So, when we last met, we were rummaging around our brain cells and heart veins and soul spaces for that word of the year. My friend, Anne, wrote, “My best word forever and ever is love. Such an easy one to feel but difficult to describe. I recently read a meaningful definition of love that Ian McEwan used in “Sweet Tooth.” Love does not stand alone, nor can it, ‘but trails like a blazing comet, bringing with it other shining goods – forgiveness, compassion, kindness, tolerance, fairness, and friendship, all bound to the heart of what love is’.”

Thank you, Anne, for pointing that out. Beautiful.

The big debate was between awareness and acceptance, two solid A-words, but the word presence came to me. As my friend, Mary Eldred, said in my last post, there are many variations to the word and many themes for me to focus on. (Which is the point, right? Focusing on something positive.)

Your presence is requested. I like that for an invitation for myself.

When I am with someone, I want to be fully present. I want this year to be one of invisible presents to others and to myself. No multi-tasking when I can focus on being present.

So, presence, presents, suiting up and showing up and finally: tapping that unsuspected presence within.

The idea also came to me via my friend, Yosi Mor, who wrote about being aware of the present moment –when it comes to decision — doing what can be done now. It is all we have.

What do you think? What word are you choosing for yourself? How can it help you write your best chapter? Write and let me know.

Related articles

• One Really Smart Thing To Do This Year: Choose a Word (thebestchapter.com)