“Years end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” ~ Hal Borland
When I chose “practice” as my word for 2012 I wrote:
“…we don’t ‘get it’ all at once and then go off and live a perfect life. We often to have to ‘get it’ many times in order to live it, and even then, it’s never perfect (and that’s okay).
That’s what I like about the word ‘practice.’ It’s a way of ensuring a continual ‘getting.’ Something else I like about this word is that its definition has many layers and it addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.
And finally, ‘practice’ is both a verb and a noun…and it’s an attitude. It opens my year to all kinds of possibilities and varying shades, and it steers me away from ‘all or nothing’ thinking and behavior. It asks me to consider throwing off ballast, to listen to experts, to accept slowing down in order to move in the right direction, and to ensure that I am heeding my own instincts.
For me, practice does NOT make perfect, it is itself the reward.”
What I wrote a year ago proved to be so true, there’s not much else for me to say about it except this: the result of practicing is that I took massive action in 2012. It was imperfect action, but it was action nonetheless. For someone who doesn’t set goals (at least not in the usual sense), I achieved quite a bit, some things I expected and others that, at the beginning of 2012, I would never have imagined.
Some of the things I practiced often and consistently in 2012:
patience
curly hair
really paying attention to how various foods felt in my body instead of just giving lip service to “intutive eating”
being a student
being a teacher
acceptance (aka “calling myself out”)
Emotional Freedom Technique
balancing my hormones
letting it “set a spell”
getting at root causes
being vulnerable
building a business
taking financial responsibility for my grandmother
inner peace
quitting blame
forgiveness (this one was huge)
Although I am choosing a new word for 2013, I know that the concept of practice will stay with me. It has truly served me well!
Today also marks the two-year anniversary of my father’s death. I recently read the letter I wrote to him last year, on the first anniversary. It provided a look back at how my word for 2011 (“awe”) showed up.
Did you choose a word for 2012? How did it play out for you? Have you chosen a word for 2013? Feel free to share it here or link to your blog post if you wrote one!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I like how you pointed out that practice is a verb and a noun — that’s really important when considering all aspects of the word and its meaning. I’m glad you spent the year with this concept and wish you many more years with it… in addition to the 2013 word. And what is that word?
I’ve selected Expression for 2013.
I’ve always liked Les Brown’s take on ‘practice’. He said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect, no matter what you’ve heard. There is no such thing as perfection. Practice makes *improvement*.” That says it for me.
You had an amazing year, and you worked hard for it. (Feeling IS hard work!) You’re a remarkable woman, and I’m so grateful to you for sharing your story.
Just an observation. I’ve noticed that the old proverb, “Practice makes perfect” is forever ingrained in so many small, small people. I pronounce, “Practice make progress”, but it’s met with a lot of resistance. It comes from above, meaning parents who learned it obviously. But what I sense mostly is that I am not ‘their’ parent and I am goofy with the notion.
Perhaps in time it will root better. It’s not that perfection is not a noble cause, it is. But it defeats more than inspires I have found in the young and the adult.
Just a notion…
Herc.
You really rocked 2012 and I learned so much from you. I look forward to seeing what you will come up with in 2013. I’m thinking of adopting a phrase for the New Year – “Thou Mayest”. There will be a post about that in the days to come.
Can’t wait to see what your word is for this year!!!
Deb
You’ve had an amazing year and I’m so glad I was a part of that here on your blog. My word ( along time coming) will be ‘Mindful’. I have defined this word many times, but it’s never been front and center like this year. I am going to learn to give up my need for control and just simply be mindful of every moment I’m in.
I’ve not picked a word for 2013. If I had to choose a phrase I would say, Bring it ON! 2012 was full of transitions for me. Some good, some not. I’m ready for positive motion in my life this year and I’m the only one that bring that to fruition. So…Bring it ON!
b
Happy New Year, Karen! Glad your imperfect practice resulted in massive action :D
I am late to reading BUT I have to say HUGE HUGS to you on the anniversary thing – I know this all too well… HUGS!!!
Man, you accomplished a lot BUT you did work at it & in a way that was right for you!!!
I don’t have resolutions but things I want to accomplish in 2013.. I am working to making 55 the first day of the rest of my life! :)
I did not choose a word for 2012. I do like this idea. My word for 2013 is ignite. You can read my blog to find out why this word fits for me. And maybe for you.
Happy New Year!
Your blog is so good for my soul! Everytime I come here I’m so comforted by your words and encouraged by your actions. I love the concept of adopting a word for a year. Practice was a great choice. Wishing you an amazing 2013!
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