Tuesday, January 7, 2014

2014 Word of the Year

For the past few years, I have joined several bloggers in choosing a word to help me though the coming year.

This year, I chose the word "today."


I chose this word for two reasons:

First, over the past year, I found myself saying, "I can do that tomorrow."

You know the drill:
       I'll start running again tomorrow.
       I'll clean that tomorrow.
       I'll finish this project tomorrow.

Unfortunately, there is always another tomorrow and it's so easy to forget about today.

So, for 2014, I want to do things TODAY.

Second, I've noticed that worrying about what tomorrow will bring makes enjoying the day much harder.

My karate instructor's instructor (my karate grandfather) said something in class a few weeks ago that rang true:  "thinking about the past brings regret and thinking about the future brings worry, so think about the present."  He was talking about kata, but it applies to our lives as well.

I found this quote by Henry David Thoreau that sums it up perfectly:

"You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find eternity in each moment."

It sums up what I hope my attitude will be in 2014 -- take pleasure and pride in each day, accomplish what you can and forget about tomorrow.

3 comments:

  1. I think that is a perfect word! I, too, play the Scarlet O'Hara card way too much and put off till tomorrow....great word to live by!

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  2. Great word! It is one that so many people can relate too. Tomorrow seems to be a dumping ground for so much that never gets done. Your karate grandfather and Mr. Thoreau gave you nice, simple quotes to remember your word. Here's to Today!

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  3. I think that this is a marvelous word! I am with you on it. And you know I love that quote ;-) Still seeking my word. Or words. I think I may have hit on one or two. I need to mull it over a bit and when I am ready I will certainly share. Enjoy the day. Erin

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