financial future. This is an area in which I have always invested so it doesn't need as much attention, perhaps, as the others but as of today, I work for new management so it is a good time to dust things off, shake things up and expand my role. I want to enjoy my job for as long as I need to work.
So, what does all that mean? It means the people and things that matter are going to matter more. It means every day will have a purpose. It means that the investment I'm going to make should reap a more bountiful, enjoyable and quality life.
Let's go, 2011!
2011, changes, goals, life, new year, resolutions, touchstone in About My Day 
Reader Comments (8)
I am ashamed to say that this may be the first time I've read your blog... It's lovely my dear. Lovely and inspiring. Don't mind me as I wander through your archives over the next few days. :)
Thank you, Liz. I didn't realize you had a blog! I have already started in and it's lovely. But then, your kids have always had a special spot in my heart. =) Thank you for stopping by and reading. xoxo
This is a truly great word! I love it, I think it was a great choice for you. :)
I had a great word last year: Focus. I, somehow, totally ignored that word the rest of the year. Dangit. :)
Lovely word. Good choice!
I have picked Kindness or Be Kind for my year. Without meaning to, all of my intentions for 2011 involve being kinder - to myself, to others, to my finances, to the environment.
I love it. And I love your intentions with the word.
As I mentioned on Facebook, my word this year is Wellness with the mantra of Be Well. Like you, though, I expanded that into the specific areas of focus. I want to aim for health and wellness in the areas of Body, Mind, Spirit, Relationships, and Money.
Wishing you the best of years and a huge return on your investments in it!
It would seem that we are on the same path. Glad to share the road. :^)
My word for this year is MINDFULNESS. I want to awaken to the NOW of my life and not dwell so much on what lies on either side of the timeline.
Now is what matters for me.
And your word is awesome. Best to you this year . . .
Brian
I don't have a word. But I like yours. :-)