I recently shared my word for 2018 on Instagram and it is . . . rum roll please . . . transform. For weeks, in the back of my mind, I pondered subconsciously and thought about which word would define the experiences I want to have in the New Year. I didn’t want to choose a word because it’s trendy to do so; instead, I chose a word to encompasses what I want to accomplish in the New Year because I believe it can propel me into action when I speak it out loud.
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Have you ever met people who transform the way you think?
Likewise, I believe in order for change to take place you have to be willing to be molded. Throughout my short life, I have had some amazing atypical life experiences. For example, I use to teach special needs children how to ride horses in Iowa, and for several months I lived with the Cheyenne people on a reservation tutoring children and doing renovations on their Boys and Girls Club. In addition, I once met Nelson Mandela‘s daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, I’ve also met Ava Duverney and Oprah’s make up artist Reggie Wells. I’ve met other folks who are well-known throughout the world, but Makaziwe, Ava, and Reggie are 3 people who made lasting impressions on me.
When I met Makaziwe I was 11 years old and in the 7th grade. I’m not sure of her exact words now, but this is the impression that was left with me: determination can take you places you only thought were real in your dreams. She was beautiful, strong, witty, and eloquent.
I’m shy, but I went up to Ava Duverney, and she gave me a compliment. I’m really not one to put a lot of weight on compliments, but they do make you feel good. Here’s what I remember most, Ava was warm and compassionate. She is someone I’d love to get to know better. What inspires me about her, is not what she said to me, but how she is always bettering herself. She continues to reject rejections and create her own pathways.
Lastly, Reggie Wells, what struck me about Reggie was he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Genuine that’s the best word I can use to describe him. What I remember about Reggie is that when he sees you, he recognizes the natural beauty already within you.
Choose a word that will guide your path!
For as long as I can remember, I have written a word in my journal to help me provide “focus” in my life. Coincidently, last year’s word was focus. Thankfully, when 2017 came to a close I had a clearer concept of my future. I had laid out my goals and prepared to fully gain understanding about my life’s work. Choosing a word at the beginning of the year doesn’t always pan out to be the same word that truly defines the year, but it is a tool I can use to guide me through the challenges and experiences I may face.
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Carpe diem / seize the day!
Frankly, it’s easy to live in the past and think about all the things you have accomplished in your life, but it’s so much more important to realize that your best life is ahead of you and not behind you. The key to transformation begins with a willingness to have a new perspective. If you’re trying to gain perspective keep these 3 facts in mind.
- Only you can decide what your passions are.
- You must let go of excuses that may or may not exist.
- And only you know your breaking point when you’re fed up enough to get things done.
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A transforming perspective takes place from the inside out.
Finally, I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my “good times” to be primarily in my past. I don’t want to tell my children about the talents I once possessed. Nope, I want them to see my skills in action. I want my girls to see mommy blazing her own trails and believing in her future. They should see me refining my character, becoming a better artisan, wife, and mom. I want my daughters to see me as I transform into a better person. In order for 2018 to be one of the best years that I’ve ever had, I have to plan, act, push and move forward. Stepping stones are motivating factors to help you move forward. Create checklists and then focus on completing them.
Like iron sharpens iron, I’m being refined.
What will you see from me in 2018? Everything I do will become more refined. I want to be better, more sharpened, more disciplined. Because I am sharing this with you, in 2018, please feel free to call me out, when you see something that you don’t think is my best, help me and hold me accountable.
Reader Question
What word inspires you and why?
Change your mind, and you’ll change your life. I truly believe that. If we choose to look at things differently, everything shifts for better or worse, it all depends on us. You looked beautiful, by the way!
I think now is the time for us to walk as if things are. We have to step into our own and produce, you’re right the process itself will totally depend on our own actions. BTW, thank you for the compliment and I wish you much success this year!
“it’s so much more important to realize that your best life is ahead of you and not behind you“ <—- love this! I get caught up sometimes thinking about what I did or didn’t do in the past. My word for this year is LIVE. I wrote a post about it over on the blog but I’m really focusing on living and not just letting the days pass.
“Live,” is so important for us moms because we will often live for everyone else as put ourselves aside. As you live, I wish you the best this year!
“The key to transformation begins with a willingness to have a new perspective. If you’re trying to gain perspective keep these 3 facts in mind. Only you can decide what your passions are. You must let go of excuses that may or may not exist.
And only you know your breaking point when you’re fed up enough to get things done.” This right here!!! YES!!!! I needed to read this!!!
Our thoughts can place limitations on our achievements, but if we can get pass those we will have room to soar.
Transform is a very powerful word. My word for this year is intentional, I’m doing everything with purpose and intent.
I can totally see intentional being a revolutionary experience for you this year. It has taken time to establish your credibility in the business and you totally have so the world is now your oyster. It’s time to make pearls of your experiences.
My focus word is Worthy. If I ever start to doubt myself and what others think I’m me, I’m going to remind myself that I’m Worthy.
I wish you the best this year. Us brown bloggers really need to keep in mind that we are worthy; especially of big brands partnerships. You are totally worthy!
I have a word, but I’m not sure that I want to share it outside of my house, because I find that my family pushes me better than anyone online at the moment. I do want to reveal in a couple of months, just not yet. I love that you were able to take away solid support from each of your three meetings, and look forward to seeing you grow this year!
I totally hear you, not sharing your word could be a powerful experience.
Great word. My word for 2018 is “new.” I want to do new things, go new places and have new adventures. This will take me out of my comfort zone for new experiences.
Ramona, “new” sounds perfect because it’s fresh and bold.
This reminds me of the scripture that tells us to be transformed by renewing our minds. I’m working on that now. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks Stacie, that’s one of my favorite verses.
That is a great word! transformation is growth! love it! Great things to come this year for sure!!!!
I would love to meet Ava Duvernay! I’ve taken a Master Class with Reggie Wells. He’s a gem, to say the least. As far as one word to describe what I’d like to accomplish in 2018, I don’t just have one, but I do know that what I want to achieve would lead me to freedom from working where I am currently not happy.