One Word: Metamorphosis

One of my fellow Five Minute Friday contributors, Annie Rim posted this question on her blog:

If you could choose one word for your coming year, what would it be?

I think my one word for 2014 would be "metamorphosis."  The definition of metamorphosis is "a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism; any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc."

Of course, the best example of metamorphosis is the butterfly's transformation from caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly.  I feel like a caterpillar that's been in the cocoon far too long.  It's time for the inward transformations I've been making to break out and soar.

I'm taking the first two weeks of the year to evaluate, regroup, and set specific strategies for bringing my inward transformation to the outside.  As I said in my post "Reflect:"

I would just like the image that is reflected back at me to be the image I see of myself inside.  In the mirror, in my external life, everywhere.  I want a better reflection staring back at me.  Not one of what should have been, but one that is all that I really am and really meant to be.

Notice I said specific strategies not "New Year's resolutions."  Resolutions statistically only last until around Valentine's Day.  The only benefit of that is the gym will only be crowded for about six weeks.

Look, let's be real.  I've put more than five years into my recovery, dealing with the internal crap in my life.  I've put in several years of exercising and trying to learn to eat right.  I've been job hunting (in the midst of a temporarily failed business) for nearly two years.  The results of all this effort are outstandingly mediocre.  SOMETHING HAS GOT TO GIVE!  The beauty of the butterfly has got to emerge.  It can't stay locked in the cocoon forever.  Let's get 'er done!

So, If you could choose one word for your coming year, what would it be?

Five Minute Friday: Fight

Thanks to Lisa-Jo Baker at Five Minute Friday for the prompts.

 

GO!

I used to fight for things, good things.  I fought for the right to at least try to do things that others could do.  If it didn't work out, at least I got the opportunity to try.  That was worth the fight.  I used to be tenacious.

What has happened to my fight?  Sure, I'm still fighting this health battle, but much of the rest of my fight is dwindling.  Two years of unemployment, a failed business, and seemingly impossible circumstances have turned me into a weenie.  For a while I wouldn't watch movies that I hadn't seen before because I was afraid of the possible conflict in them.  What's with that?

I am working to get my fight back.  I am striving to recover the bulldog tenacity that propelled me through high school, college, busted friendships, bad jobs, and good jobs that had to end.  I'm not giving in to the "you might as well quit before you even start" attitude.  It doesn't matter if others have tried and failed; I am not them.  I am me.

Something I learned yesterday:  I am ridiculously in charge of my life.  No one has the right to dictate my life except God Almighty.  In the end, HE will be the One I answer to for how I spent the time He gave me, on one else.  I must continue to fight!

TIME'S UP!

I Timothy 6:12 (KJV) - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

Nu Thang: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Shout out to From This Side of the Pond for the Hodgepodge questions.

Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

Aw man!  I was so hoping her first question would be a positive question.  Here to hoping.  Let's see, well, considering I'm not perfect, I make mistakes all the time.  I'd say that although I'm making progress, I've dropped the ball concerning my health.  I'm not where I was, but I'm definitely not where I should be.

What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

I finished the "Couch to 5k" running clinic and ran my first 5k.

Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why? 

I think inspiration and motivation are everywhere, but I must be looking for them to see or hear them.

What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

Something new?   The Raquel Salad at Baja California Grill here in JackVegas.  Something I've eaten before and really enjoyed again?  A barbeque salad from The Rocket, also local.  I don't get those very often, so when I do, I savor every bite.

Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

Maintaining my sense of humor.  Cultivating my gift of healthy sarcasm.  I'm going to keep writing, keep working out, and keep rocking!

The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid.  Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

I don't know who or what Pantone is (their "about us" page was no help), so I have no idea why their color suggestions matter.  Do I like the color?  Oh yes.  Purple is one of my favorite colors and this shade is gorgeous.  While we're on the subject:

Finished up this set today. Don't know if you can tell from the picture, but the set is a dark orchid color.

In three words or less sum up your 2013.

Hallelujah, that's over.  (That's a LOT nicer than the first thing that came to mind.)

Insert your own random thought here.

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message Paraphrase)