For the past few years I have chosen to focus on one word for the year. I have done so through the site One Word 365. I invite you to visit the site. It’s a great place to build community with others who have chosen the same or a similar word. In 2015, I choose to focus on the word “flexible.” Dictionary.com defines “flexible” as follows:
1. capable of being bent, usually without breaking; easily bent: a flexible ruler.
2. susceptible of modification or adaptation; adaptable: a flexible schedule.
3. willing or disposed to yield; pliable: a flexible personality.

In my look back at 2014, I used this photo to define the word “flexible” with imagery. As I said then and continue to contend, I’ll never be this flexible physically. It’s too late!
And yet I need the characteristics of the word “flexible” in other areas of my life.
The best example I can offer is to share with you a story from this past year.
In the midst of my husband’s three months of suffering with severe back pain and my struggle with what turns out to be a chronic respiratory issue, I sensed our world was falling apart.
My goals for the year fell by the wayside, my writing placed on hold for the most part, and other activities we volunteer for removed from our schedules. WHY? was all I could think as I pondered our circumstances. Why now? Why these problems? Why, why, why?
In the process of fuming over these stumbling blocks, I became short-tempered, spoke to others in terse and biting ways, and lost my ability to reason with insurance clerks, nurses, pharmacists and others trying to help us.
Ordinarily, I can face days that come along with changes in scheduling because of one thing or another. But this wasn’t just a day here or there; it was months we were facing. My inflexible attitude wasn’t helping matters though.
In retrospect I can see that I need to step up and realize that yes, some days will self-destruct in favor of some other activity or chore simply because life is often unexpected in how it rolls out in the morning. If I had been less rigid last year, I likely would have accomplished more than I did, but I literally destroyed my plans by allowing outside forces and influences as well as our circumstances to get the better of me.
Having worked almost 40 years for attorneys you would think I would be able to handle such crises with aplomb and grace. It makes you wonder where all that polish goes after retirement.
Thus, my choice of the word “flexible” for my focus during 2015. I’m hoping to come out at the end of the next 12 months with an improved attitude and toting around recaptured polish. One shouldn’t give up almost 40 years to a career and then lose her polish!
What is your focus word for 2015? Will you choose one? Do you have another method of establishing your focus for the year? Or do you dive in head first and go by the seat of your pants? I’d love to hear how you would handle your world turned topsy-turvy.
Dolly, you know God will direct your writing — no worries there. I think I’ve read now the post you were praying whether to publish. It was timely and needed. I’ll be reviewing a book soon on the same topic.
I like flexible. It fits with the one I’m choosing: TRANSITION.
I like it, Sharon! It fits you. With plans in your future, transition will be called for and I think the word chose you rather than you choosing it!
Sherrey,Oh, my… that woman is flexible … I love how you picked your word “flexible” and your brave honesty…for me, I don’t have a word yet…maybe “Renew” (Romans 12:2)…or a deepening of the previous three years’ words as I wrote in my post, “Who is doing the heavy lifting?”…not sure…Happy New Year….appreciate you 🙂
Oh, Dolly, like that word renew and I loved your post, “Who is doing the heavy lifting?” Talk about brave honesty and courage. You’ve been writing a lot lately that takes both qualities. I’ve said it before — so glad our paths have crossed! Happy New Year.
Thanks, Sherrey so much for the encouragement…I’ve been praying and following God and sometimes I’m not sure where it will end up when I write…also grateful our paths have crossed 🙂 I’m praying about whether to publish my next post…
A great word choice, Sherrey! We all know nothing stays the same, yet how hard do we fight to maintain the status quo? Here’s to your polish!
Hey, Candace! Been missing you but know why since receiving your email today. You’re right — nothing stays the same, always changing. We humans have to be in control, or at least we think so. Will write soon!
Sherrey, I think this is something we all struggle with so it’s a great word to put out there. I especially needed to hear this today as I try to be flexible with my changing plans.
Each day begins anew and before we know it the day is changing. Ever evolving and morphing reminding us we’re not in control. And that’s where I need to be flexible! Locking myself away to write the entire day has never happened, and likely it won’t. I need to accept that what I get done in a day is what was intended. So glad you’re here!
“Flexible” suits you, Sherrey. You have already demonstrated that you know how to bend and then re-calibrate. Mine is Advance, hoping to march forward this year. More on special words coming up soon on my Purple Passages for January.
Marian, I like the word “advance” for you. Looking forward to reading more about your choice on Purple Passages. I intend to become a better “following reader” of others’ blogs this year. Hold me to it!
I look forward to it!
Good Morning, Sherrey. I love that you envision “toting around recaptured polish.” No matter what curve ball life throws your way, you will keep your eye on that! Flexible is a great word. I signed up for “One Word 365” and chose the word “Simplify” for 2015. Thank you for the link and for the nudge to find my own word. Now I have to put it into practice but I do feel defining goals in a word helps bring focus and clarity to day-to-day life.
Good evening, Kathy. Thanks for your as always gracious and encouraging words. I’m glad you visited “One Word 365” and chose the word “simplify.” I think that’s a great word for your current year. Watch for me “toting around recaptured polish!”
Sherry I choose a word every year as you do. Last year it was Thrive as I was retiring and had many health issues to work on. This year it is Soar. I have been writing about my word on my new blog, http://www.livingfromhappiness.com You can see the posts starting 1/1. Even my poetry has this theme. I feel choosing one word really does help focus me.
I think after we retire we tend to say, enough. And perhaps our flexibility can wane a bit. I wish you much luck, peace and happiness as you work with your word for the year.
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