I'm participating in Reverb10, a daily writing prompt throughout the month of December related to reflecting on the previous year and planning for the next. You can read more about why I'm doing it here. 

December 1st Prompt - One Word

Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

My word for 2010 is: flux. Flux because it encapsulates not just 'change' in a calm, easy way but also the struggle inherent in change - the acknowledgment that it can be hard. Flux is also appropriate because it doesn't imply complete control; although I've made a lot of conscious decisions this year about travel and career, I've come to realize that I can't plan or control every detail of my life (though I do try!). Synonyms for flux include: flow, to purge, to make fluid. While many people my age are working hard at making their lives more tangible, for me this year has been about deconstructing what I think I should want and allowing myself to move into something that actually leaves me feeling fulfilled.

My word for 2011 is: reconcile. In many ways I'm living the life that I want but I still feel this tug towards the past and I know I'm holding onto things that it would be better to let go of: certain anxieties, self-doubt, friendships that may have run their course and to some extent anger about unkindnesses and slights. I want to work on putting some of those feelings to bed to make room for better things - more travel, more creativity, and more space to give attention to the people in my life who are supportive, generous and challenging in all the right ways.

Photo by me, Kamakura, Japan