My word for 2018 found me. I was starting to wonder if I should be doing more to seek it out but then it presented itself to me! I was taking part in a guided meditation and it popped into my head demanding I take notice. Sorry if that’s a bit woo-woo for you but it’s how it happened!
I’ve already talked about Choosing a Word for the Year and how my word’s for 2016 and 2017 worked for me. And today I’m ready to share my 2018 word…
…OPEN.
I want OPEN to be my guide and my lens for 2018.
In 2016 I used BELIEVE to strengthen me and help me through a stressful, life-changing, across-the-world move. In 2017 I have used DARING to be brave, try new things and push myself. I am looking forward to what OPEN will bring me in 2018.
What comes to mind when I think about Open?
- Open heart
- Open mind
- eyes wide Open
- Open for business
- Open to opportunity
- be out in the Open
- Open up
- Open doors
Settling into my word for 2018
Each year I find myself researching my word when I choose it. Sometimes I’ve researched a couple to help me choose. I start by looking up the dictionary definition of the word. Then I look at the synonyms and the antonyms (or opposite-nyms as I called them when I couldn’t remember the word!). I also seek out quotes containing my word.
Here’s what I discovered for OPEN…
Definition:
I love that OPEN has so many interpretations and that the word in itself is open to definition! I won’t copy it all here because there are so many variations but if you’re intrigued give it a google and see.
Synonyms:
Unlocked, extensive, exposed, unfurled, available, accessible, candid, honest, direct, clear, visible, neutral, unbiased
Antonyms:
Shut, closed, decided, biased, end, finish
Quotes:
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” – Jawaharlal Nehru
“Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?” – Bob Marley
“Time to open up a new chapter in life, and to explore a larger centre” – Lillian Russell
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls” – Joseph Campbell
What will Open bring to my life?
I think the word itself is encouraging me NOT to set boundaries or guidelines for it. I don’t want to write a list of what Open will bring into my life. I’ve learnt the previous two years that the words tend to take their own journey and sometimes teach me far more than I anticipate. Sometimes they also teach me about what they are not (if that makes sense?).
I want to keep myself open to all possibilities. I am intrigued to see what Open can teach me about boundaries and saying no versus yes. It’s tricky for me not to try and define it more and set intentions for what I expect it to do. Maybe that’s why I need this word in 2018!
Have you chosen a word for 2018? What is it?
And I’d love to know what OPEN means to you or if you know any great quotes about Open.