Monday, January 14, 2013

To Seek ... To Find?

SEEK verb
to go in search of; look for
to try to discover
to try to acquire or gain

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, these are some of the definitions for "seek" which you may have already guessed is my word for 2013.

My journey to choosing a single word to guide and inspire me for the year is a rather circuitous one. When I first stumbled on this idea a couple of years ago, I pondered ... and pondered ... and pondered some more. Although I read with interest other stories of chosen words I came up empty. Nothing. Blank. So in typical fashion, I dismissed the idea completely.

Until June of that year ... While on our beach vacation I ran across some pretty polished rocks with single words etched on them. I sorted through them and kept coming back to the same word: inspire. I decided this was meant to be my word so I brought the rock home to put by my workstation. When 2012 rolled around I wasn't ready to discard it. After all, we were starting FOL and inspiring others was the main part of our mission. I kept this word through 2012.


I tried on a few words ... calm - too passive ... open - kinda mushy ... seek. Seek. Yes! I liked it. It's an action verb and I knew that in order to keep my word at the forefront of my mind, I needed something I could literally take action on. In 2013 I will SEEK ...
  • wisdom and knowledge
  • new and improved skills
  • inspiration and creative ideas
  • adventure and new roads to travel
  • new friends and experiences
  • the beauty and goodness in each day
There you have it ... my quest for 2013. This is just the beginning and I'm eager to see what other exciting ideas I might find as I seek for them.

What about you? Have you chosen a word for 2013? Or are you among those who faithfully make resolutions every January? Will you share your words and/or resolutions with us in the comments section? We love to hear from you; it's our chance to have a conversation with you, to get to know you. And if you've ever checked back a time or two, you might even find that somebody has responded to your comment.

When I photograph, what I'm really doing is seeking answers to things.
                                                                                                     ~ Wynn Bullock
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PS - January Focus is "Quotes for the New Year".


20 comments:

Jeanne said...

Great word for the year, and will enjoy seeing how you actualize it. My word/words for the year are JOYFUL PERSEVERANCE. Something I really need right now. blessings to you in the new year!

heyjudephotography said...

Dotti, you know I think that's a great word, because it's my word for 2013 as well. (And I have in the works for my personal blog a very similar type post as yours here today! Great minds think alike!) I think starting each day with our word in mind can really guide us in directions we may never have gone before. Good luck on all your seeking!

Kim Stevens said...

I like seek, I felt like a seeker and finder of things last Friday on my adventure!! What's so great is we can insert each others words in front of or behind ours for more inspirations through the year....seek possible...I like that!

Dotti said...

Thank you, Jeanne. So lovely to visit you here this morning. Joyful perseverance ... sounds like a noble challenge but most worthwhile. Good luck!

Dotti said...

I'll be watching your blog for your post! And at the end of the year ... and in between, too ... we can compare notes.

Dotti said...

Kim - what a lovely idea! Maybe we'll start a new trend.

kelly said...

seek is such a great word and full of possibility!! best to you in 2013 - looking forward to hearing about your journey. love, kelly

Cathy H. said...

There are just too many good words out there! I like the action of your word and can also add it too my word for 2013...focus! I can seek focus! This year I'm needing to focus on unfinished projects, decluttering my house, and of course I'll be focusing on my photography! You girls with your "focusing on life" will be a big inspirationg to me!!

Dotti said...

Oh, yes, Kelly ... it is full of possibilities! It should be an interesting year ... I'll try to keep you posted.

Dotti said...

Focus is a terrific word, Cathy ... so full of connotations. Thanks for your compliments and support. It's loyal readers like you who motivate us to keep going.

Carol said...

I'm with you Kathy - I will be combining words with Dotti to "seek simplicity" - like you, I am de cluttering and paring down!

terriporter said...

Love your word, Dotti, and for all the things you will be seeking. My word last year was focus and I didn't do a great job with it so I'm going to give it new life and try "seek focus" like Cathy! Hopefully actually seeking it will help me to actually find it!

Dotti said...

So glad you and others are finding a way to incorporate my word into yours this year! I love the idea of "seek focus". It's a trend ... I can feel it coming ...

Dotti said...

Oh, Carol ... I like that ... "seek simplicity". I'll have to add that to my list.

Deanna said...

Well, YES I have my word for 2013...YES. Yes to so many things, kinda like seek. There is definitely a connection with all positive words.

Dotti said...

Positive, action-packed words. I think we've nailed it, Deanna!

Cindy Chilton said...

My word for 2013 is mindfulness, a reminder to be in the moment. Its definitely something I need to work on...

Dotti said...

Oh, Cindy! What a great concept. Love it.

Jan said...

Great word, Dotti! I've always seen you with the spirit of an explorer. My word for the year is gratitude. May we all find joy as we spend this year guided by these encouraging words.

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