I didn’t choose a word for 2017. Not deliberately, it just didn’t occur to me; I didn’t get round to it; nothing embedded itself in my imagination. I was too busy writing LOTS of words, to be honest! What might it have been, in hindsight? Hard to say, because so much was going on. I suppose the best description might be ‘full’.

Full can be a good word, signifying abundance. It can also be a bit of a ‘too much’ word and I think, depending on which part of the year I found myself in, both could be appropriate!

I wrote that paragraph having already chosen my word for this year … and now I smile at the contrast. The word that has come immediately to mind for the forthcoming year is ‘space’. How will this express itself? Finding space for that which I need but have neglected? Space to think and consider? The wisdom to use the space I have in a good way? Space in my mind – just to let go a bit. Rearranging commitments, scaling back a little? Any or all of the above, I suppose.

I hope I manage to carry something of that essence into 2018. I get busier and busier… but I need a space – emotionally, spiritually, creatively… I want ‘space’ to be an accurate descriptor of 2018. Whether it will be, I’ll have to see. At the very least I have identified the need for it. Without it, I falter and fade.

Do you ever choose a word for the year ahead? Do you find it useful? Do you even remember it, as the year goes by?