#0016: I found my Word for 2024
What’s a word got to do with rejection?
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I choose one or several words — some might call it a mantra — to bolster and empower my creative endeavors. (See #0014 New Year’s Resolutions? No no no no no no no for details.) Without further ado…
LIGHT has a galaxy of meanings. In the six parts of speech, there’s 16 definitions as a noun, 22 as the two types of adjectives, 9 as the two types of verbs, and 2 as an adverb (according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Whew!
I’m particularly drawn to these definitions and synonyms:
something that enlightens or informs
INNER LIGHT
having light (BRIGHT)
ILLUMINATE
exerting a minimum of force or pressure (GENTLE)
easily endurable
intended chiefly to entertain
to arrive by chance (HAPPEN)
As I continue on my memoir(ish) work in progress (WIP), my word for 2024 — LIGHT — will help guide me. The two support words, OPEN and TRUTH, will keep me available to discoveries while I pursue the writing and illustrating path.
Part of transforming my WIP into a real-life book someday is to submit excerpts for publication. Not everything I submit will be accepted. Which means (Say It With Me Now!) embracing rejection as part of the process.
When I shine some light on my reactions to rejection, I want to be open to a new truth: instead of sticking with the negative momentary reactions (fight, flight, freeze), maybe it’d be better to develop a caring response (rest, digest). I shall illuminate more on how to go from React to Respond in upcoming posts.
Next time: Taking the sting out of rejection, Part Five