Last year several of my favourite bloggers, including Tara on the Wander & The Modern Gal, chose words of inspiration to dictate their year. I had no idea what to choose, lost in the fog of undiagnosed PPD I couldn’t think of a single word that inspired me in any way. If I had to pick a word now for 2010 it would be ‘struggle’, but hindsight’s 20/20.
This year I knew my word early on. It came to me one night in my sleep, I woke up knowing it would be my word, my inspiration, my change. Consistency.
Now Oscar Wilde (who I adore) wasn’t exactly kind about consistency when he said “Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” but I’m craving, and therefore obviously needing, consistency in my life. I wonder what size and shape I would be in if I had consistently made healthy choices, or ran regularly over the last few years. I wonder how different I would feel about my job or career if I had worked consistently towards the same goal. And any parent can tell you the importance of consistency in parenting – one slight slip up and those crazy kids pick up on it immediately.
So this year I’m not striving for greatness or glory or being the center of attention – I’m striving to be consistent in all my efforts going forth. I’ve chosen this year not to set resolutions (nothing makes one feel more like a failure than actually failing) but I’ve set some goals: to spend more time with my girlfriends, to nurture my realationship with husbando, to enjoy and indulge in time with Maisie. Most importantly I’m going to make a consistent effort to reclaim myself – my body, my mind & my creativity. I’m not good at being consistent (I’m very easily distracted by shiny things) but this year I’m giving over to it in order to be imaginative, regardless of what Mr Wilde may think.
What about you have you chosen a word or made resolutions for 2011?
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Twitter: LeftCoastMama
I chose create for this year. I aim to get my creative juices flowing, but I also want to create traditions, routines, habits.
I don’t make resolutions or choose words, but I’ve been asked this so much lately that I think my word would be bold. Be bold. Be brave. Choose what I what and go after it.
Marilyn @ A Lot of Loves´s last [type] ..Pinwheels- Wednesday of Few Words linky
Twitter: AmberStrocel
My word for 2011 is ‘space’. As in finding space in my life for myself.
Happy New Year!
Amber´s last [type] ..Of Parents and Poop
The first word that comes to mind is “survival”. Enough said?
I love it! This way the goals you would normally choose as resolutions become means to an end not the ends themselves. Good luck in your quest for consistency!
The Modern Gal´s last [type] ..A new giveaway for a new year!
So well put, Emily, and I very much like the idea of goals versus resolutions. Hugs to you!
tara on the wander´s last [type] ..dream a little dream
The word I chose this year is “stronger”. I think it applies to almost every aspect of my life right now.
celticbuffy´s last [type] ..Calgon- Take Me Away!
[...] year I gave up resolutions for a word of the year: Consistency, hilariously the only consistent thing last year was change so it wasn’t totally wrong, just [...]