The newest trend in the blogosphere is defining what your “word” will be in 2013. You know, what one word can describe what you will achieve in the New Year, what word influences you and motivates you. After spending almost 2 weeks trying to figure out mine, I’ve finally decided on one. Cubbyhole.
Yup, cubbyhole. That little box you get just for you in preschool and grade school. You get your name at the top and just for the year, it’s your responsibility and your place for all of your precious things. Now, I partially picked this word because I’m a 12 year old boy at heart, and the word “cubbyhole” always makes me snicker. It sounds dirty to me, maybe because it contains the word hole. But, I’ve chosen my single word mantra to reflect what i’m achieving in 2013: balance and streamlining.
Let’s think about it: A cubbyhole is assigned to you and only you. It’s also a small dedicated space for keeping items that are important. Kids place their finished projects in there to bring home to their parents, or even their lunches for the day. Only cherished entities are placed there, things we are proud of. Also? A cubbyhole is only so big. One that is over-stuffed cannot function properly, and even worse, anything else you may want to place in there for safe-keeping just won’t fit. You’ll have to let something go. This was my life in 2012. I’d only had so much room for certain experiences, people and energy, but I decided to overstuff my space. I got overwhelmed and made promises that I couldn’t keep. I overstuffed my cubbyhole.
This year, I understand that my space, in my head and heart, is only so big. I’m being selective in what I say yes to and what I can fit in my cubbyhole. I’ve finally found a group, or tribe, that I truly feel I belong to, and I’m making room for them while letting go of those I just don’t think I fit in with. I’m focusing more on my writing and doing what makes me feel complete, rather than thinking about being popular enough to be recognized by bigger bloggers and writers. I’m making time for my family and I, planning vacations and days of play where we can bond, just the 4 of us. And I’m saying no; mostly to me and my overzealousness. I always feel as if I need to throw my hat into things “just for the experience” but just throwing that hat in gives me stress and nervousness. I’ve got 4 hats to watch out for, so I’m going to hold on to those this year.