Late every December on Instagram, writer/artist Morgan Harper Nichols creates a Reel with 50-70 different words and her interpretation of their definition on repeat. Take a screenshot, she says, when you feel ready. Click! That’s your word for the following year! I love this. For me, one word is grounding and easy to remember. Several words strung together as an aspiration feel flimsy and doomed.
I spun the wheel a few days before New Year’s and “dedication” found me. My initial feeling was beige but then I read the description.
Some small interior gate rattled and then its hasp fell open. I walked in and spread out my blanket. So far, so good. Writing some words every damn day, talking about my memoir and novel for the first time, imagining my main character on the SBahn or visiting a new city and reminding myself daily that my productivity doesn’t determine my value. Woof!
“Disclipline” feels like a SUPER high bar, Gloria!! If that word came up for me, I’d choose again, lol. Maybe give Morgan Harper Nichols’ wheel a spin and see what happens! :-)
"Some small interior gate rattled and then its hasp fell open. I walked in and spread out my blanket. So far, so good." Love the phrasing here, Elizabeth.
I did pick a word but I don't tell anyone what it is until the year is up!
Fear, is my word. How I learned to fear, and how I am not going to fear no more. I used to fear the dark, going places by myself. Speaking up in crowds. People, made me most fearful. A certain type of people. I grew up with that, Aunt that everyone called firm. No ! she was mean. I feared the mean people. I do not run and hide no more. I kill them with kindness, I pray and move on to my happy place.
This is my second year choosing this word. I am amazed about my outcome.Thanks for listening 🎧
This is so powerful, Tracee. I really feel the strength of your words! I bet you’re amazed! Can’t wait to hear how this discovery work continues for you. 🙌🏽
I always think about it. I always choose "discipline" and then never have any, so it's probably time to give up the endeavor. lol
“Disclipline” feels like a SUPER high bar, Gloria!! If that word came up for me, I’d choose again, lol. Maybe give Morgan Harper Nichols’ wheel a spin and see what happens! :-)
"Some small interior gate rattled and then its hasp fell open. I walked in and spread out my blanket. So far, so good." Love the phrasing here, Elizabeth.
I did pick a word but I don't tell anyone what it is until the year is up!
Ah, thank you Allison 🙏. I love that you appreciated that language. <3
And— cool strategy— remind me to connect back in December on WOY!
Fear, is my word. How I learned to fear, and how I am not going to fear no more. I used to fear the dark, going places by myself. Speaking up in crowds. People, made me most fearful. A certain type of people. I grew up with that, Aunt that everyone called firm. No ! she was mean. I feared the mean people. I do not run and hide no more. I kill them with kindness, I pray and move on to my happy place.
This is my second year choosing this word. I am amazed about my outcome.Thanks for listening 🎧
This is so powerful, Tracee. I really feel the strength of your words! I bet you’re amazed! Can’t wait to hear how this discovery work continues for you. 🙌🏽
Committing--in the sense of honoring my commitments to myself and what I want to create in this world.
Simple and beautiful, Diahann. Thanks for sharing!