A Year to 'Bring Forth'

The power of a focused word.

illustration by Aida Alston

Last year I tried something new, picking a Focused Word for the Year. Picking a focused word supports a systems-based approach.

My focused 'word' for 2021 was INTENTION. Choosing INTENTION produced many meaningful experiences for me as I learned the value of intention and acceptance throughout the year.

It was beneficial, and I decided to do it again this year. I selected...

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💥 Create

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📌 create (v.) "to bring into being," from Latin creatus, "to make, bring forth, produce, procreate, beget, cause, to grow." Related: Created; creating.

It has supercharged my creative actions this year. I've written more, worked on double the creative projects with my grandkids, and so on.

I love this marvelous cartoon by a new creator I’ve discovered, Aida Alston. Creativity without action is like only inhaling. We have to exhale by creating to complete the breath.

When you dive into the distinctions of a word, it reveals deeper meaning and understanding. The distinction to 'bring forth' spoke to me.

🌀 That's what prompted me to take the leap and bring forth what you are reading here…Your Daily Ikigai.

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It’s not too late to select a Focus Word for 2022. If you are interested, I lay out the process here. I’ll also share it again in late December for 2023.