So last year I was asked by my yoga instructor to come up with one word that describes something I want to pursue, change or experience during the up and coming year. To set an intention, so to speak.

Last year my word was “tranquil.” This made sense to me. We had a lot of ‘untranquil’ things happening. We were moving to Utah, selling a house, buying a new house, packing, and driving, and…and…and… All in the dead of winter. I didn’t not feel tranquil. My life was at the “height of adventure” (if I can say that) but I wanted to calm my soul in the midst of it. I guess when I am on the proverbial roller coaster, I am an eyes open kind of girl.

Was this a life changing experience? Um no.  But it did tie some sort of unified theme to my year. To have a ‘quiet spirit’ when our moving van was buffeted back on forth on I-80 by intense wind. To take a deep breath when my 3 year old came out of his room for the 8th time in a night- for 6 months straight. To calm my breathing while peering out onto the mirror-like rock face that I needed to move onto to complete my first multi-pitch climb. It helped keep me centered.  It reminded me of an intention I set earlier in the year- one I wanted to keep. Like it says in 1 Peter 3:4: Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. Picking a new word for 2012 feels like I am tipping my hat goodbye to ‘tranquility’ – but I hope I am not.  One year of focusing on it intently has not made me a master of it.  Far from.  It will be a life long ambition. But pick a new word for this up and coming year? I will. So here goes:GRATITUDE- (‘GRAETI, TJU:D) – N.-A feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favoursReally this definition misses what I am trying to focus on.  It isn’t just being thankful…My husband and I were having a conversation on the way to the rock gym one day and I loved the way he put it: “Gratitude seems like more than just being thankful.  It is looking around you and seeing bounty everywhere.  No matter the circumstances.” Wow, I GET that! (I mean I understand that.)  But more importantly, I NEED that!  So there it is, my word for 2012. Please share with me your word! (In one word…or many.)