Each year a word
Each year I choose a word, or it chooses me. My purpose in doing so is to remind myself to live with intention. In 2024 my word was community, which the OED defines as:
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- a body of people or things viewed collectively
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a shared or common quality or state
Neither definition captures the spark at the centre of the word. If it’s spark you seek, turn to a poet, not a dictionary.
Another poet, T. S. Eliot, wrote, “There is no life that is not in community.”
For my partner and me, living as we do on a farm in the bush of northern BC, our community has mostly been made up of trees, animals, and each other for 17 years. Lone Wolf is content with that—her moniker was chosen for a reason. But I appreciate the company of other humans periodically, so last New Year’s Eve I happily accepted the word generator’s choice for me. Throughout the year I looked for ways to lean into the word community.
In March I retreated with some writer friends to magical Cassiar Cannery, where I was reminded of the value of writing in community. Each month I met with another group of writer friends to share ideas and struggles, celebrate successes, and fling creative yeast.
In May the opportunity arose to join a choir, and I leapt at it. Lifting my voice in song within a community brings me unspeakable joy.
While we’re on the topic of unspeakable joy, in August the arrival of a new grandson expanded my family community.
Photo by Tails and Wings.
Officiating the wedding of our friends Emma and Matt in September deepened my sense of community further still.
Photo by Eliza Rose Photos.
Not every experience of community was joyful. In October I grieved with my family when my sister’s partner died suddenly. In November I grieved with a community of millions who had hoped the US would choose a sane, compassionate, democratic future. That they chose otherwise nudges me toward a community of engaged citizens, because Canada’s democracy and sovereignty are in peril now as never before.
My self-imposed rule for using the word generator was I had to stick with whatever word it gave me. Community was easy to embrace. I’ve loved every minute of exploring senses and nuances of the word.
It’s different going into 2025. This time a word chose me. For weeks I kept seeing it everywhere. I tripped on it, couldn’t get away from it. I knew the word wanted me, but I didn’t want the word.
Dull and monotonous, right? Oscar Wilde said that “consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” Yet Merriam-Webster suggests another sense of the word.
I belong to a choir now, so it won’t surprise you to hear I love the idea of harmony: harmony of parts to a whole, of practice with profession.
On the wall behind my computer screen is a Steven Pressfield quote:
The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.
I have felt enough resistance to the word consistency to realize I probably need to pursue it. I’ll meet you here a year from today and tell you what I’ve learned from leaning into it.
Whatever word or words guide you through 2025, may we consistently come together in community to fight for a just and compassionate and beautiful world.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
18 Responses to “Each year a word”
Beautiful post on this brilliant morning of a New Year. I think of you as a loyal and dependable spirit. All grand and graceful attributes of consistency . I look forward to hearing how this word will deepen for you as the year proceeds. Much love.
Thank you, Joan, and much love to you.
Oh what a beautiful post to bring in the new year. Thank you, Leslie.
I definitely would have shared your affinity for community and now feel the resistance to consistency … and yet and yet – an odd attraction too. I love Joan’s description of you demonstrating the grand and graceful attributes of consistency as it shows up in loyalty and dependability. That makes so much sense. I can imagine that farming, honing your writing skills and lifting your voice in joyous song are all acts of consistency as well. I’m inspired and think I will jump on your coattails with this word choice. Consistency is such a challenge for me that knitting the second sock or second mitten can be a trial. Two earrings the same – anything consistent, let alone a consistent writing or art practice. And yet, it is creeping up on me and I find satisfaction there in little and larger surprising ways.
I so look forward to waking up on January 1st 2026 and seeing where the dance with consistency has taken you. All the very best in this new year!
I’m surprised to hear you say that consistency is a challenge for you, Paula. I see the accumulation of your consistent efforts in your art, in your earrings, in your commitments to people in your life. It’s funny how we both see ourselves lacking in consistency, yet others see it in us. Wishing you a magical, surprising and satisfying year. xo
A beautiful post, Leslie – thank you. I share your hesitation around the word consistency. And yet … underneath it all is consistency … to our own values and beliefs, to the choice we make, to our actions and commitments, to how we meet the world.
I look forward to hearing how you meet this word in all its iterations.
Wishing you all good things in 2025 and I look forward to meeting you.
Thank you, Ava. I’m really looking forward to meeting you, too. Wishing you a beautiful year.
Once again a beautiful post Leslie, thank you for sharing. It sounds like a very good tradition to begin. May you enjoy consistent blessings throughout 2025. While I realize the blessings are varied, Ì know you to be a very consistent person in your practice of your spiritual life where you see and appreciate your daily blessings. Much love to you and Chris, and all your family. ♥
Thank you, Cyndie. Much love to you. I know it will be a magical year for you with abundant time to be with your new granddaughter. xo
Holy cow, Leslie (I use that term intentionally). This is gorgeous, stunning and so very inspiring. Thank you for lifting up my first day of 2025.
Oh Sheila! I wouldn’t even have a writing community if not for you inviting me to my first Rural Writers. I’m endlessly grateful. Wishing you and Lynn a beautiful year on the coast. You are missed.
Thank you Leslie for this thoughtful and insightful post. How wonderful that you found the ‘right’ definition for your word of the year. And I wish for you to consistently find just the right word, or recipe, or book….
Happy New Year.
Thank you, Judy, and happy new year to you and yours!
Beautifully written Leslie! Wishing yourself and Chris a consistently happy and peaceful ’25 ???????? ????
Thank you Lynda. Chris and I think of you and Eddie so often. I like to think we’ll make it back to Ireland one day and we’ll come and see what you’ve created on your beautiful farm. All best to you both. xo
Beautifully and thoughtfully written as always. Thank you! I’ve read your post many times now wondering what my word will be?
I’m close but cannot yet quite commit as it’s complicated.
Will let you know once I decide 🙂
Love to see you this spring my friend ♥️
Thanks, Christine! I’m looking forward to both – hearing about your word and its complications and gathering in the spring. We’re approaching 50 years of Katima-connection! How is that even possible? xo
A beautiful post, Leslie — and that photograph of the new grandbaby: so tender and filled with promise. I send good wishes for the new year.
Thanks so much, Theresa.