My one little word for 2017 is magic.
After a year that required all the gumption I could muster – which is to say, I frequently felt like I was hanging on by my fingernails – I wanted something different for 2017. I thought about vitality, which Ali chose for her word a few years ago, or rest, which I could certainly use more of this year.
Mostly, I wanted a word to help me live more fully into my everyday. Since I started choosing a word with brave back in 2010, this practice has become a way for me to pay better attention to my life. (Fittingly, attention was my word in 2013.)
I also wanted a word that would spark a little joy. 2016 was a hard and scary year, and I ended it completely worn out: exhausted, anxious, weary and fearful (though also deeply grateful for some good changes). There are lots of challenges ahead in 2017, I know, and I want to face them with bravery and hope: to walk forward expectant and unafraid.
All this reminded me of something Elise Blaha Cripe wrote a few years ago, when she chose magic for her word: “magic is something you make.” (The image above is from her site.)
Elise noted that magic doesn’t just happen to us, though it is there for the noticing: it often results from our choices, from the work we put in, from the way we choose to see the world. I was reminded, too, of Ali’s post from last year about making our own magic. Her post was related to the holidays, but I think it applies all year round.
Magic also feels a little sneaky, a little unexpected – like a much-needed antidote to the grim realities we’re all facing. To be honest, it also feels a little frivolous, and I wondered if I should choose something more grown-up and respectable. But then I remembered: I am always arguing in favor of the small things, the tiny, often overlooked moments that can turn a whole day around.
The scrap of blue sky, the vase of red tulips on my desk, that first sip of hot, spicy chai in the morning. My favorite green coat, which has become my winter trademark. The pendant stamped with brave that I wear around my neck. The simple, small pleasures of daily life, and the lovely moments of connection with strangers and friends. Those “spasmodic tricks of radiance” are everyday magic, if anything is, and I firmly believe we need to notice them and also work to create more of them.
After I decided on my word, I went downtown to meet a friend one night last week. I got off the train early so I could walk through Beacon Hill, making my way down a dark, quiet, twinkly Charles Street with a cup of Earl Grey in my hand. And if I needed any further confirmation of my word, it came in this sign, spotted in a shop window: perfect words from one of my favorite writers.
Wonder and magic are closely related, and I’ll be looking out for both of them this year. In a world that often feels fraught and dangerous, there’s still a great deal of light and loveliness to be found. I invite you to join me in looking for magic, and in making a little magic of our own.
Are you following a word this year? (I know I asked this question last week, but feel free to share if you haven’t already.)
What a wonderful word for 2017! I can’t wait to see where it leads you. Happy Thursday!
Thanks, friend!
Magic is a word close to my heart. It is why I throw parties. It is my focus when traveling. It is my hope to find magic in everyday life whenever I can. There are so many things going on in the world – in our country – that need our attention right now, but I believe we need to find or create the magic for ourselves and those around us, too; otherwise, what is the point?
Yes, exactly!
After following your blog for awhile I can tell this is the perfect word for you! It seems like so many folks were a bit beaten down by 2016 for several reasons but right after the New Year I had this sense of people regrouping and it is as if we all decided to face the New Year is a good way – with joy and wonder. Folks seemed nice to each other and putting more positive things on their Facebook, etc. I always keep my Facebook light and happy and my Instagram photos too. That’s my choice – I know others use it to promote causes or be political and that’s fine too but friends know when they look at my Facebook they’ll wonder what positive thing there is there – a nice photo – and interesting post, etc. Magic is a very good word – there is a lot of magic and wonder in this world and having that will help you face the serious, grown up things in a better way. I’m older than you (57) and I know that life goes too darn fast – so appreciate and find the joy and wonder and magic wherever you can!
Love your word. It’s perfect. Mine is “beautiful”, as in Life is…. I didn’t have to think about it this year, and it’s not a year where I wanted two or three words. Beautiful just found me and stuck, and it’s helping me so much.
I’m so glad! Can’t wait to hear more.
I chose “self” for my word. I want to focus on accepting myself as I am and stop falling into the trap of comparison which rarely leads to good feelings. I don’t want to ignore the possibility of change and I do want to continue to strive to be better, but on terms that work for me and my life. Mostly I want to focus on recognizing and appreciating the good things I already have going for me as a person and in my life in general. If I can do that, I feel I will be a better person in the lives of those around me too.
I love this.
Magic is such a great choice, Katie! I look forward to seeing how it plays out this next year.
What a wodnerful word choice for 2017, and such a true phrase- you make your own magic. I will remember this!!
Love your new word, Katie.
I have been reading your blog for a couple of years and this year for the first time have been inspired to choose a word. It was difficult because I am a still a little traumatized by political events and looking ahead is scary. So I have chosen the word “Spark.” I wanted a word that would remind me to think and discuss and yet be open as in “spark discussion.” But I am going to stretch the word to include “Sparkle” in order to keep finding joy in all the small beauties I love.
What a great word (or pair of words). I’m scared too, but I love the idea of “spark” and “sparkle.”
You’ve been paying attention!
Bridie.