The first January that Today’s Unicorn Talent was running footloose and fancy free I chose a word of the year: Kaizen. It was a reflection of what I had learned the previous year, wanted more of in my life and was hoping to create for others. The word surprised me throughout the year.
The following year I chose a new word, Balance, and in 2023, I didn’t choose a word because early 2023 felt like a carryover of 2022…until it wasn’t. I began the year by publishing an eBook and spent the remainder job hunting and consulting. Perhaps an appropriate retroactive word of the year is Strive. My year ended with a new career move I could have only dreamed of a year prior!
This new year is exciting – a blank page and I’m sitting here twitching my pen with anticipation. Bringing forward the lessons of 2023, my 2024 word of the year is Unvarnished.
Similar to an unsealed piece of wood, being unvarnished means that the subtle scratches show. The inner warmth and tone shine through, becoming bolder with time. Layers of shellack do not separate reality from perception. A bit pliable and rough around the edges yet strong enough to do more than reflect a hollow mirror finish.
Unvarnished…
…warts and all candor
…imperfect and unashamed
…natural and undeterred
…warmth that won’t compromise
…timeless and ready
To the Point
Language is powerful. Words are personal. Unvarnished is mine for the year.
What is your word of the year? Does it reflect your hope? Your ambition? Your goal? Your gift?
Image source: https://www.build-a-cross.com/wooden-pine-cutout-heart-unfinished-wood-shape-diy-craft/
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