Word of the Year: Refine

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 blogger who chose one word as a way of setting intention for her whole year.  Today’s guest is Amy Duray. More about Amy below.

I didn’t choose my word in January. I chose it on my birthday in July. I have long had the habit of “resolving” twice a year –once for the New Year, and once for my new year.

I had read Christine’s post about intentions that week and was indulging in an entertaining annual ritual of reading my astrological forecast for the coming year (You know, the one that starts with “If today is your birthday” – I can’t resist). One word there really stood out:

Refine.

The word “refine” really stuck with me. At the time, I had just moved into my new house (my second that year) and I was surrounded by stuff that no longer seemed to fit into my life.

I quickly realized that my life was full of things that didn’t fit me anymore – clothes, career aspirations, goals. And so, I told myself that for the remainder of the year, I would try hard to figure out what in my life I wanted to keep and discard the rest.

I wish that I had some monumental successes to report, but mine have been small. There have been several times this fall when I’ve had unusual clarity or inspiration that have helped to point me in the right direction. I usually just navigate life by intuition, but these incidents have been conscious ones. It’s been like I have been hearing my voice for the first time.

And as for the areas where I haven’t been so successful, serendipity seems to be helping me along. I heard a radio review of a book that has breathed new life into my long-languishing thesis research. And a random email puts me in touch with a potential mentor and some career expertise that is enlightening.

And those clothes?

They’re gone. You’d be amazed how little closet space you actually NEED. Really, I’m amazed at how little of anything I really need.

As I approach the New Year, I’m starting to contemplate what my new word will be. I’m not sure that I’m done refining yet, but I have some looming tasks that will need some emphasis to get completed.

My intention may change to something else, but I’ll be back to refining again soon. It feels great to be rid of those things that aren’t really me.

My blog is worldwidecanvas.blogspot.com, although it’s not updated very often.

Amy Duray

Tagged as: Creativity, Personal Growth, word-of-the-year

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