Always be a work in progress| Emily Lillian| Quotes| Mrs. AOK, A Work In Progress
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Word

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I’m jumping on the bandwagon again, except this year I’m following the rules; I chose one word this year! Last year, I chose seven words. I did pretty good with those words, I wrote the recap here.  As I stated in my previous post, I’m indecisive. It’s true, I hate to admit it, but it’s true, I can be the worst when it comes to making decisions. Is that some sort of lack of confidence? Perhaps. I think that’s why the word that I chose for this year is perfect!

I choose to flourish this year.

To be honest it took me a while to settle on flourish, I kept thinking there were so many other words, many that I love, but flourish kept popping back in my head. So, like a coach who has an eager player who just wants a chance, I’m letting Flourish suit up for the big game- 2016. 🙂  (If you read suit up and thought of Barney Stinson ->?)

I’m ready to flourish. I need to flourish. I know I’m 35, but I have so much more to do, give, grow– I will flourish.

What the hell does flourish mean?

Well... per Merriam Dictionary:

flourish

verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\

Simple Definition of flourish

Popularity: Top 20% of words
  • : to grow well : to be healthy

  • : to be very successful : to do very well

  • : to hold up and show (something) in an excited or proud way

Full Definition of flourish

  1. intransitive verb
  2. 1:  to grow luxuriantly :  thrive

  3. 2a :  to achieve success :  prosper <a flourishing business>b :  to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850>c :  to reach a height of development or influence

  4. 3:  to make bold and sweeping gestures

  5. transitive verb
  6. :  to wield with dramatic gestures :  brandish

flour·ish·er noun
flour·ish·ing·ly play\-i-shiŋ-lē\ adverb

 

What does that mean for me?

This year, I want to grow, thrive, and do things successfully. I want to sincerely, wholeheartedly, and courageously (Don’t hate me Mr. Stephen King. #AdverbQueen) do all the things with zero fear! I want to embrace the hashtag #ByeFearlicia (Okay, it’s not a real hashtag, yet.) Mr. King would argue that I’m still rooted in fear because of my redundant use of adverbs.  I agree, there is still a touch of fear when it comes to my writing. However, I’m well aware that there is magic within me, just like Dumbo. 😉

I want my writing to unfold, I want to release, and share. I’m not holding back. I’ve already begun. 🙂

It’s not all about my writing though, there are many areas where I would like to flourish this year.

*Writing- you’ve got that.

You can, you should, and if you're brave enough to start, you will. | Stephen King| Quote| Word| Mrs. AOK, A Work In Progress.com

*Creativity– I want to create more this year. I want to come alive forgetting rules, lines, and chores, and just go for it!

Creativity is intelligence having fun| Albert Einstein| Quote| Mrs. AOK, A Work In Progress

*Photography- I know photography is a form of creativity, but I want to make it well aware that I will flourish in this area. I want to capture beautiful memories through a lens.

A camera is a save button for the mind's eye| Roger Kingston| Quote| Mrs. AOK, A Work In Progress

* Teaching- I have knowledge to share, thoughts, recipes, and life lessons that I need to giveaway. Sean McCabe, said it best:

 

*Me- Over the last few years I have slowly unraveled the tight ball of yarn I have become. I’m giving away pieces of me slowly, with love from me to you. I want to keep doing that. I want to love, give, learn, share, repeat. I did things last year that made me happy… PROUD, and I want to do those things multiplied by 100 or a realistic 25. 🙂

Always be a work in progress| Emily Lillian| Quotes| Mrs. AOK, A Work In Progress

Can I be frank with you? As I’m writing this out I’m thinking WTF, why does it take a new year or why does it take being 35, to realize these types of things. I wish I would have been this person at 25.  At 25 I was pregnant, learning the ropes of being married to a war returned veteran, and I was setting off from my home in Texas to Illinois, so yeah, I guess my mind wasn’t right then. My 30’s have been all about growth and progress, and I’m happy to share these years with you!

Cheers to evolving… flourishing. 🙂

Happy New Year!!!

XOXO

33 thoughts on “Word

  1. Bev

    January 7, 2016 at 6:46 am

    I think for many their 30s are more about growth than their 20s. I feel like I was such a baby when I was 25!
    Flourish is such a beautiful word to choose, and so fitting. I have confidence that you will flourish in all the things you do this year. And I can’t wait to see you flourish in your creativity 😀
    I will be writing about my word (although I chose 2 this year!) next week. It’s funny, one popped into my head last month while I was writing a sponsored post for next month, so I was writing about the future, and I just knew what my 2016 word for the year would be, and then the second one quickly followed (Mr. King wouldn’t like me so much either!).

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 8, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      Thank you, Bev!
      I hope I can be as creative as you, m’friend!!
      I cannot wait to read about the words you’ve chosen this year. 🙂
      XOXO

  2. Tamara

    January 7, 2016 at 10:23 am

    I love it. I always think I’m so many pieces of all of my favorite writers’ words. So my word is consistency but I like to believe I’m trying to be consistently flourishing, and consistently practicing, and every other word.
    I never thought I’d choose a word of the year but this is my second go around.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 8, 2016 at 6:06 pm

      This is my second go around, too! I like your word, and I know you’ll do great!
      Cheers to 2016 & friendship!!
      XOXO

  3. Akaleistar

    January 7, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    Flourish is a wonderful word to focus on! It encompasses so many good things 🙂

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 8, 2016 at 6:07 pm

      Thank you! 😉
      xoxo

  4. Nina

    January 8, 2016 at 12:09 am

    Love that, Dean! Don’t worry you’re not alone. I think back to when I was 26 vs 36 and I didn’t know jack back then. We all grow and it’s amazing how much we change in a considerably short tiime. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for you!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 8, 2016 at 9:02 pm

      Thank you, sweet friend! I’m so happy I’m not alone. Cheers to growing, improving, & being the best us in 2016.
      XOXO

  5. Michelle

    January 8, 2016 at 5:41 am

    To answer your ending question, why now at 35? Well, wait till you are 55 and see what your word is then. Each year brings with it a new beginning. Sometimes I even begin in the middle of the year. Something hits us, speaks to us or we realize we need to be a better version of ourselves. That is when we begin anew. Flourish, I absolutely love that word. You go girl! I’m in your corner.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 8, 2016 at 9:09 pm

      Thank you, Michelle!! I’m honored to have you in my corner- I’m so thankful for wonderful friends. ?
      It makes me happy to see many bloggers embracing goals to be better versions of themselves. It’s never too late to start anew.
      Know that I’m in your corner too!
      Wishing you all the best this year & forever!!!
      XOXO

  6. Marina @ Parental Journey

    January 8, 2016 at 6:59 am

    Great word! I didn’t ever thought much about that one, true meaning – I like it. I wish you best year ever and that you accomplish everything you want!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 8, 2016 at 9:12 pm

      Thank you, Marina! Wishing you all the best, too.
      XOXO

  7. Tiffany

    January 9, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    Great word!! I didn’t even realize you picked 7 last year…way to focus though. Flourish is a great choice and I know that you will do just that. Trust me it’s not only 35 that brings clarity because hey I’m 37and my clarity is still coming into focus…LOL

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 11, 2016 at 9:45 pm

      Thank you, Tiffany!
      Clearly, your focus is showing. You’re doing awesome things & you’re an awesome person!
      XOXO

  8. Mia

    January 9, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    Flourish is such a beautiful word. I like the part of the definition that says “to grow luxuriantly.” I know exactly what you mean about wishing that I could have changed my mindset back in my 20s. But I think this is the perfect time to do that work on our lives and souls because the uncertainty and newness of “adult” life consumed so much of our time in our 20s.

    Love and hugs. Miss you lots.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 12, 2016 at 6:59 pm

      MISS YOU MORE!! You’ve been on my mind a lot lately, it was nice to find you here!!!
      “To grow luxuriantly” sounds fancy! 🙂 And you know I’m sooooo fancy. 😀
      Wishing you all the best in 2016!!
      XOXO

  9. Tami

    January 9, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    This is your year to flourish! I can so relate, as I am almost 40 and am so indecisive. It’s terrible!

    I hope you’ll decide to bring us another great post over at Literacy Musing Mondays this coming week! And bring a friend!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 12, 2016 at 7:11 pm

      Maybe we’re indecisive because our minds are always running, we’re thinkers, analyzers, and that’s not always bad. 🙂

      Will do. 🙂
      XOXO

  10. Julie

    January 10, 2016 at 9:53 am

    I love your word! Don’t feel bad about being ready to take on the word flourish at 35 instead of 25. Every year of life experience improves us in some way and allows us to understand what will enhance our lives and the lives of those around us. Recognizing that and continuing to adapt is the important thing!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 12, 2016 at 7:17 pm

      Thank you, Julie!
      I’m ready to experience 2016 with eyes wide open working towards reaching goals and being the better version of me. 🙂
      Wishing you a happy & healthy 2016!!
      XOXO

  11. Nikki

    January 11, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    I am 37 and still feel like I have a lot of growing to do. I wish you a wonderful 2016!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 12, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      Looks like we’re in the same boat. I see nothing wrong with growing/evolving well until we’re 100!
      Wishing you the best year, Nikki!!
      XOXO

  12. Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories

    January 16, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Oh I LOVE your word for 2016 and the inspiring quotes/graphics to help you stay focused. Pinning them all! Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you join us again this weekend!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 19, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Thank you, Tanya!! ?
      I’m staying focused this year.
      XOXO

  13. Lowanda J

    January 16, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    I thought I had responded to this post when I first read it. I love your word and it fits you. Yay!!!! I’m so proud of you for choosing one word, you have already started flourishing by doing that. We all have our quirks so don’t be so hard on yourself. Who can do you better than YOU! 🙂

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 19, 2016 at 1:27 pm

      Thank you, Lowanda!
      I’m focusing hard on flourishing this year.
      XOXO

  14. Keisha | The Girl Next Door is Black

    January 18, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Flourish is such a great word because you can apply it to so many realms of life – exactly as you did. Your word is actually similar to one of my main goals for the year – do better. By that I mean, if in the past I didn’t get results I wanted, do better next time; try something different.

    Cheers to reaching our goals!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 21, 2016 at 10:06 pm

      Cheers, m’friend!

      We can all improve ourselves. I certainly know I have some areas that need improvement- I’m working on it.
      Wishing you all the best, Keisha!
      XOXO

  15. Kenzie @ Life According to Kenz

    January 27, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    “To grow well…” I LOVE that definition. What a perfect word to focus on and rest in this year! I hope it serves you well <3

    1. MrsA0K2001

      January 29, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      I hope so too. 🙂 I honestly think “flourish” is working…
      Thank you for stopping by, Kenzie!
      XOXO

  16. Lendy

    February 11, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    What a great word! I want to Flourish right along with you! Let’s do this!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      February 13, 2016 at 10:10 pm

      ?? Lets do it!!
      XOXO

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    March 18, 2016 at 6:20 am

    […] I do have something worth sharing. I also remembered my own words from this past January about wanting to teach, and thought of course I have something to […]

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