one little word Archives

I’m not big on resolutions, but I do like to have a guiding One Little Word for the year. The premise is simple– just pick one word to guide you through the year. I’ve found that it’s easier and more impactful than a resolution.

Last year’s word was brave. And man, oh man, there were times I had to be brave. 2016 challenged me. Mostly in ways too personal to share. I learned a lot about myself. I wrote a book! I released a pin! I gave up things that no longer served me and I made some big decisions. I was brave. My 2017 word is “leap.” And here’s why…

The Myers-Briggs personality test classifies me as an INTJ. It’s actually one of the more rare personality types and it’s even more rare for women. Being an INTJ means I’m a great researcher, but I think (and worry) too much. This year I want to take more risks. I’ve never regretted the biggest risks in my life– like living full-time in the Airstream, marrying George or adopting my beloved pup, Bambi. This year I want to leap more and worry less about the (often times imagined negative) consequences.

What are your goals for 2017? Do you have a one little word? I want to hear about it in the comments!

Do you want to make the leap to living full-time in an RV, Airstream or motor home? I wrote a guide on how to live that life, available here. It’s truly one of the best leaps I’ve ever made.

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” ― Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God

It’s taken me weeks to write this post. I was hoping that by taking a break from the blog and from my “regular” job, I’d be able to answer some questions I’ve been asking myself for an entire year. 2015 was a big ol’ year of questions for me. I asked myself “why” more than I’ve ever asked myself “why” in my entire life. But even after a break, I don’t have any answers. And I suppose it was naive to think that I’d be able to answer life’s questions in a couple of weeks.

Here’s what I do know: I know that for me, 2016 needs to be the year of being brave. I’m not setting any goals or making any resolutions. What I am going to do is focus on one little word: Brave. (Idea shamelessly stolen from the inspiring Ali Edwards.)

I’m going to be 30 this year. (Dear Lord.) And I need to start doing what is right for me instead of what is expected of me. I need to live in the moment and not focus so intently on the future. I need to do the things I’ve dreamed about. I need to be brave.

Here’s hoping 2016 will be a year of answers for me.
Love always,
Melanie