One Word. Encapsulate the year in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2018 for you?

From years past: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The one word that captures this year:

Reaction

Moments ago, I thought movement was the appropriate word. Or perhaps progress. But it’s not quite what resembled this year.

Perhaps it was due to the election and all the action that came from it. I could have said resistance, but that word isn’t quite part of my nature (yet). I did resist, but more in terms of reaction.

This past year, I have made an effort to see what doesn’t work for me—my job, the people around me, my housing situation, my budget, and processes. I have made more effort this past year to inch closer to my goals. Nobody could say that nothing in my life has changed this past year. I have made steps toward writing, design goals, living situation. I tell people what’s going on instead of keeping inside. And although perhaps my external reaction is better. My internal reaction is probably too much. We’ll see how it goes.

Last year, I had hoped that 2017 was going to be Confidence. Based on above, it’s probably the result of confidence. So I progressed further than I expected. I had confidence in taking an action so I took it.

Next year, I hope the word is Diligence. Reaction is the first action, but to do act well, one must act with diligence in acting based on context and priorities.