per·sist·ence
pərˈsistəns/
noun
- firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Persistence. Relentless persistence. This is my word. I love setting my mind full of expectation and drive to commit myself and my life's effort to a theme for my year ahead. As I transitioned to a work from home mama this past year my time and lifestyle changed drastically- in the most amazing and beautiful ways. Opportunities opened up for me to be able to organize my time in ways that supported my values like spending time with my daughter, having capacity to plan and cook healthy meals for my family, time for exercise and better sleep, time to pursue personal growth all while still being able to remain in my field of education serving and walking alongside others as they grow to lead the healthy lives they too desire.
As an introverted and highly sensitive creative, this word will challenge me to my core- but in all the best and hardest ways. It's so easy to hide under the pretense of not having time or resources or energy (especially being a new mama) under the introverted veil, but as I continue to leap into my creative space, persistence is what will be required. It is also the struggle of the artist that brings forth the fruit that reminds you that it is all worth it.
To be in this space of creating content, pursuing collaboration and sharing vulnerable experiences will mean going beyond my fears of rejection, my expectations of time and things coming or not coming into fruition based on my timeline and completely recalibrating and eliminating any comparisons on image, appeal, aesthetics, etc. To be persistent will mean to keep producing and to keep trying- even when I don't feel like it. I felt this theme creeping into my world when I reignited this space- uniquely-me- and it began as consistency. But pressures amount, fatigue, doubt, discouragement, embarrassment and self-criticism set in and it was not necessarily consistency that I needed, but rather a relentless persistence. To believe that we all have something to offer, to remember that there is power in our story and also to remember that our souls crave an outlet for self-expression.
So cheers to a New Year! A year of taking more risks, putting ourselves out there and going for that thing that we just can't shake and keeps us up at night wondering: "What If..." Let's do this, and even better... let's do this together. And to keep doing it- even when it gets hard, really hard.
I have guiding words each month and persistence was my word for September. It's so important, especially in this day and age when people face discouragement every day. I'm glad you picked it!
ReplyDeleteAlso on a sartorial note, I love your dress!
xo Deborah
Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes
Yesss! So important indeed. It's so good you've had this word on your radar as well. Thank you for your kind words!
Deletexxx,
Mary
Good luck with your word of the year. Persistence is so important but it doesn't always come easily!
ReplyDeletePersistence is a great word! It took me so long to break out of my shell and learn that it's ok to chase after what you want relentlessly, and blogging really helped me understand that. I can't wait to see how far 2018 takes you!
ReplyDelete-Emily
https://norepeatsorhesitations.com/2018/01/03/a-fashion-bloggers-review-of-the-amazon-echo-look/
Thanks so much, Emily! How fulfilling it is to go after what we want. I'll be looking forward to seeing how 2018 blossoms and flourishes for you as well :)
Deletexxx,
Mary
Such a great word! And this line couldn't be anymore relatable. "It is also the struggle of the artist the brings forth the fruit that reminds you that it is all worth it." Sending good vibes your way for 2018!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Alexis! Yes, the struggle can hurt so good! Sending you all the best for 2018 as well! It is going to be a good year :)
Deletexxx,
Mary
Happy new year, Mary! I find the content you produce to be diverse and elegantly written; and you are one of the most consistent publishers I follow. Your commitment to regular content release is inspiring, as it is such a hard thing to commit to. The posts I have adored the most are the ones that exhibited your vulnerability, character, and charm; and I look forward to reading more of them this year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Eli!
DeleteWow, thank you so much. It's such kind words like yours that truly give me fuel to keep going. Putting out regular content is hard indeed! Let's continue to root each other on- I'm looking forward to chasing after authenticity and looking forward to reading more of what is on your heart and mind to share also :)
xxx,
Mary
I love the idea of having a word to focus on each year.
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning! Love your word of choice for the year! It's definitely something that I will be working on this year.
ReplyDelete