273/365 it took me long enough...

but I have finally determined my "word".

a little background to this crazy statement:

in January 2007 I read a blog post by the inspiring Ali Edwards

where she introduced the "one word" concept

a word that sums up who you are,

what you are looking to achieve

a word that inspires you to

be all that you want and can be.

In 2007, I was all gung ho to find my word

that special combination of vowels and consonants that

could define me. motivate me. inspire me.

I googled, read the dictionary, polled my friends and family

drove myself crazy trying to find just the right one

and eventually my search just died off with no chosen word.

In 2008, Ali Edwards again posted her word

and I was determined that it was my year.

I mulled a few over, picked one

than thought it wasn't quite what I wanted

so picked another and so on...

until eventually like 2007 the end result was no word.

in 2009 I thought about it

and decided instead of forcing the issue I would just wait.

I figured it may not be this year or even in the next 10 next years

but eventually a word would just pop into my mind

& it would feel right.

Driving home tonight my mind was going in

a thousand different directions and all of a

sudden, out of the blue, this word came to me:

and it is the perfect word for me.

I strive to be who I am every day.

no smoke and mirrors.

no public relations spin.

no "work" persona and "home" persona

just me and my values,morals and beliefs.

If I say something I believe it

If I have an opinion I will defend it.

If I tell you something it is the truth.

I will respect you and your opinions

I think everyone has value

I do not believe in extra drama

I do not like hurtful gossip

I avoid negativity

However, I would not be authentic

if I didn't say this was a work in a progress

that I work on this everyday

but I know in my heart that I am more authentic then I was last year

and more authentic than I was yesterday

I will continually strive for this word

as like the perfect word should...

I want it to eventually define who I am...

100% of the time.

Do you have a word? How do you want to be defined?

Bonus Picture:

~ I have started an inspiration board, not on purpose, more of an evolution of me putting things on there so they wouldn't get lost/wrecked until I had a chance to find a home for them and now deciding that they can stay right where they are.