Grace: Give It Away

I chose "Grace" as my word for the year; for the second year in a row.

This week was one long extended lesson into giving others that which I seek, and I learned something really important about my one word.

If I want Grace in my life, I really need to make it a priority to extend it to others.

I have always felt that Grace is an action word.  It started off with something I really didn't want to do.  But, I knew deep in my heart that I needed to do it.  Not because that person deserved it (she didn't), but because I knew it was the right thing to do.  So I did it.  In order to do it, I needed to give her Grace.

I do believe that it was a transforming moment, both for both of us.  There are those who would say that I should have gone the other way, and not helped her at all.  But, I do not regret my choice.  I feel confident in what I chose.  I feel confident in what I did.

I am grateful that I was available to embrace this opportunity.  This moment was extremely beneficial to me.  At the same time, it really helped someone else.  I am encouraged to extend Grace again.



link:  myoneword.org

My One Word

I actually discovered this through a blog that I follow. She included a banner in the navigation pane and I was so intrigued, that I couldn't help but look. I clicked, and immediately arrived at myoneword.org. It's an alternative to New Year's Resolutions, and I like the concept. You simply pick one word.

Coincidentally, at about halfway through last year, I had embraced the word "grace" for myself. That was mostly to help me get through the bar exam (two bar exams, actually), and I really wanted to become a more graceful person. (My gram often called me "gracie". And, you could consider it as sort of akin to nicknaming a large man, "Tiny". If you get me.) That one word helped me to get through many circumstances in 2011, a year which ended up being a pretty tough year. Although, many major victories were had in 2011, as well.

I think that I really got in touch with what "grace" is, and I began to deliberately seek it. Interestingly, it became integrated into my life. As a result, I believe that I have come to know grace. Which is something I find to be really, really interesting. I even began what I call a "grace journal". And I contribute to it from time to time.

So, as 2011 came to a close and 2012 began, I felt as though I wasn't quite finished with grace. It was at that time that I saw this internet banner, and decided that the "my one word" concept was completely perfect for me. I immediately registered with the site, "liked it" on Facebook, and I'm continuing my journey with grace. I intend to read a few books about grace this year, as well.

That being said, I reserve the right to change my one word, should that become necessary. I'm already seeing signs that it could, and that's OK. I don't feel too bad about it, since I already know grace and it has become a part of my life. And, it's not as though the concept of grace would be abandoned. It's already there.

I think that this is what makes the concept of "one word" so interesting. Change becomes entirely possible, because you choose to embrace it in its basic form. It's truly fascinating that change can be entirely without complication, and effective at the same time.

What is your one word for this year?