Words to live by...

I was inspired by my coaching colleagues to choose a word for the year. Not just any word, mind you, but a word that my essential self longs for me to express more fully. A word that I can embrace and embody for the whole year to bring me into a fuller and more vibrant expression of who I am.

The first word that came to me is RISK. Why, you may ask? Well, I have been down this path of going out on my own as a coach and entrepreneur before, and basically, I failed. I stayed hidden behind my fears that were broadcasting LOUDLY day and night about what people would think, whether I had the experience, how I would make money, how there so much competition, etc., etc. Instead of meeting my fears head on, I retreated to the safety of a j-o-b where I got paid a nice, cush salary and did not need to market my services. However, I knew I was meant for more. Something deep inside me said, "we can do this for now, but this isn't over yet, sister."

Fast forward six years, having navigated my way through a wedding, two babies, family crises, a cross-country move, working with different coaching methods and many clients, and all kinds of introspection and personal growth. Now, I am setting out on my own as a life coach and entrepreneur--again. This time, however, I am in a much different place, and I have the tools to get out of my own way.

So this year, as I embark on a journey of putting myself "out there" and making a bigger contribution in the world, the word RISK keeps popping into my mind. I'm talking about the kind of risk that is necessary to fulfill my heart's desires. The good, thrilling kind that, according to author Martha Beck, feels like diving into a clean pool of clear water (as opposed to the bad kind, where the feeling of diving into a pool of sewage lets you know you're taking a risk that points you in the wrong direction).

For me, this means stretching a little outside of my comfort zone every day. Connecting with new people. Listening to my true self instead of what the socialized part of me thinks I "should" do. Designing and offering educational programs. Writing a blog that is transparent, authentic and open. Reaching out to my ideal clients. Marketing my coaching services. Asking provocative questions. Finding and living right on what yogis call "the edge"--not so safe that I'm bored and apathetic (been there) and not such a stretch that it's either harmful or shuts me down (yep, done that).

The fear is still there, don't get me wrong. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of judgment. It will always be there, to some degree. But there's a deeper yearning--a calling even--that has been tugging at me for years to go beyond my internal walls and bring my whole, authentic self forward in a bigger way. Right now, this means to embrace mind/body healing and personal transformation as a profession, not just a private fascination with self-help books and workshops. If there's anything I've learned over the past few years, it's that hiding behind fear is anything but safe. It's narrow, small and stifling. And that, my friends, brings me right back to where I started: RISK. I'm up for the challenge. Now's the time.

So, what is the one word that would you like to embrace this year? Ask yourself how you want to feel in the new year? What emotions or sensations do you want more of? What ways of being do you want to embrace? How can you create more richness and meaning in your life?

If nothing comes to mind immediately, set some time aside to sit quietly, without interruption. Listen deeply to what's coming up from your true, essential self.

Here are a few words to spark your thinking:

-Surrender
-Peace
-Authenticity
-Cherish
-Joy
-Connection
-Love
-Vibrant
-Ease
-Expansive