Here we are.
2015 has been the hardest year of my life. I came into it with such high hopes only to feel I have been knocked off my ship and sent to crash again and again on the rocks along the shore. You would think I could look at today as good riddance to a year that has been mostly pain… yet it still hurts to move away from the year, the last year of my son. It’s hard to think I seen him and laughed with him and joked with him and talked books with him in 2015…. and I will not in 2016.
Emerge as you may recall, was the word that I chose to be my “it word” for 2015. The plan for 2015 was to emerge into who I have always wanted to be… a full time writer between working on freelancing and on my own book…. no longer would it be a dream. Well… emerge changed throughout the year with the loss of my son and my struggle to find a solid footing in what now seems to be an uncertain and shaky world. Yet 8 months into this and I am starting to lay a path, starting to emerge again into something I believe my son would be proud of. “Go Mom.” I can almost hear him say.
And so, as I retire Emerge this year, while it was different than I had planned – it still worked. I believe as this word will be removed from my necklace and placed in a keepsake box I will add a letter as to what it has been like to live with Emerge this year. A new tradition for the words that are to come.
For 2016, I have chosen the word COURAGE.
cour·age
ˈkərij/
nounnoun: courage
I even already made a purchase so I have something to wear. I still need to find it in a format that I can wear it on my chain much as I did with Emerge. I never took it off, and I don’t want to this year either.
The new year is upon us. There is still time for you to choose your word. There is also still time for you to choose your first book.
Happiest of New Year to all of you. Stay safe. Stay well. Love others unconditionally.
Book Journey 
This is beautiful, Sheila. You will find the courage you need to be all you want to be. I’m sure of it. Happy New Year.
I wonder if you should actually retire a word. Maybe create a string of them from one year to the next?
I like the idea of keeping them and telling their story, I dont want to wear them all. I can always use the word again in the future if I choose but for now I like to focus on the one word each year. By wearing the one word when people as I can share with them my word and why. 🙂
Sounds good to me 🙂 And I just googled “courage necklace” on Amazon and it looks like there’s a good variety to pick from 😀
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=courage+necklace
I’ve been very touched by your stories of your journey this year. And it has indeed been a journey, hasn’t it? So much symbolism in your word, ’emerge’. I think ‘courage’ is an amazing choice. Sheila, there is just no telling what selecting that word will bring to you this year. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your 2016 be a year of peace, hope, and yes, I’ll say it, joy. For I’ve found that joy sneaks in, even through sorrow. That’s my word, by the way, ‘joy’. I’m going to talk about it on my blog on Monday. Hugs.
I’ve often thought about how courageous you’ve been this year, so I think your word fits. I’m looking forward to first read tomorrow. I’ve worked out 5 days in a row do I can have a lazy day tomorrow and read, read, read.
Courage is the perfect word for you Sheila. Two years ago I chose the word ‘joy’ and it was honestly the most ‘joyless’ year I could remember. So last year I didn’t choose a word and thought I would just let the chips fall where they may. But I realize now that I missed that ‘one little word’. Your blog post has inspired me. My word for 2016 is ‘HOPE’ and in 2016 I will live in ‘hope’! Thank you for sharing your life with us Sheila. To open up to your readers takes courage and may you find strength to continue on with the courage you have been demonstrating these past months.
Perfect word for you, Sheila. Sending you a New Year hug.
As you begin the New Year may courage work its way into your life in many ways!
A great word! May you feel it in every moment of every day.
Sheila,
Thank you for sharing so honestly this past year. Your word is perfect–it describes you, and will continue to describe you, in the New Year. I wish you and your family many blessings in 2016.
As a mother who also lost her son in 2015
I admire your sentiments and courage is a fine word indeed. Take care and may 2016 be kind to you.
Beautiful post.
Love your word and your “courage” at continuing on. I so admire you…don’t know how you do it.
The ship photo says it all.
HUGS and PRAYERS as always.
Elizabeth
Thank you for sharing your posts Shiela. Best wishes for you this year.
Courage is the perfect word for you, my brave friend. Happy New Year!
All best to you as you find new courage in the new year. I’m posting about my word of the year on Monday. Blessings and hugs to you.
That’s a wonderful choice. *hugs*
My dear friend. Your courage this past year has been inspiring. We luv ya! My word(s) this year are “MINDFUL SELF CARE” as I recently went back into therapy (A gain)
You have emerged the year with such inspiration and strength. I think of you often over this past year as a mom of 3 sons and a baby girl we lost. I love that you wear your word as a reminder. Best of luck in 2016.
Courage is the perfect word for you. Whether or not you were courageous before, I cannot say, but you have definitely emerged with great courage. Hugs.