#oneword2013 : Dare

Coming up with one word to define 2013 was certainly a tall order for me.  After thinking long and hard, I’ve decided that my #oneword2013 will be dare; dare to dream, dare to be different, dare to reach out, dare to be yourself.

I’m inspired by the contradicting fear and excitement I have surrounding the job search and my decision to limit myself geographically, as well as the ambitions I have for my personal wellness.  The word was only an idea until I received the reading list for the final course in my master’s program at FSU, which included Brene Brown’s “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the way we Live, Love, Parent, an Lead.” That was that. #oneword2013 = dare.

My copy arrives sometime tomorrow, and I cannot wait to begin flipping through the pages.  From what I’ve seen of this inspiring woman so far, I know that I will walk away from her book with a better understanding of myself and my intentions, as well as my needs and desires.

So how does dare fit into my goals for 2013?

1. Job Search: When I came into my master’s degree program at FSU, I knew that my job search would likely be limited geographically. There is someone, who I left to pursue my dream education, and it is time for me to be close to them again. I’ve gotten advice from many young and seasoned professionals about this endeavor, and the overwhelming response recognized how scary a search like this can be. Still, it recognized that the job in the location does exist. So, with the job search, I DARE myself to find the job, not just a job.
2. Wellness: I’ve made great strides in terms of my wellness over the course of the last six or seven months, losing ten pounds and almost 5% body fat.  2013 is about taking the next step. Working out has always been the easy part of the equation for me. Once I start, the energy I get keeps me going. My weakness has always been my diet, which isn’t bad, but could certainly be better.  With wellness, I DARE myself to achieve the other part of equation, to focus on my eating in addition to my workouts. I will do this by expanding the community of wellness that surrounds me (thanks in part to Ed Cabellon’s pledge and Paul Jacobson-Miller’s group challenge).
3. Community: Being an introvert at heart, I sometimes keep my communities at bay by keeping to myself to recharge.  The blog I developed last semester for my Social Media Management course showed me just how useful a space like this can be for introverted reflection.  For community, I DARE myself to use digital spaces like this and #safit, as well as physical spaces, to create and cultivate community.  Because without that, where are we?

So, I dare myself to dream, be different, reach out, and be myself each and every day of 2013.  And with that, I challenge you to do the same.  What dares will you make this year?

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Tagged: #oneword2013, Dare, Job Search, Master's Work, Social Media, Wellness