 Last New Year’s Eve a friend suggested we choose a single word to inform the year ahead. As a devoted logophile, I plunged into the challenge. I was intrigued by the simplicity, the focus, like a yearlong mantra. For 2019 I chose ATTEND. In my empty nest life, I have a tendency to tune out and burrow down. Both meanings of the word appealed to me: LISTEN and GO. Take part; give heed; don’t get lost in interiority. I’ve mulled over this year’s word for about a month. EXTEND? EXTERIOR? OUTWARD? ENGAGE? I still need to “attend,” but I wanted a distinct word. Given this semester’s focus on writing (and family), I also considered CREATE and INNOVATE. The winner for the year 2020 is…. STRETCH. Once again, I admired its versatility. Physically and mechanically, I am increasingly obliged to stretch and limber. The word also suggests metaphorical reaching out beyond the edges – of myself, of possibilities, of habits, of creativity. May the year 2020 be a year of positive stretching for everyone – personally, socially, and politically. It’s a big year. My 60th year in 60,000 words Day 126: 180 words, TOTAL = 20,759; 39,241 remaining |
AuthorRobin Clifford Wood is a writer and writing teacher. She lives in central Maine with her husband and dogs, loves to be outdoors, and enjoys ever-expanding horizons through her grown children and their multi-species families. Archives
January 2021
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