Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Fearless

Last year, many people chose "a word" for the year-an inspiration.  I have thought long and hard about "my word" for 2013.  I chose Fearless.  I have always been a person who lacks self-confidence - just my makeup, I guess.  I am a lover of routine - stale as it may be.  I do not try new things easily. I wear the same white Nike sneakers (no color!).  When Chinese food is on the menu, it has always been "Sweet and Sour Chicken"....you get the drift.  The classic "rut".
 
So these past few months, I have been trying to remove the pessimism from my thoughts - the glass does not have to be half empty (or bone dry, in my case).  I have been asking myself "what is the worst thing that would happen?" each time something new crosses my path.  This applies to my every day being - not just jewelry design.
 
The Road Not Taken
 
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
 
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
      
 
--Robert Frost
 
Photo Credit: hersideofthemountain.com
 
So, as I go forth in 2013, I will use fearless as my mantra and I will enjoy the view along the way. 
 
Wishing you all a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

20 comments:

  1. Patti I think you have chosen a perfect word...the new things you have tried in recent months have clearly invigorated you and unearthed talents that should not be hidden so you really do have nothing to fear and everything to gain. This is also one of my favourite poems, being of that age where one tends to reflect on 'what ifs' and opportunities missed. I've tried hard to embrace new things in the last couple of years with some success. This year I've chosen balance as my word in an effort to stop trying to embrace them all at once!!! We should never stop learning in this life. Happy New Year my friend.

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  2. Patti - I would never have thought of you as fearful or in a rut. In Stacie's class you had so many really creative ideas. We all see ourselves differently though. I think it is great all the thought you put into your word and what you want for the new year. Growth is so important. Good luck this year and I hope our paths cross in more classes.
    Susan Marling

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  3. what a great word and what a great post! I am also looking forward to using the turn of the year as a chance to bump me out of ruts :-) good luck and I look forward to hearing about your journey!!

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  4. what a great word and what a great post! I am also looking forward to using the turn of the year as a chance to bump me out of ruts :-) good luck and I look forward to hearing about your journey!!

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  5. Patti that is a wonderful word! I can't wait to see what this year brings for you! Happy New Year!

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  6. Patti, I love your word, and completely understand. My word is similar...I'll try to post it today...
    Looking forward to an exciting year, and I'm glad I can follow you on your journey!

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  7. Patti, we are so alike! I grew up having no confidence or self-esteem. And it has carried with me for 49 years. Like you, routine is the name of the game for me in what I wear, what I eat, daily routine etc., and I'm very timid at trying new things for fear of failure. This year I have chosen the word 'Brave' in hopes of changing this. I know it will not be easy, but it's a start. I'm glad you are doing the same.

    I look forward to seeing where 2013 takes us.

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  8. Yay!!! Fearless is a great word, Patty...I have 'gone out on a limb' so many times in my life, and every single time, if I slipped and fell, there was always something to catch me, and my experiences have been so, so rich. Have a wonderful, enriching and fearless 2013!!

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  9. Great choice! I understand your love of routine, I too lean towards that. I applaud your new stance. Inspired by others, have been thinking of a word to represent me this coming year. Thanks for sharing your story.

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  10. One of my favorite poets, and poems. Be fearless in 2013, and find many new and wonderful things

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  11. Thank you, Patti, for this fearless and genuine post! I think there's a little of the "living in a fearful rut" in ALL of us, and being reminded that we CAN launch out into the void now and then and still be okay--maybe even AWESOME!-- is so very valuable.

    I am going to accept "fearless" as my motto for 2013 as well and will meet you on that road up out of the rut! <3

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  12. A wonderful word to live by, Patti! I understand your choice so well - we are all creatures of comfort and getting our of our boxes is painful, because of the 2nd guessing. "Fearless" is good for your soul ;-)

    May you be happy and travel your journey with joy :)

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  13. Great word. Just remember that the "rut" is sometimes not so bad either. Happy new year.
    Jean

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  14. This is the start of a great journey! Enjoy!

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  15. Congratulations on choosing a word...I'm still working on mine *if* I decided to choose one. I wish you great prosperity and joy in 2013, Patti. Thank you for your continued kind words and encouragement! xoxo.

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  16. Happy New Year! I have to agree with Susan.....sometimes you don't see yourself as others see you as I don't see you as one stuck in a rut - you are a brave soul! :-) You've made a nice choice - I can see how coming back to this word will really help to encourage you even more in 2013! :-)

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  17. Great word Patti! I contemplated your word before being chosen by ACTION instead. (This is why I need this word ... IT had to choose ME!) This year I'm moving my life forward with action steps both big and small. Maybe next year I'll go fearless ... I'll let you lead the way. =D

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  18. Great word Patti! I hope it serves you well this year and all the years to come. I am a pessimist and fearful of a lot too...but take the road less traveled simply to avoid the chaos the popular route can bring ;-)

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  19. Patti, I never would have thought that you lack self-confidence! Just this year, you have tried, learned and mastered several new jewelry techniques. Fearless is a fine word though and I too, must get out of my comfort zone more often. Again, you inspire us!

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  20. Your work is awesome. I don't know where you come up with all your designs. Being a "metal smither" I struggle to come up with something very original. The market is flooded with all different types of jewelry and every day it seems like someone comes up with something new. I applaud you as you are a true artist!

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