2011 in a Word

It would be easy to choose an inspirational word as the intended theme for the coming year. Something like "soar"..you know to great heights and all that jazz.

Did you almost gag at the sweetness of it?

Another option could be something superhero-esque like "attack". Take charge of the year--tiara, sparkling superhero underwear, and magical wand at the ready.

But, like my pay it forward series I wanted to choose a word that I could find a way to incorporate every day. So, for 2011 I have selected the word "present" as in "Be present.". It will be an enormous challenge for me to quiet the ever constant chatter in my head, pause, take a deep breath, and simply focus on the moment. It is rare for me to be truly "present" in a moment, as I am always thinking forward, anticipating, reflecting to the past.

I think some of the magic of life is lost in that, I know my entire high school years were lost in my rapid need to "get-out-of-dodge". It's something I'd like to teach Liam, being present, and what better way than by example. Here's to hoping that this time next year, I'll be able to tell you that I was really able to embody this word, this concept. I think I know my life will be richer for it.

What one word would you like to use to describe the coming year?

Click here to see how I described 2010.