Declaring my 2026 Word of the Year is PLUCK!
Writing out my word in my Bullet Journal, grounding it in beautiful imagery, verse and rhythm, placing it where I will interact with it daily and be reminded or where I’m coming from in 2026 will provide support for my commitment, provide a solid place for being and making a powerful stand.
As a dance educator and teaching artist, creating a safe space for learning has long been a topic of interest and top priority in coaching and classes Recently my interest has been reignited by working in a context similar to where I myself have experienced feeling unsafe, bullied, at risk: middle school. Being familiar with the concept of Safer Space codes of conduct in the context of queer nightlife, parties, dances, and demonstrations, the same tenets are applicable in a variety of social and educational contexts. Unfortunately its all too easy to see the parallels between middle school meanness and wannabe tyrannical rulers and thugs playing on the international stage. With intersectional diverse individuals feeling increasingly unsafe in current society and human rights under threat, Mental Health Day and Coming Out Day being celebrated in October, it is timely to consider how we can work together to generate loving, supportive spaces for all.
How do you counteract the natural negativity bias and inevitable criticism that meets a life of creativity? Enter the “Smile File” of praise, thanks, and acknowledgment from others. One of a slew of tools to refresh, inspire, and motivate when we feel down or burnt out. Take a peek into my own collected notes of thanks and gather your own evidence of acknowledgement and love to stay inspired and motivated.
“Twenty Twenty-Five
so good to be alive,
finding me floating,
spreading wings to fly.”
My 2025 Word of the Year is FLOAT!
This year I wish to ride the momentum forward that the bravery of leaping and strength and resilience in climbing has built. There’s still work to do, but we are now at a height to soar, with the perspective to see more than ever before.
This intention is supported by images, poetry, music, and other media.
Judith Peters, aka “Sympatexter” inspired me to not just write a yearly summary article, but to publish monthly reflections this year. Peters hosts a “Blogtober” blogging challenge in October, so I decided to jump in, with the theme this month being to write about what we’d like to accomplish and experience in the last quarter of 2024. On my list, some items are bigger or longer-term goals, some small, some Fall and holiday Bucket-List type items and small experiences to savor.
2024 is a leap year and both the dynamic term “leap year” and idea of an additional juicy day during which to experience and accomplish things inspired me to choose it as my year’s stand or intention.
Perhaps you already enjoy my offerings in-studio or online and would like to know in what ways we might further collaborate, or you are interested in supporting me in expanding what I can provide for your befit and that of others.
Whether your interests lie in mindful movement, dance, coaching, education, or personal growth, I’ve got something for you, and you’ve also got oodles of potential ways to support me in return 🙂
Twenty twenty-three, lovely as can be, a time to create and witness BEAUTY! Resolutions Can’t Be Rushed To be honest, my reflection an reset/refresh process going into a new year does not end on January 1st, and I’m not starting 2o23 with my resolutions, goals, or intentions all fleshed out. Grateful to have had the […]
As my birthday falls in June (this year is an especially notable one), I like to reflect at this time of year, considering the last year in my life as well as the 6 months since the official New Year. I relish celebrating my accomplishments and plotting my next steps to progress with my priorities. […]
