Happy New Year to All You Lovely People!
Each year for the past few years I’ve been picking a “word of the year”, a theme, for me to follow. It works as a guiding principle for me and helps to keep me on track. The words I’ve chosen over the past years are words that I continue to focus on, and then I bring in another word as well each year as a new guiding principle.
Having a word has helped me push myself out of my comfort zone in some way or another. Without taking a risk, without getting out of my comfort zone, I won’t grow and I won’t be a good example for my children on how to live their lives.
My One Word for 2018
Having recently read Brené Brown’s new book Braving the Wilderness, I decided that this would be the inspiration for my word of 2018. This book really resonated with me, as did Brené’s own story, her feelings of never fitting in at school, (yes that was me, always picked last for any sort of team)feeling alone and on the outside of things, feeling like she didn’t belong and how she often still feels the same way, but has learned what belonging really means (and she explains it in the book). As an introvert and having had these kinds of feelings all my life (and still do now and I think that introversion may amplify some of these feelings of loneliness as I’m not the greatest at making friends and most of my best friends live in other cities) this book really spoke to me (and I highly recommend reading or listening to it).
In the book, Brene brings up the word
BRAVING
and this is my word for 2018.
What is BRAVING? It’s not about being brave as such, though courage comes into it. BRAVING is an acronym:
B: Boundaries
R: Reliability
A: Accountability
V: Vault
I: Integrity
N: Non-Judgement
G: Generosity
I’m not going to go through each word and really explain what she means – I’d advise you – in fact, I implore you to read the book for yourself to really understand what each word means.
I’ve only a little idea of what 2018 holds in store for me except that I’m hoping to launch a brand new project that I’ve been working on for the past 2 years and I’m taking a trip to the UK and will be running some personal stylist/personal colour analysis training while I’m there, and the rest is currently a mystery, but I do know that I want to go into the year with a brave, vulnerable and courageous heart. And as Brené says:
Really loved this interview with Brené Brown
Do you have a one-word resolution? Have you picked your word for 2018? I’d love to know your word for 2018!
My daughter’s teacher gave each child a present as they graduated from primary school and I wanted to share with you the message she put with it – it’s great advice for all of us (not just for kids) to remind us that we all make mistakes and can grow and make a mark on the world.
My Previous Year’s Words
My word for 2018 is Discipline!
Permission
Permission to try new things. Permission to say “no”. Permission to do what’s best for me and the rest of the world won’t end because of it.
Permission
Permission to try new things. Permission to say “no”. Permission to do what’s best for me and the rest of the world won’t end because of it.
Permission.
Permission to try anything – once. Permission to say “no” – and the world won’t come to an end.
2018 will be my year of enough. I’m working on gratitude for all the amazing things I already have in my life.
Dear Imogen, Happy New Year to you as well!! I cannot express, how much your blog helped me (and also my friend) in our clothing style and our self-image.
If you had some free consultation time in UK, would you be so kind and let me know when you plan to be there? I would love to come for a personal colour and style consultation, if possible.
Patience.
This is the year to really exert patience. Things will happen eventually, I mustn’t rush at them.
Thanks for your posts. Brene Brown is a legend – she inspires me in my work with clients. I love your word for the year which encompasses so much.
My word for the year is Effortless.
I aim to create a wardrobe filled with opportunities for effortless outfits.
My word is START. I’ve been stuck and afraid of having a go at life. This year I want to be able to have a go without fear of failure holding me back. I’m so looking forward to seeing you in England for our shopping trip, can’t come soon enough!
…oh, and my word for year 2018 is EXERCISE 🙂
Happy New Year! I am going with ABCs this year: adventure, beauty and comfort. They all have specific application and meaning to my current life.
My word for 2018 is going to be Simplify.
That’s a word I had not heard ! What a geat idea Imogen.
Cheers for a fab 2018 !
“Encourage” is my 2018 word. I’ve made great strides ridding myself of negative self-talk & now want to focus on changing “needs” to “wants;” for example, “I want to vacuum the floors” rather than “I need to vacuum the floors”. This will change my disposition as I actually vacuum the floors. Try it! This is just one example of how I interpret this word. Here’s to a wonderful 2018 for everyone!
What a great word and attitude for the year! Thanks for sharing Gail!
Imogen, I too used to be picked last for teams at school. In fact, they often used to fight not to have me on their team! And I too struggle to make friends and sometimes feel lonely.
I just want you to know that yours is my favourite blog on the entire internet. I LOVE the way you think, and write, and find your ideas fascinating. You are amazing!
Thanks Wendy – school is not for everyone – I survived it and have thrived much more as an adult being able to do my own thing – and I’m really glad that you love it! x