Leap. Yes, that's the word for this year. With each new day, especially on the days that I feel uncertain, I will remind myself to leap.
What is your word for 2016? What does it mean to you?
In the quiet first moments of 2016, I laid in bed listening to the soft sound of my baby daughter sleeping in the bassinet beside me. I sent silent thanks out into the universe for all the joys of the past year. My thoughts continued on to the year ahead. 2016. A very wise friend and mentor has a tradition of picking a theme for the new year...one word to live by for the next 365 days. This year, with new challenges and new experiences just waiting to begin, I felt like more than ever I needed one word, a compass, to help guide my way. But what word? Another good friend of mine sent me the following thought as I prepare to leave for Finland: Leap and the net will appear. And there it is. My word. My compass. Leap. A great and sudden change, increase, or improvement. Leap is the perfect word. Beyond the definition of the word, it has a feeling. Joyful. Eager. Decisive. All things that I strive to be in each new experience of 2016. And as for the rest of the saying, Leap and the net will appear, I know that my net is ready and waiting, woven from so many important pieces. My net is all the preparation I've put into the coming year. It's the support of my husband, who always stands by my side as a true partner in everything we tackle in life. My net is my beautiful baby daughter, who loves so purely that my heart lifts up in a way that I can't describe. My net is my family and friends at home. It's my faculty adviser and Fulbright alumni buddy, who have already done so much to help prepare our family for this move. My net is my group of colleagues at school and my students that make me want to do better each day. My net is ready and waiting.
Leap. Yes, that's the word for this year. With each new day, especially on the days that I feel uncertain, I will remind myself to leap. What is your word for 2016? What does it mean to you?
14 Comments
Cindy
1/1/2016 05:39:38 pm
Annie, you will be leaping with angel's wings and I know will do well. Godspeed to you and your beautiful family as you begin your journey.
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Annie
1/1/2016 11:33:30 pm
Thank you so much Cindy! We're so excited for this opportunity!
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Lil
1/1/2016 05:57:21 pm
Blessing... As I have many, I will try to be one every day, for the next 364... I am taking today off for reflection
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Annie
1/1/2016 11:34:11 pm
Sounds like the perfect word for you. Happy 2016, and enjoy your quiet day today!
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Rebecca
1/2/2016 04:21:23 pm
With your leap you are sure to lift up so many along the way. So excited for you and your family. Safe travels!
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Annie
1/3/2016 01:24:52 pm
Thanks Rebecca! So very excited to hear more about how your research is going soon. Happy New Year!
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Monica
1/2/2016 08:45:15 pm
Thinking of you today as I believe this is your leaving day. Looking forward to following your experiences while you are gone. Safe travels my friend:)
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Annie
1/3/2016 01:22:19 pm
Thanks Mon! Happy New Year to you and tell all the kids hi for me!
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Monica
1/3/2016 07:39:44 pm
I'll tell them! Have you made it?
Cheryl
1/3/2016 01:38:58 am
There are some leaps I'm contemplating and I totally admire your leaps you have taken, the one you are taking now with Jason and Elise and the ones that are coming, sweetie! 😍
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Annie
1/3/2016 01:23:27 pm
Thanks Cheryl! Whatever leap you decide to take, I'd be happy to be a part of your "net."
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Cheryl
1/3/2016 03:50:58 pm
Ahhh, thanks Miss Ann...good to know!
Lil
1/4/2016 03:42:05 am
Ok, so how are things coming along? How is Jason doing? How is the weather?? How long was your voyage? How is your apartment? When do you begin your work? So many questions. What is the time difference? What about pictures of Finland??
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Annie
1/4/2016 08:53:03 pm
Hi Lil,
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