Artist Living

My Single Word for 2011…

Me Ra Koh

I am standing on a steep ski slope.  The sky is clear and blue.  The sun is glorious.  Fresh powder from the night before.  But I don’t notice any of those things because of how terrified I am.  This is not the run I bargained for when I signed up for ski lessons.  My teacher is busy talking to another student–trying to get her to take the plunge I’m resisting.  Taking a deep breath, I turn my skis left and traverse across the middle of the run, feeling more and more scared with every crunch of snow I hit. Finally I turn my skis uphill to stop. I haven’t made it any farther down the hill.  Instead, I’ve managed to make it to the other side!  I want to cry!  ‘Breathe Me Ra.  Just breathe.  You are the one who chose your word for 2011.  You signed up for this.’

My word for 2011?  Yes, that word.  The word that got me into this predicament?  One word.

Adaptability.

You should hear me say “adaptability”.  It’s such a foreign word to my life that I can’t even say it without sounding like I have marbles in my mouth.  I also can’t spell it without spell check dinging me.  But that’s all going to change this year.  In 2011, I want to strengthen my ability to adapt.  This has two parts for me.  One, it recognizes that life changes unexpectedly (no matter how Type A I am), and the unexpected changes require me to adapt–not resist the change, turn my back to it, and fight it tooth and nail–but simply adapt.  Just adapt.   Simple, right?  (yeah, right)

So why not start before the year ends!  That’s what I thought last week.  We packed up the kids and headed to Mt. Hood, OR.  Brian’s dad owns a ski store, Hillcrest Ski and Sports, in Gresham, OR.  (He is sixty years old and still racing!)  When he and Brian suggested I take a refresher ski class, I thought, “Yes!  Downhill skiing is a sport that requires adaptability since you never know what the snow conditions will feel like.  You’ve also got to adapt to the skiers and snowboarders around you (and those rotten little kids who zoom by you like speed skiing is no big deal)!  Skiing is all about needing to stay loose and adapt.  Why not sign up for a class that will challenge and force me to adapt!”

Good grief!  Back to the slope where this blog starts.

I’m frozen in place.  This run is way too steep.  And now I’m frustrated for putting myself in this position.  As I stand there with my ski tips pointed uphill, beating myself up, feeling more and more anxious, my ski instructor skis up to me.

“Me Ra.  Why is your BACK facing your fear?  Do you think that if you look the other way, literally turn your back on it, that will make your fear go away?”

Yes.  He really said that.  And it didn’t stop there.  With a loud voice and total authority, he said;  “Me Ra, I know you are afraid.  I know this run is steeper than you are comfortable with, but if you dare attempt to go down this run with your back facing it, this is for sure, you WILL lose your balance, you WILL feel unsteady, you WILL become even more scared and you WILL probably fall pretty hard.”

Then his voice calmed and in a gentle tone he said, “Me Ra, the only way to tackle your fear is to face it “face-on”.  You’ve got to keep your shoulders square and facing downhill.  And you’ve not only got to face it Me Ra, but you’ve got to do one more thing.  You’ve got to lean into it.  You need to lean forward into what you fear most and go down.  It’s going to feel aggressive for what your comfort level is but this is how you ski a run like this.  Then I promise, with your shoulders facing downhill, and your weight leaning forward, you will find your balance, find a steadiness and experience the thrill of skiing.”

Pause.  Did anyone hear it?  Not only do I need to face the very thing I’m afraid of, but I need to aggressively lean into it.  Ahhhh!  Why is this true for EVERY THING we fear!  Why is it not enough just to face our fears?!

Adaptability.  That was my word.  Excuse me.  That is my word for 2011.  That’s why I signed up for a challenging ski lesson.  I wanted to be pushed beyond the runs I was comfortable with.  I wanted to be forced to learn how to adapt to situations I wasn’t prepared for and witness that I could adapt, and not only survive, but become stronger.

Here are the simple facts for me.  I don’t look for change.  I prefer to avoid change at all costs.  So when change happens, like it or not, I have little practice at how to adapt to it.  Those adaptability muscles don’t get used on a consistent basis.  (And I wonder why they aren’t very strong or prepared when they are needed.)  Instead of recognizing that I don’t use them enough, I assume I’m not cut out for what I’m attempting.  I must be dreaming too big, or fooling myself.  Wouldn’t this dream building be smoother if I was meant for it?  (Not at all.)  Anyone hear me?

This changes in 2011.  This year, I’m going to find different ways to practice being adaptable.  I’m going to give myself ways to strengthen those adaptability muscles.  Whether it’s skiing down a steep run or swimming in open water that is dark and murky.  The question: What can I do where I’m aware of how “out of control” I feel, so that I can practice adapting?

Why do this at all?  I want to trust myself better.  By the end of 2011, I want to have built a deeper trust with myself for when real life brings real unexpected change.  Running your own business is made up of endless situations that require us to adapt.  Being a parent is the same way.  But often these situations feel so high in stress because of how high the stakes feel AND how low our hours are for strengthening our adaptability muscles.   So instead of hiding behind my pillow and waiting for that scary thing called change to leave me alone, I’m going to work these adaptability muscles and do my best to prepare for all that change brings.

What did I do on the slopes that day?

I stood there, looking dumbfounded at my ski instructor, feeling like God himself was speaking to me.  Then I was frustrated that I still wasn’t any farther down the run, regardless of how inspiring he was.  I said some bad words in my head. 🙂  I considered crying but figured it wouldn’t get me any farther down the hill and eventually, I ended up deciding to face my shoulders forward and lean into my fear.   Even though my ski instructor said to expect it, I didn’t…I really did feel more solid on those two skis then ever before.  I felt total balance and steadiness.  And the thrill…well the thrill was so exciting that I did that run three more times before the day ended (even though my own rotten kids still whizzed by me!).

Adaptability friends.  I want to become a woman that trusts her ability to adapt.  I think I’m realizing this comes from tried and true practice, instead of being something I was born with.

That’s where I am headed for 2011!   Want to join me?

xoxo,

m

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  1. s.patel says:

    what a beautiful and inspirational post! (side note: how do ski instructors always know just the right thing to say? :)) my word for the year is ‘intention’ and it will most certainly challenge me to face fears and adapt as well.

  2. Kerri Hines says:

    Very inspiring! When you said you had to “aggressively lean into it”, I knew what my word for 2011 is… aggressive. I might even say that “Be Aggressive” cheer i remember, in my head, whenever i need a little boost! lol … or maybe even out loud!

  3. DAWN DAVIS says:

    I’d join you anywhere! xoxox ~ Dawn

  4. DAWN DAVIS says:

    My word for the year is “sparkler”, hmmmm, I wonder who gave me that?

  5. Wow…wake up and smell the coffee Pam! This was a great post…we get so into a pattern in our lives that when something upsets the apple cart we forget we can easily just ski around it if we simply adapt! Great post!

  6. Christina says:

    Thank you Me Ra. Tears are in my eyes as I read this. I too am type A and try to turn away from my fears, mostly because I feel like if I face them it will bring on “change” in my life. I hate change. This post really struck my heart. Since your work shop last year I have put myself out there more and more yet still not wholly. Yet again you have said words that have struck me to the core, have made me WANT a change. I think I will have to steal your word and “adapt” it into my life. 😉
    Thanks

  7. Beryl says:

    MeRa – What a GREAT inspirational post to start us off in 2011. It’s a drab, dreary, cold day here in Virginia and those were just the words I needed to hear to get me going. Last year was my big year for me with adapting and stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s AMAZING to see the amount of clarity that attitude gave me for my life and my business. This year my word is ‘shine’. Now that I’ve taken some giant leaps I am ready to really amp things up to the next level and I need that bright sparkly word resonating in my head to get me there. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear where ‘adaptability’ takes you!

  8. Erin says:

    MeRa, I love you! Your sharing is such a gift.
    Your growth always challenges and inspires me to grow!
    I have a photo(an add from a bridal mag) of you taped up next to my desk and every time I am breaking new trail or start to doubt my ability on a scary new venture ,I stare at it and am reminded that ANYTHING is possible if I’m courageousness enough to meet the opportunity.
    You are an absolute gift to the world.
    I wish you an amazing New Year!

  9. Thank you, Me Ra. I am always brought to your blog when I need your words the most. This year, my word is ‘purpose.’ I have been working my new business with only one toe in the water. I have been solidly planted in my daytime job with one leg, providing an excuse for my lack of progression whenever I needed a scapegoat. It was the reason I didn’t have enough time or energy to get things done when I get home at night and the reason I didn’t need to get things done because I wasn’t relying on the income from my photography business. The success I’ve had can likely be more attributed to the kindness of the world than for the actual effort I put forth in seeking that business. In 2011, I plan to work with purpose, directing my path and creating a solid foundation for my business that will allow me to do what I love and, in turn, pass that passion on to my clients, my fellow photographers, and my family.

  10. Freida Hall says:

    Great post to start of the New Year – worth the week wait too! 🙂
    Thank you for your beautifully, inspiring writing…

  11. Beautiful Post MeRa. I love your word!

  12. jeramy says:

    mera…adaptability is WAY over rated.

    kidding, kidding….this is such a great encouragement for everyone. i especially connect with leaning in to whatever the fear is. excellent!

    happy new year to you and the gang!

  13. Juanita says:

    YES!
    What a challenge! This is my year to accept challenges and see growth. That means stepping out of the comfortable and facing fears. Hoping I can find some people to keep me accountable and keep pushing me forward 🙂
    Thank you for your constant inspiration, example and challenges.

  14. Brian says:

    Me Ra, my Dear,
    Great post! It’s fun to read this post after I’ve been hearing you process that experience this weekend. I was totally caught up in the moment and laughing that you STILL weren’t any farther sown the mountain!
    Then I never would have guested that skiing that slow could be so THRILLING?! 🙂
    If only I could convince you that writing out my honey-dew list THAT slow was equally thrilling. What do you think?

  15. Summer says:

    MeRa,

    Thank you so much for sharing that! Your writing always touches my heart and this post challenged me! I despise change (is that too strong of a word?)…doesn’t matter…I do. Despise! But that seems to be where God has me and your post has challenged me to lean into it and embrace what is in store. Afterall, it’s not bad change that I’m experiencing, it’s GREAT change…but it’s still change and it’s still difficult. So thank you for sharing your heart once again. You are such a blessing! 🙂

    -Summer
    (oh and my word for the year is “trust”) 🙂

  16. Hanifa says:

    Fantastically inspiring! Thanks Me Ra for a great kick start to 2011, Happy new year to you and ur family!

  17. Me Ra says:

    I LOVE hearing your 2011 words! Keep posting them up!
    And I’m so glad this first post for 2011 struck a chord with so many.
    Love you all!
    -m

  18. Adrienne says:

    Wow. If you only knew how much I needed to read this today. I’m a pretty strong person, but I am so afraid of change. I avoid it at all costs, just like you mentioned. But today, I’m buried in paperwork, trying to make sure our new normal is covered. New health insurance, filing claims on a life insurance that I can’t find the policy for, sorting through accounts and doling out copies of a death certificate. Thanks to your encouraging story, I’ll be leaning into this task with a little more determination.
    Bless you.

  19. great post, inspiring. I think my word for this year is confidence. It is what I need most. Confidence to get the clients, confidence to get the shot, confidence in my equipment, confidence in myself. I know there is no fairy god mother of confidence and it is going to take a lot of work and mental exercises. But the first step …confidence (kinna a catch 22, huh?), The confidence to gain confidence.

  20. Dawn Beirnes says:

    wow! I will think of this post everytime I feel like I will NEVER get a photography business going, or when I feel like I don’t have a good enough camera, lenses, etc. or when I constantly look at other people’s work and feel SO inadequate! Speaking of equipment, I just got the SONY A55 (you might remember but I posted on your blog about ordering one a couple weeks ago), and it is amazing! Still have my Canon 40D, but the Sony is one cool bad boy!

  21. Jaime says:

    Phew! Just had to catch my breath…I felt like I was on that mountain with you! I also felt like you were talking directly to ME! Thank you so much for sharing. It’s so nice to know that someone so successful and talented still has fears too. I’m going to start working out my adaptability muscles too! “Change is the essence of living.” 🙂

  22. jeramy says:

    brian….dude…you’re smarting then that.

  23. jeramy says:

    oops. smarter

  24. Sign me up! This photography business thing, it makes me feel like I’m way out of my league – a little leaguer up to bat against a World Series pitcher – but I’m going to tell myself the same thing I tell myself when I’m running. I’m going to say, “I can do this! I am capable! And I will be better than I was the time before.”

  25. Michelle McNiece says:

    Finish is my word for 2011. I can start a million things, but can I actually finish one? This year I will. I can’t wait to take a step back and say out loud “I’m finished!!” Thank you for your inspiring post. This year is going to be the best year EVER!!!

  26. monica ouziel says:

    Me Ra your new word adaptability is the word that peers state I am. I agree because change brings new ideas suprises and possibilities. I love the word change and thrive on the enormousness of creativity that pours out of me. My background is sales and marketing; photography is new to me. My new word for the year is photography and words heard recently from Dane Sanders “commit radically.” May each of us reach our dreams!

  27. Katherine says:

    Love the post – My word is going to be ‘faith’. I am planning on taking voluntary redundancy from work to do my photography full-time and I’m going to need all the faith I can get to get me through the first year – I can do it!!

  28. lisalou says:

    What a delightful post! You have a way of telling a story, showing both your vulnerability and your strength. Thanks for sharing!
    My word is alchemy. I believe we all have the ability to change something ordinary into something wondrous every day. I plan to do that through photography and painting. And, by acknowledging the greatness in every day life. Happy new year everyone! Lisa

  29. It sounds like your ski instructor may spend his summers as a motivational speaker;)

    My word is “perseverance” although my first challenge is to be able to spell it!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2011 is a BIG year just waiting to happen!

  30. Wendy Roob says:

    Excellant Me Ra!!!
    I never realize how CAPABLE I am till I lean into the scary place, dive in…. and realize that when I come out the other end… that I can do it. I am capable.
    Funny… I don’t get the same profound realization when I wiz thru the easy stuff….
    Excellant post! Thank you!

  31. Delanae says:

    I did some extreme skiing off the side of a bunny slope on accident once while trying not to hit one of those rotten kids. I said some bad words in my head that day too. Nah, I lied, I said them out loud, I’m sure of it! 🙂

    Cousin “Adaptability” has been a constant friend in my life who has the audacity to consistently bring Aunt “Change” and Uncle “Without Choice” with her on her visits. I gotta tell ya, they’re kinda like the Adam’s Family in my book, They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky… but I’ve lived with them in my family for so long that wouldn’t have life any other way. Well, on second thought, I wouldn’t mind if Uncle “Without Choice” took a long hike in the woods never to be found again.

    Have I mentioned that I haven’t had caffeine for 4 days now? 🙂

  32. Jill says:

    Love your post. It brought tears to my eyes knowing that I should face my fears too. With age, more fears seem to arise. Why is that? Is it because I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister? I am not afraid of change but I am afraid of failure. This I know. Thank you for your wisdom. xoxo To a wonderful year ahead of facing fears! and adapting.

  33. Delanae says:

    Adrienne, I wanted to comment on your blog but I can’t seem to find a way to do that. Hopefully you will see this.

    You are strong. You have God helping you through this and with Him you can face this change. It won’t be easy, but it is adaptable. Had to use that word, it’s perfect for what you are going through Adrienne.

    Hugs to you!!!

  34. Love the post Me Ra, and love your word.

  35. Judith I says:

    Me Ra, You just know when I need that kick in the…to get me going and face what needs to be faced. I am going to go follow you down the mountain and actually use the same word. I need to learn to adapt. being adaptable, is not easy for me. I always turn my back on my fears and that is my word and goal for 2011.
    Boy those ski instructors really do know what to say. I’m posting that up on my mirror so I can re-read those words everyday.
    Thank you so much for sharing your life and your families lives with us.
    Happy New Year to all of you & hugs.

  36. Jane says:

    Love this! My word is ‘jump’

    Just Jump Jane.

  37. ajira says:

    Ai, Me Ra. I swear I used to love change and be open to it… but somewhere along the line something changed and I guess it was me. Adaptability is a word I’d going to put up in front of me as a reminder. Thanks.

    My word for 2011 is move. And boy is the universe challenging me on that one already. I don’t know if y’all noticed but like Oprah said about this sort of thing, the universe responds by giving you opportunities to practice these intentions that we put out.

    Oh, and Michelle- I’m putting Finish up in front of me too…. because I completely feel you! 😀

  38. kara says:

    Great post! Everyone is skiing… except me. I’ll help teach you! LOL Chicago doesn’t have much by the way of mountains..or hills. Have fun, skiing is one of those things you can just let go and just be free! It is most definitely the most fun sport ever!
    Just GO for it!!

  39. Pierre Bustanoby says:

    Me Ra:

    Leif just sent me your “Single word for 2011” post and I love it!

    I’ve been skiing for close to 50 years and still remember that feeling of…….
    Arghhhhh….. I’m gonna die!!!!!!

    After finally getting decent lessons from professional instructors, I eventually became one my self!

    Last Friday I was handed a 3 year old kid for a Xmas private lesson and he wanted no part of this silly business…….. No way…No how !!!!!!

    Luckily I had my assistant “Bullwinkle”, the stuffed moose with me and together the three of us made fun of a difficult situation and after two hours…. the kid was all amped up to tackle the chairlift ! (Next year maybe)………..

    So…. If I may, I’d like to offer the necessary magic ingredient for adapting……

    FUN…………..

    In whatever envevor one pursues, wether it be work, outdoor sports or even love….
    Make it fun! and if your partners in these endeavors are inhibiting the FUN….

    Change the mix !!

    FUN…………………FUN…………………FUN…………..

    Cheerz
    Pete

  40. Love this blog post, Me Ra!

    My word for 2011 is “fearless.” Although I’ve come so far, so fast, I am still holding onto many fears…that I don’t know enough about my camera, about lighting, about lacking ideas for posing people for portraits, etc. But at the same time, in 2010 I have branched out quite a bit despite my fears and accomplished a lot of “firsts,” so I know I’m capable of being fearless. So…this year, that will be one of my main focuses. I’m going to take on assignments without fear, try new things, do the research to make myself feel comfortable, practice a lot, and just go for it. And…I’m going to do it with gusto! Bye, bye little voice in the back of my head that tells me that I shouldn’t do something because I’m scared. I can’t hear you anymore!

    Thanks for the inspiration. It feels good to have a word to carry me and inspire me – it’s helping me to set myself up for an amazing year.

    Much love!

  41. diane says:

    Thanks Me Ra – This was a perfect post at the perfect time!

  42. Brian says:

    Jeramy, You don’t have to call me out. Just Adapt. Let her think she needs to adapt her lists or something.

  43. Kasia Mowny says:

    Dear MeRa,

    All I could think of when reading this was “Holy Mother Don’t Do It MeRa! Find Adaptability somewhere else for Gods sake!” I did the very same thing years ago, all my friends skied and I wanted to learn to how to. Having my instructor reinsuring me I would be fine I found strength and faced my fears as I went down the (very steep), hill. Instead of flying gracefully like an eagle down the hill and maneuvering the speed and the snow, the snow and speed completely took over and maneuvered me – tossing me around like a ragdoll!

    It was so bad I was literarily thinking “Please let me hit a tree already, or something to make this fall stop!?” It’s amazing all the thoughts that go through your head when you are in a survival mode. I kept on thinking “OK, I’m going to die; all because I wanted to face my fears on a steep hill skiing!” lol! I survived 🙂 And I’m sooo happy you did too (although much more gracefully)!:-)

    This brings me to my core question though; where do we draw the line between facing our fears and not risking our physical, mental or spiritual survival? When does adaptability become more than just that?

    I’m in to find out.

  44. Sara says:

    Thanks so much for the inspiring post!

    My word for the year is “purpose.” I’m hoping to live life with a lot more intentionality.

  45. Liane Dimond says:

    Wonderful MeRa! Thank you so much for sharing!

  46. Ryann says:

    You are always so inspiring! Love this post… It reminds me of the “first flight” post which helped me take the leap in the first place. Thank you for the continued inspiration and all the best!

  47. Addie says:

    What a refreshing post! You always find a wonderful way to relate your experiences to what is relevant to those of us who read the essential “Me Ra.” Thank you.
    And now I am in search of my word for the year. Soon as I find it, I’ll let you know. Let’s just hope my word isn’t “forgetful” 😉 ……..

  48. Jeannie Beebe says:

    My word is going to be “appearance”. I vow this year I will only wear running shoes if I’m actually going to the gym. I have moved all running shorts (which I don’t do—yet, that’s another subject), gym shirts and sweatshirts to a tiny drawer far away from my other clothes. In the past, I would reach for these “easy” clothes to wear because afterall I’m not really going “to work”, I’m a mom chasing kids, my appearance needs to take a back seat. Recently I realized these easy clothes were bringing me down. They were really holding me back and pushing down my confidence a bit. And all along I thought I was doing myself a favor because I was comfortable. So wrong! And as a photographer, what message would that send to potentionial clients? Yesterday at playgroup a friend said, “oh, did you have an appointment today? You look so nice”. I thought to myself….yes, I had an appointment with ME! Yeah! It’s working already!

  49. jeramy says:

    brian…i’m sorry. YOU’RE right. i’m wrong. i should have adapted more quickly to the adaptation of this adaptable post AND your adaptation of the events recounted. clearly i’ve got some work in store for me in 2011. perhaps you could adapt your schedule to offer me some aid in the near future. i know I would benefit from it. 🙂

  50. Me Ra says:

    WOW!!! I LOVE reading ALL your words! Just catching up on the last handful, and every one of your words and stories are so inspiring!! Thanks for sharing!!!

  51. Michelle says:

    My word is perseverance. Since last year, I constantly heard this word from my son’s Taekwondo instructor. For some reason, the word always stuck in my head as well as the quote the teacher taught the kids to define it “to never give up”.

    When I read your post (which by the why is inspiring as usual!) that was the first word that popped into my head so i looked up the “offical” definition –
    steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

    THAT is what I need – PERSEVERANCE! When things start going my way (and sometimes when they don’t) I get scared and back off and try do things lightly instead of go full force to get the real outcome that I want. I end up fearing that if I do succeed, what will happen? Will I have less time to spend with my family even though I already don’t think I spend enough time with them? Will I over-spend myself and spread myself too thin?

    More than anything, I sometimes wonder if I do deserve the success at the end of the goal. Does that make sense?

    I am going to make a huge sign with the word perseverance in my office to remind me to keep on chugging away no matter what doubts and fears pop into my head.

    Thanks, Me Ra, for the motivating and soul seeking activity! Great way to start the new year!!!!

  52. jeramy says:

    for the record, my first comment was serious…well, at least the 2nd part of it was. 🙂 53.

  53. Addie says:

    Well, better late than never I suppose, but I found my word….”hope”. I just ran across an Emily Dickinson quote: “hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” That’s it! There is so much hope for this coming year. So many things that I hope for others as well as for my family too. Here’s hope for an authentic journey to an authentic me.

  54. Staci says:

    Happy New Year Me Ra! So nice to have you back… I missed your posts but think its great that you took time to rest… and ski! Yeah!

    My word for 2011 is rejuvenate. When I read your last post of 2010 it struck such a cord with me. I thought “wow, thats it, I’m so tired!” The past couple of years have been great, they’ve been busy and full of change (moving across country, having a baby, etc.) but they’ve also been exhausting! No wonder I feel like a shell of my usual self.

    So, for 2011 I commit to putting myself on the list. Thank you Me Ra for being such an inspiration!!

  55. Natalie Johnson says:

    Wow, I need to print off these comments from all these amazing women (the men excluded,ha) and put all the words together. How great would it be to read one each day this year to inspire me. I love ALL of them. It is amazing to see women at so many different places in their lives, but the common thread is we all struggle and want to improve some area of our life.

    Mera, Thanks for sharing your moments of struggle with all of us, it makes me feel as if I am not alone. Life has changed suddenly this year for me and I am learning to adapt, but I want to not only adapt, but to embrace the change and look forward to new experiences in my life. Some may be good and some may not be so good, but I want the strength to adapt either way. Kudos to you for listening to your heart and taking time off to enjoy your family and the great outdoors in the Northwest. I am so excited to see what this year brings for all of us friends here.

    Happy New Year!!!

  56. Andrea J says:

    another beautiful and inspiring post, Me Ra. I had to read it again in a quiet moment to take it all in. I love how you are ble to relate certain experiences like this to other aspects of your life, and then write about them so beautifully and powerfully. there is always something that strikes a chord with me, and apparently with others as well, given the number of comments! Thank you for being so honest and open.

  57. […] One of my heros Me Ra Koh asked us to think about what our word is for 2011. Hers was adaptability and you can see her explanation on this post. […]

  58. Christen says:

    Here is my word for 2011. Thank you for inspiring me to think of the word for 2011. http://www.christenbphotography.com/blog/?p=1996

  59. Rachelle says:

    It’s all about words this year… I elected to use “reach” – – and it’s exactly what I plan to do this year and all those that I’m blessed to have after it! Loved reading about your fearless treck down the slopes. I think I’d probably done the outfit, but insist that you can’t take the pictures to capture the memories in skis 😉 I admit it freely, I’m clucking right now. Now my kids… they’d be amazing.

  60. Julie Watts says:

    Me Ra!!!

    PLUNGE! My word is PLUNGE!! Not like toilet plunge, lol, but I have jumped, and I feel the air of this new endeavor, and now I must face my shoulders straight and PLUNGE into the unknown. I must build the yet unbuilt one day at a time. Your encouragement was PIVOTAL!!

  61. Heidi Beard says:

    Hi MeRa,

    Your post has been hovering in the back of my mind for the past few days as I contemplate a single word to engage with this year, and although I have been a lurker on your blog…reading everything but infrequently contributing…(due to a silly internal fear), I felt a pull to act this time. So, after much thought, embrace comes to the forefront. Embrace–a word most often thought of as to hold closely in one’s arms, but in this case the definition is to accept a belief, theory or change willingly and enthusiastically. As a young girl I remember being a fabulous speller. When the individual classroom spelling bee came up I raced confidently to the end to win…but purposefully fell short and misspelled a word so I wouldn’t have to stand up in front of the entire student body. Fear is something that has plagued my decision making in the past..fear of falling (even if there is no distance), and the what-ifs…My goal this year is to embrace and “love on” my half-empty glass of self-sabotage in hope of gaining a level of strength and determination to see more clearly a beautiful potential…potential to be greater, stronger, blooming with confidence, encouraged, steadfast, and to purposefully manifest continued belief in myself. My prayer is that I will not trip over my own fears but embrace them in a death grip that will suffocate any self doubt….something that has extinguished any positive beliefs I’ve only had on rent in the past.

    Thank you for helping my mind to see. 🙂

  62. Me Ra says:

    Wow Heidi, so glad I checked back in here. Proud of you girl. And WONDERFUL to hear you chime in on the comments. You truly are beautiful.
    xoxo,
    m

  63. Kelly C says:

    “Believe” is going to be my word this year. I know its a little cliche, but it has been the only thing missing in my personal journey with photography. I have leaned on the beliefs of others in myself for the past year and a half. I’m actually glad I was not chosen now and because of that I have the opportunity to show myself…that I believe in myself! If I don’t know where money for the next equipment will come from, I’ll do what needs to be done (raise a price or what not & believe that clients will still come). If I think I can’t run a business, I’ll chase after the learning I need. I am NOT going to give up on myself this year. I’m so thankful for other’s assistance in the past year and shoulders to lean on… but its about time I believe in myself. Find my niche, find my style, & make time for my family.
    Thanks Me Ra

  64. Rose says:

    Don’t just Face the Fear, Lean into it. I like that.

  65. My word for this year is “Refresh”. Proverbs 11:25 – both to refresh others and allow myself to be refreshed.

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  67. […] word of the year is FREEDOM.  I’m loving that choice!  Me Ra also suggested that we pick a color for the year…I haven’t gotten around to that yet, […]

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