open
December 30, 2011 § 5 Comments
A close friend and I were exchanging messages this morning over our word choices for the 2012 One Little Word project on Ali Edwards blog. I could hear the strength of my friend’s selection through the lines of her message. I shared my uncertainty, pledging to remain open.
I wrote briefly today about this exercise in choosing one word to embrace the New Year. Then I set aside my laptop and busied myself with other projects attempting to remain untethered to a blinking cursor, dismissing a self-imposed pressure to make a choice.
Later, in a frivolous moment of quiet, I began to read familiar blogs. The word open seemed to wink at me from another’s sharing. Its four tiny letters eclipsed the other words as I read, beckoning me to look closer.
Tucked inside my friend’s earlier messages today was a quote. The universe is conspiring in your favor. She had been sharing a beautiful sentiment that spoke to her, but I was reading tiny markers coded in personal meaning.
Open.
Perhaps my word is claiming me, gently directing me; challenging me to open my mind and heart to possibility. Asking me to be receptive to outside influences. Inspiring me to embrace life, love, forgiveness, change. Calling me to step outside a place of comfort and permitting me space to try new things and take action.
I am reminded of two quotes I wear close to my heart on simple silver charms:
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Emerson
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined. Thoreau
Open up, draw strength from within, and move forward with confidence towards your heart’s desires. Open; a small unpretentious word that seems to stretch endlessly encompassing unlimited possibility.
scribblechic 
Your blog is beautiful. Your words are chosen intentionally, and I love that. I wanted to comment because the two quotes you used are two of my favorites of all time. I have always loved to write, but I became more reflective when my teacher introduced me to Emerson and Thoreau in the 11th grade. Your thoughts on the word “open” describe it perfectly.
What a lovely beginning to the New Year! Thank you for your kind words.
[…] potential in my struggle against uncertainty. In pledging to keep an open mind I embraced the word Open to guide me in my actions as I welcomed a year marked by change. The second year my word came from […]
Very nice web site, your blog posts are great as well. 😉
Thank you!