Wednesday, January 23, 2013

one word




I told you that I was searching for my word of the year. 
I wanted a word that would be a continual challenge. 
I longed for just the right word to give me a push, a nudge, a bump into the pool. 
Or off the cliff. 

I am not a timid person.  Not at all. 
That's me skydiving, in fact.
I travel alone.  I don't get scared being alone after dark.
I've been the featured speaker for women's groups.  I'm not timid.

I'm bold.  I'm loud.  I'm sometimes sassy.
No one who knows me would describe me as fearful or timid. 
And yet. 
I am.

I hate introducing myself to someone new -
too much rejection potential.
I never try out for anything - rejection potential again.
I want to be a better photographer, but that means showing my work.

I tend only to do things I already know I'm good at. 
It's safer that way.
I want to be an Artful Blogger - a lot. 
Never tried.  Rejection fear again.

You see?  I'm not as brave as I thought. 
Real courage isn't about self-sufficiency.
It's about risks.  It's about the confidence to fail.
It's about jumping, leaping, diving in, even about failing.

I want this to be a year, not just of brave, but of
FEARLESS. 
I want to live the question, "What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?"
Me?

I'd attempt everything.
I'd
be
FEARLESS.

13 comments:

GraceGal said...

I love this post, Relyn. And I would love to see some of your Artful Blogging. Be brave, be fearless. Give us a peek:)

Unknown said...

Relyn, one of my most favorite sayings of all is, "Feel the Fear and do it anyway." You can do it. After I experienced death and then came back, I have discovered a new found bravery. This world is just a quick glimpse of what eternity is and I'm surely not trying so hard for people to love me as much as I desire God's love. I can't wait to see the awesome things that God does for you in this year of fearlessness.

Jeanne said...

That's a great word. My son is Fearless and confident ............I love you just the way you are........
A sweet and loving friend and devoted Mother, wife teacher and a blessing to us all.
Love Jeanne

rachel awes said...

much is then afoot, dear friend.
live it all.
LOVExoxo

joyce said...

Good word...I am still working on mine.

alexa said...

Inspiring, Relyn, and wishing you every success! I nearly fell off my chair when I read it was you sky-diving. Fearlessness is definitely in there somewhere already, just waiting to be eased out into the rest of your life ...

Isa Lisboa said...

Real courage is also looking at one self! And fearless is a wonderfull word! :)

Countrywoman said...

What a great word for the year

Marilyn Miller said...

I LOVE it! It is a word I could embrace. Love beautiful you jumping through the sky.

Tracy said...

LOVE this, Relyn! Be BRAVE, be bold... go for it! ;o) I think we've all been there in the fear of rejection camp. I get stuck there sometimes too. But I find that with age, become more fearless is easier sometimes. LOVE the pic of you fearless in the sky! Happy Days ((HUGS))

Lisa Gordon said...

I love the word you've chosen, Relyn, and what a wonderful post this is! You go, girl!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.
xo.

Georgianna said...

I'm still stunning by the image of you skydiving! That is so darn cool and SUPER fearless!

You will have a fabulous year - even more thrilling than jumping out of a plane. :)

xo

Gigi Thibodeau said...

I think just typing this post was brave, and it reminded me of a favorite quote from Georgia O'Keefe: "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do." I think that's where I'm at in life. I know I will never be fearless, but I want to be brave, which means I'll do all the things that scare the pants off me!

Thank you for this post. I've been catching up with your blog today, and it's so good to spend time here. Love to you, my friend. xoxo Gigi

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