Most years I spend time thinking about what me OLW will be. You could say that I audition words and see if they fit me and what my expectations for the coming year are.
This was not the case this year. I was driving back from the recycling bins where I dropped off some plastic… cardboard… glass… and aluminum cans. I had the car radio on and I was listening to a Broadway station on Sirius. I was not thinking about my OLW. If I were to be honest I wasn’t thinking about anything at all.
For no apparent reason a word popped into my head. Maybe it was because of the traveling we’ve done over the last few years or maybe it was because of some new responsibilities I have taken on this year. I don’t know. Anyway, as I thought about the word it made me realize that this is the word I want to guide me through 2019.
The word is EXPLORE. I want to try new things this year. Maybe exploring will take the form of writing in new formats, especially ones I am not totally comfortable with. This cold come in handy during the March Challenge. Maybe it will include trying new dishes and ways of cooking. I did get two slow cooker cook books for Christmas. I think it is a hint.
Maybe we will get the urge to take another road trip. That is always exciting. Our retired teachers group is planning a mystery trip that could be exciting. One thing I KNOW I will explore is my leadership qualities since I just took over the presidency of the Dauphin County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
I would like to explore new authors and genres of books. I admit that I gravitate to mystery/ adventure/horror stories. I tend to pick the same authors. There are so many other kinds of books and authors out there that I am missing because I don’t usually reach for them.
Who knows what kinds of opportunities might pop up throughout the year, but I know that I will explore all options that come my way. I also know that whatever I explore will somehow find its way into this blog.
I wish you an successful year of exploration!
Thank you, Adrienne.
Perfect word – EXPLORE.
It was one of my top 10.
Exploring the world around you . . . that’s my picture of you and Kathy!
YES! Amazing choice! ❤
Thanks, Fran. It just seemed to fit what I want to accomplish this year.
It is fortuitous that I found your blog. I, too, am retired and your word sends “kindred spirit” vibes. I need that! So excited for you. I, too, wrote about OWL, my maiden voyage. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Thank you for your kind comments. Retirement opens up so many opportunities for exploring and the time to pause and reflect on what we see.
What a wonderful word! Mine is focus – but I think your word would be a great second. All the best this year as you search out new places to explore.
Thanks, Bev. I like your word. It seems the older I get the more scattered I become. I could most likely use some focusing.
Have fun exploring! Great word!
Thanks, Terje. It could be interesting.
Now “explore” is a word sure to open up all sorts of possibilities. I wonder what 2019 would have been without that word to nudge and guide you! Enjoy the journey!
Thanks. I am looking forward to an interesting year of exploring.
Explore is a great word!
Thank you, Lisa. I think it will serve me well this year.
I think explore is a wonderful word. Very inviting, not too pushy. It’s a word that will no doubt lead to new adventures–which you can then write about here!
That is what I am hoping.