Note: December is Word-of-the-Year Month at Christine’s Blog. As we roll into another New Year, each day will feature a new guest author who chose one word as a way of setting intention for the whole year. Today’s guest is Lance Ekum. More about Lance below.
“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke
Courage.
Seven little letters…
Strange how those squiggly marks that form letters, then displayed in some certain order, form words…words that can take on such meaning in our lives.
January 5th, 2009. The date I publicly declared a word for the year.
Courage.
Would I really see this word manifest itself in my life? Would I remember this word as the year went on? The stories shared here, last year, were compelling. Still. Could stating one word make that much of a difference?
Well, maybe it was a bit more than stating this one word. There was thought that went into what that word would be. There was something there too, something that made this word meaningful.
Courage.
Publicly stated, and more importantly…stated from my heart.
And then it began happening. Moments arose, where I could choose to pass, or I could choose the courage to act.
As I look back over 2009, I’m drawn to the many moments that have been. Courage displayed outwardly. Courage from the inside. Courage to be real. Courage to try new experiences. Courage to fully live. Big moments. Small moments. All so important…
Today, I’d like to share one of those experiences with all of you.
Spring. And an opportunity to speak, from the heart, in front of about 100 people. Mostly people I knew. Would that make it easy? Would that make it hard? This was a moment to speak about something personal, and share the connection to some greater life force.
The challenge was not in getting up in front of this group. The challenge was in allowing myself to feel vulnerable in front of so many…in front of people who *knew* me. I remember the evening, and the setting, well. Those moments right before I came up, and then…speaking words not from a prepared speech, words from the heart.
I spoke about how writing has become deeply meaningful to me. More than that, though, I talked about how it was challenging to step out of a comfort zone that didn’t include this, and to allow myself to explore what could be.
Being real, honest, and open is not always easy.
It all felt incredibly vulnerable – sharing from the heart, admitting to fears. Have you ever been there? Not knowing how you will be perceived?
The evening was beautiful, though. With courage, I spoke from my heart. And in speaking from this place deep within, that connected with other’s hearts. A bond. A new level of connection between souls.
I walked away that night with newfound confidence. Confidence in me. Confidence in “being” me.
And at a deeper level, a belief in how filled with goodness our world is.
So today, where does that put me, now almost one year from when I chose this word?
Well…courage is still something I have to sometimes dig deep to find. I know it’s there, though. It’s there in all of us. In me. In you. Courage to listen to our heart, courage to step outside of those comfort zones, courage to “be”. Courage to fully live!
As 2009 comes to a close, I reflect back and soak in all that was.
Courage.
Seven squiggly little letters that impacted my life in a deeply meaningful way.
————————-
Lance Ekum is a t-shirt wearing guy, living in Wisconsin with his wife and 3 kids. For fun, he throws popcorn in the air and tries to catch it in his mouth. He’s expecting a call from the Olympic committee as soon at popcorn tossing is officially accepted as an Olympic sport. If all that popcorn weren’t enough, he also authors the Jungle of Life blog.
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Hi Lance!
That was eloquent and beautiful and moving. Thank you for all your squigglies and for your Courage. And for filling the world with goodness, one courageous act at a time…
Hi Maggie,
I appreciate you and your being here. As I look back over 2009, it really is so amazing to see how this one word, one little word, made such a difference. When we really look at this all from a deeper level, as to what matters – we touch upon things at our core. And that is such a great place to work from!
I’ve been reading your Word-of-the-Year posts and I’m uplifted every time. Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
Thank you, Lance. I fell off and didn’t follow through. I had chosen “courage” too. I’m glad to see you followed through, and i admire the steps you took. Your blog shows a lot of courage too. It’s wonderful. All the best to you. Thanks, again. Pati
Hi Lance!
Thanks SO much for sharing your essay with us! All month you have been writing lovely comments full of support and encouragement for the other guest bloggers and I hoped that you would write and submit a guest blog, too. (And this in itself is no small act of courage!)
I love that you found the courage to speak in front of a large group of people when it is *so* much more comfortable to sit in front of your computer and craft the perfect sentence. Bravo!
Thanks again for your essay and shining your light in the world!
@Travelinoma – This “word of the year” concept that Christine has shared here is such a simple yet profound activity. And it is, because it touches upon something deeper within, at a level that has so much meaning for us. I was introduced to the idea last year while visiting here, and seeing it in action during 2009 has been so affirming.
@Pati – There were certainly days when my courage faltered, too. And I think part of it is just being aware. So, maybe the year didn’t unfold exactly as you had hoped in regards to your chosen word. Still, being aware of this is a great first step. I encourage you to give it a go again in 2010. It’s there, within you…
@Stacey – Hi Stacey! Thanks so much for your encouragement! Stepping up in front of that group to speak, in what really felt like I was putting myself out there, was both a very challenging moment and a very liberating moment. A different medium, and different audience, a different “feel”. And yet, it turned out wonderfully. I suppose that’s some of those fears we have – fears that “I’m not good enough”, or “no one will understand”, or “I’ll flop”, or … And so often, those fears are just unfounded negative beliefs holding us back. Anyway – Stacey, thank you again for your support here, and for the beautiful light you shine!
Hi Lance:
Wow, this was a powerful story for me. Courage is certainly a great word and really all of us need courage if we’re going to stretch ourselves in any way. I’m very glad to hear that this word that you declared at the beginning of the year has guided you in a positive way.
As I’ve already shared in my neck of the woods, I chose laughter for next year. There are going to be some days when laughing comes easy, but its those not so great days that will be the biggest challenge for me. Reading your story here, I’m struck with what a great choice the “courage” really is. Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Tim,
“Courage” was such a great word for me in 2009. And it was, because it challenged me at many levels – and I had to step out of routines and into the unknown. In looking back, this was all so good. And to you, going into 2010 with “laughter” as your word of the year – with focus and belief – I know you will find the greatness that is contained in that choice. And good that will be!
Lance, thank you for sharing this!
Speaking in front of an audience is hard enough but to add off-the-cuff and from-the-heart and vulnerability to the mix?
Courage!
It really is a courageous word to choose, I guess you’re telling the universe “Give me opportunities to be courageous!” That takes a moxie and trust.
…trust in yourself, trust that you can do it, that you can meet each challenge.
{hug}
Lance,
Thanks for sending me over to see all of these brave people and their words. You are all so inspiring. I’m going to choose a new word each month in 2010. My ADHD doesn’t allow me to focus on only one!
Lance – I love how you reviewed this for us! And I can’t believe it’s been a year and I’m so thrilled to hear about how courage played out in your life during the year. Can’t wait to see what your word for 2010 will be. I think I might choose a phrase….is that allowed?
I love how you said, “Confidence in “being me”. We are many times afraid of letting our true selves out for people to judge. It hasn’t been easy for me, but the more that I try to let the real me come out the less afraid of what I think other people are thinking. If they can’t see my beauty than maybe they just aren’t in the right mindframe themselves. When they are ready they will find a way to love me.
Lance is a profoundly awesome person. I feel so blessed to have made his acquaintance this year, being that I am also from the wilderness of Wisconsin. I am so glad to have insight into his word for 2009. I can see that there is great courage in his soul, and the most is to be who you truly are meant to be. That is amazing. I have jumped onto the word bandwagon this year and just blogged about it myself on my 30 Word Thursday feature last week… my word for 2010: INSPIRE.
Thank you for sharing your light to the world. I wish you and your readers a wealth of INSPIRATION for the coming year!
Merry Christmas!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
@Hayden – It was the “from the heart” part that definitely made this challenging (and took courage to do!). What I found, though, was that it was all good. Which makes me think, how often do we let fear hold us back – when really there is nothing to fear at all? And about what I was telling the universe – well…it definitely gave me some moments throughout the year. Again, though, I stand here today – and see that there is so much good in it all. Hugs back to you, my friend…
@Tess – It really is a pretty fantastic thing that Christine is doing – opening this space of hers up for so many people to share their experiences. And it is through these experiences that we can all see that so much is possible, if we just believe. It’s great to have you here Tess, thanks!
@Stacey Shipman – So, I would be remiss in not taking a moment here to thank you, Stacey. You were instrumental in this whole speech happening, and it was also through working with you on this – that I also felt more closely connected to you. So, thank you for you support on this, and really all year long. You have a gift of seeing what is possible. Continue to use that as you shine your light out into the world. And as for what my “word” will be for 2010…it is still in the works, and I’m sure I’ll be writing about it soon. A phrase? I think if that is something that really resonates with you, then that is the right thing. Stacey, know that I appreciate you and our friendship…
@Karl – You know, Karl – that’s it exactly! There can be this real feeling of being judged and critiqued when we open ourselves up. And so…sometimes we don’t. We “play it safe”. And while we might avoid some of the critics, we are still only holding ourselves back from what is possible. Getting to that place where we believe fully in who we are, and are comfortable in our own skin…that is a great place to be. All part of the journey…and you are doing it Karl. Keep on believing…in you!
Dearest Lance,
You know how much I adore you. And this post this word..this thought….everything about this was just magnificently beautiful and touching.
Courage…the perfect word for what you have manifested all year round…
Lance,Your courage gives me Courage too. Shine on….I truly need your light in my life.
Lots of love and Happy Holidays to you and Your Family.
Z
Lance,
Congrats on this wonderful post! I know, I said I was taking the week off from blogging but you know what? It’s really hard to stay away from dear-hearted awesome people–especially those who accept you as you are and encourage you on onward by their simple presence, their courage, their joy. What a special man you are and I am celebrating that you found a new level of courage in 2009. I am sure that 2010 is going to be a rocking year for you! And I will be there in the wings cheering you on. xoto you.
What a well written post, Lance!! Courage is a tough one. Some of the bravest people I know, just face what needs to be done and do it. Those moments are when we are revealed to ourselves.
It sounds like you’ve experienced quite an awakening this year, Lance. What a gift and what a great post!
@Erin – Erin, your words here are so wonderfully kind…thank you! And they speak volumes to the person you are, and the love and light you shine out into the world. I am blessed to know you. I can’t wait to read about your word for the coming year – INSPIRE! Erin, thank you so much for being here and spreading love everywhere you go. Merry Christmas!
@Zeenat – Thank you. Your words here are touching. And this idea that I might somehow being giving you courage – I want you to know how deeply good it is hearing those words. Again, thank you. You bring so much goodness and love to the world, and it is an honor to have you visiting me here.
@Jan – Jan, know that what you are saying, that is so much a two-way street. I find deep connection in your words, and so having you here is a special gift, and I’m honored by your presence. So, as we approach the new year, I too wish for you that it is one that is filled with amazing experiences for you…and I look forward to being along on the journey with you.
@Dr. J – Thanks much! That’s it…facing those things that need to be done. Sometimes there’s a fear associated with some of these things. It’s in those moments that our courage can lift us up and carry us forward.
Well said Lance. You are courageous in many ways. And not only that but you inspire us to be courageous too. Thanks for that.
What will your word be for this coming year?
Lance, what a wonderful post, and what a powerful idea. I never make resolutions at the start of the year, because I don’t like the idea of making resolutions only to break them. But focussing on one word seems very doable. And for all you know, I will end up choosing the same word that you did, because the way to describe the word, it covers all that needs to be covered to start on the journey to be a better person.
Lance, As you know, your word of the year inspired me to find my 2009 word of the year (Light). Thank you (again) for that gift. Your courage this year has been contagious and for that I thank you again and again and again.
I’m with you Lance. That post was a start of great things for me. I remember choosing the word “Serenity” and looking back I remember using that as my mantra when I needed some peace in the midst of my move. I am glad that I participated in the search of a word that defined my life at the time. It was a gift to me and my family to have found the message at just the right time. Thank you as always for a great year! Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Dear Lance, you teach us so very much… Because you are so open, shining with the clearest honesty and humanity, you show that we, too, can do the same, be brave enough to be ourselves in all our glory.
Funny, I couldn’t remember the word chose, so I had to go look at that post. It was “give.” I had even outlined some of the ways that word spoke to me. And you know? I think I ended up rising to the word! Even though I’d forgotten it. That’s what’s so wonderful about this exercise: We put the intention out there, give it a good “go,” and then just go about our business. …and our Spirit takes over, working quietly in the background to honor our wishes. And so now I’m thinking of my word for next year…
Lance, thank you for being such a wonderful friend, coach, inspiration… I just love you for this!
Christine, thank you for this wonderful concept! And for hosting such a wonderful open house.
~ Julie
@Joanna – Going through this exercise of choosing a word for the year really has been transformational. Joanna, thanks much for being here and for all your encouragement.
@Laurie – It has been a great year, and I really believe that choosing the word “courage” to focus on has had a lot to do with that. And if this somehow also has helped others, then I am humbled by that. And for 2010…I’m still working on a word yet…
@Rayna – Hi Rayna. Resolutions are very often so quickly broken, and that’s we are focused on the “doing” level, and not at what it really means at a deeper level for us (that’s from Christine Kane – and makes a lot of sense). And that is also what makes this concept of one word so meaningful, in that this word should really focus at that deeper level. And that is something we very much can connect with. Courage is a wonderful word, especially if it feels right for you. I wish you well in 2010…
@Stacey/Create A Balance for Moms – Hi Stacey! And part of this gift of choosing a word for the year has been talking to you about your own experience with doing this also. So Stacey, thank you for sharing. And I am moved by your caring and kind words here today. Know that I am grateful for our friendship, and knowing you are out there in this world, doing so much good.
@Terie – Hi Terie. This is so great to read about how the word “serenity” has really been a mantra for you this year. Making a move can be challenging, especially with kids and to far away places. Terie, thank you for being here and sharing a part of your experience.
@Julie – Julie…you shine your amazing light everywhere you go! I’m honored to see you here, and to read your sweet words today. So, your word was “give”. You are such a giving person – and that shines through always. And look how it has shined through just by you making the intention! Wow! You make me smile today (and always)…
Hi Lance,
Congratulations on living up to the word courage. You are so right that speaking from the heart is an act that requires courage. I have to admit that it is sometimes amazing to me how talking from the heart can be so scary for many people. Yet to be fair, in the past I have had my struggles with it too. However, with each step into the unknown, we gather strength and it is obvious that you have. Very cool!
I wonder what the word will be for 2010?
Keep on shining bright and spreading your Lance-ness with all of us!
@Nadia – Hi Nadia. I guess for me, the idea of speaking from the heart just felt a bit on the vulnerable side. What I found was that was not the case at all – and what I received back was filled with goodness and caring. Maybe it’s part of doubting ourselves and our true abilities, too. And all part of the journey we are on. I’m taking some time to think about a word for 2010 and will be announcing it soon. Nadia, thanks so much for being here!
Wow Lance! When you chose that intention for 2009 I didn’t know you. But as I got to know you throughout the year, I often spotted synchronicities between your journey and mine. And as I look back now, if I were to choose one word to sum up my growth this past year, ‘courage’ would be it. I’m serious!
This is a wonderful concept, and I can’t wait to see what your word for 2010 is. Mine is ‘Connect’. I’m excited….
@Hilda – Hilda, it has been great getting to know you this year as well. And I too have felt a connection, like our paths were meant to cross. So, reading here about the word “courage” for you is so good to read. Very cool!! And I’m looking forward to what “connect” leads to for you in 2010. For me…well, I still have some sorting out to do with that “one word”…more to come soon.
I appreciate that you share your thoughts and experiences. A word that seems to find me often is resilience…through trial and tribulation comes growth in this journey we call life. Fantastic once again Lance!
Lance,
after having followed you this past year, I can confirm that you are one hell of a courageous t-shirt and pink wig wearing guy!
You have shown so many little and big moments of courage. Funny ones, serious ones. All important ones.
I am curious to know what your word for 2010 is.
Take courageous care.
Miranda
Mimi,
What was I thinking, anyway, donning that pink wig?? And…out in public, no less! Courageous? Yes. Bordering on insanity?? Definitely! I guess that could go down as a funny moment. And really, it was! Mimi, you make me smile today, having you along on this journey over the last year has been so good. And I’ve witnessed that courage in you, too. And it has been so great hearing about all that you are doing, letting the artist within you shine!
So, 2010…is right around the corner. I’m working up to what that word will be…soon….
Thanks so much for all your support and caring this past year!
Mark,
Thanks much for being here, and sharing in this. “Resilience”…Mark, it is so good to hear that this word has served you well, and that even in those tough moments in life, you have found ways to bounce back, and to really come back better than ever.
Lance, That was beautiful and uplifting! You have quite a way with words.
Natalia
Natalia,
Thank you!! And it is great to see you here, your support is wonderful!
Best courageous Olympic popcorn tossing guy I have the privilege to know and love from his wonderful blog.
You know he’s also training for Olympic question mark counting??? Yep!
Super pick, Christine. Thanks!!
Jannie,
Three! (the number of question marks in your comment)
Yes, I AM training for that “soon to be named” sport of Olympic question mark counting, too! Don’t tell Sven about the popcorn counting…he thinks I’m a one-sport guy…
And talking of super…super rhymes with Jannnie!! (well…it should anyway!) Thanks for being here!!
Aww! I love it Lance! You’ve definitely demonstrated courage in my eyes all throughout 2009. I’ve really enjoyed watching you unfold, it’s been very inspiring I must say.
Nathalie,
So great seeing you here! And even more than that, having you there, along on this journey has been deeply good. Keep shining your light out into the world!