THE WORST "WORD OF THE YEAR" EVER! by Stacey Blank, LPC
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Are you a “word of the year” person? Or do you roll your eyes when a friend asks “what is YOUR word for the year?” Personally, I approach this idea with an open mind and heart. Some years I have received a “word” as a guide or touchstone for navigating through decisions. Other years, I got nothin, which I have come to accept with ease.
This year, having or getting a “word” wasn’t really on my radar. Then, today in my journaling time, it came to me. It more like slapped me in the face and I actually laughed out loud. My “word” is VULNERABILITY. What kind word is that? Who wants THAT word. We’re supposed to get things like Hope or Intention or Gratitude!
In reflection, I can see that God has been gently inviting me to lay down my DIY attitude and press more deeply into abiding in Him. I have to admit that when I let go of my self-salvation strategies and my hustling for worthiness, I experience more peace and good things happen in my relationships. Plus, I don’t feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and anxiety eases.
This week, I stepped into vulnerability with both feet. After much soul searching, journaling and checking my motives, I revisited a relational interaction in which I did not show up as my “best Self”. I was concerned that I caused a rupture in the relationship and I felt a great deal of shame for my reaction in the conversation that occurred several weeks ago. As I brought an attitude of humble confidence, and a desire to repair any damage done, I was met with grace and gratitude. Compassion and clarity were present, a sense of knowing and understanding each other emerged, and words of forgiveness were offered. It was a beautiful experience because love was present.
Of course, such risks taken to repair a rupture in a relationship or seeking to work through a conflict do not always turn out so well. People are complicated. Relationships are complicated. Even if I had not had the “safety” within the relationship to take the risk of vulnerability that I did, it was extremely valuable for me to work through my feelings of shame. I also was able to discover what triggered my undesired reaction and identified ways to respond more effectively in the future.
There are a couple of things I hope you will consider and that you can take away from my short story here:
How do you hear the voice of your Creator calling you to more? To transformation and becoming your best Self? A great opportunity for personal growth and self reflection can be found in our upcoming Art Journaling Classes. Check them out here.
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