I saw Layla's post about declaring a "Word the Year" and it got me thinking about it. Last Thursday, as I was driving home from the gym, after a challenging morning, it hit me, my word of the year.
My word of 2012 is......
My word of 2012 is......
AUTHENTIC
Now, let's be clear, I'm not talking about an authentic Louis Vuitton bag,
which just happens to be on my wish list (hint , hint, honey.)
I'm talking about a characteristic that I deem to be of utmost importance, authenticity.
which just happens to be on my wish list (hint , hint, honey.)
I'm talking about a characteristic that I deem to be of utmost importance, authenticity.
One of the great things about growing older is gaining wisdom. There are plenty of things about growing older that I don't care for, but becoming wiser and more confident is definitely a plus.
As I age, I become more aware of who I really am. I have my good qualities and I have my bad qualities. I have made my fair share of mistakes in life and I will make plenty more. All of those mistakes have taught me something and I wouldn't be who I am today, without those experiences.
There have been times in my life when I thought I needed to be someone different, perhaps more outgoing, or funnier, or more serious. Maybe I thought if I changed who I was, I would fit in better with a group of friends or colleagues. Well, I'm here to tell you that I am who I am and I don't intend to change for anyone. I certainly don't mean I have no room for improvement. Of course I do and I feel like I work on "myself" on a daily basis. But, so what I don't dance on the table at parties, or I tend to get quiet in a large group, or I say exactly what's on my mind in a meeting, or I would rather curl up in bed with a good book rather than paint the town red sometimes. And who cares that I am almost 37 years old and I can't whistle to save my life, I can't snap and I can't wink worth a damn.
I'm okay with it!
That is the AUTHENTIC me.
Not quite sure why I make that ridiculous face every time I attempt to wink.
Disclaimer - no photoshopping was done to enhance the above image. It is 100% Authentic!
Sharing with:
As I age, I become more aware of who I really am. I have my good qualities and I have my bad qualities. I have made my fair share of mistakes in life and I will make plenty more. All of those mistakes have taught me something and I wouldn't be who I am today, without those experiences.
There have been times in my life when I thought I needed to be someone different, perhaps more outgoing, or funnier, or more serious. Maybe I thought if I changed who I was, I would fit in better with a group of friends or colleagues. Well, I'm here to tell you that I am who I am and I don't intend to change for anyone. I certainly don't mean I have no room for improvement. Of course I do and I feel like I work on "myself" on a daily basis. But, so what I don't dance on the table at parties, or I tend to get quiet in a large group, or I say exactly what's on my mind in a meeting, or I would rather curl up in bed with a good book rather than paint the town red sometimes. And who cares that I am almost 37 years old and I can't whistle to save my life, I can't snap and I can't wink worth a damn.
I'm okay with it!
That is the AUTHENTIC me.
Not quite sure why I make that ridiculous face every time I attempt to wink.
Disclaimer - no photoshopping was done to enhance the above image. It is 100% Authentic!
Sharing with:
that is a fabulous word for the year! i love it! and let me say that you are gorgeous even when you are all authentic!
ReplyDeletei think we are a lot alike. getting older has made me more comfortable with who i am. great word for the year.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute picture of you in your authentic state, Andrea!!! A great word for living a life that is true and real. I love it. I hope I can raise my kids to see the value of being authentic in everything they say and do!
ReplyDeletebravo! I totally agree and have totally been there myself. it's so awesome just to be yourself. i like that word, too. :o)
ReplyDeleteGreat word, I love that. I think authenticity is SUCH an important quality- especially on a blog where it's easy to hide things. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteWho is that gorgeous woman? Oh, wait... that's my wife! And she's asking for a Louis Vuitton bag.
ReplyDeleteI used authentic unofficially a few years ago - it's a blessing to journey under that sail...
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/AACJEx
I love this! Great word - couldn't agree more! Also love your hubs comment - maybe a nice Valentine's Day gift will be coming your way ;)
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree and I can't think of a better word to aspire to this year! Check out my post tomorrow (Wednesday) for an idea of how to create a special momento of your words of the year.
ReplyDeleteI've just been able to catch up on your posts and I love this - AUTHENTIC is an awesome word both to say and to be. Thanks so much for finding me - I'm really enjoying your blog. I didn't really have a word of the year but as my blog undergoes a little makeover I've always been drawn to the word enthusiasm - both to say and to be (if that makes sense).
ReplyDelete