VernetteOutLoud

9 Fingers

**Disclaimer: This post contains a graphic photo.**

I slammed my gate on my thumb last Wednesday and it literally popped like a cherry. As in pulp or flesh came out of the top of my busted thumb.

Yes. I almost passed out.

Busted thumb 6 days later

Busted thumb…6 days later.

The pain. The blood. The thought of it…still makes me queasy.

So how does this relate to my “one word”?

Well it has everything to do with it actually.

My one word for 2013 is TRUTH. Which means that this is what I will focus on in all areas of my life. Speaking, walking, writing my truth for 2013.

OneWord2013_Truth150

This busted thumb business proved false not one but TWO things I thought were true.

The first “truth” is that I can’t stand or handle the sight of blood. This “truth” of course ruined the promising career as a surgeon I once envisioned for myself. Ok, no that’s a lie…I never wanted to be a doctor. A marine biologist sure…but never a doctor. I didn’t grow up to be a marine biologist either.

But blood makes me queasy and my blood gushing out of my busted finger nearly had me out cold. But I survived.

So this lie I keep telling myself: That I cannot handle the sight of blood was proven to be just that.

It turns out folks…a glass of water was all that was needed to calm me down.

The pain however was another story…those required extra strength painkillers.

The second “truth” is that with a busted thumb…I would not be able to write…technically type.

HELLO!!!

I contemplated skipping this month’s “One Word” update, which I committed to write on the 15th of every month for the rest of the year.

I said to myself…it hurts, people will understand if you didn’t post anything. But even to my lazy, procrastination-loving ears…it was a lie.

I can write and I will write…with nine fingers…because I have to.

Look out for my next update on February 15th. To read updates from other bloggers click here!

One word revolution

What do you want to focus on in 2013?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It can be a thought, a feeling, an action, or a character trait. Your word will be a reminder, a nudge. Something you can reflect on, that will challenge you, that will inspire you.

Your word can be anything you want it to be. All that matters is that it has personal meaning for you.

This is your word. It needs to resonate with your heart, no one else’s.

~ One Word 365

This is the “resolution revolution” taking place over at One Word 365.

It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your word will shape you and your year. It will guide your decisions and help you grow.


This is not a new concept to me. At Mass on New Years my priest usually gives a word to focus on for the year. Last year’s word was “Educate” and this year it’s “Peace”.

The problem with this word is that I’ve never considered it the context of my own life. For instance, when I thought about it, my “one word” for 2012 was most definitely TRUST! There were recurring themes and situations where I had to learn to trust. I learned to surrender and trust that everything was happening as it should and at the right time.

Then fellow blogger, Diane Rivers shared her “one word” and I had an AH-HA! moment..this I could incorporate into my own life.

OneWord2013_truth

I have chosen TRUTH for my one word.

Over the next 12 months, I will be exploring and acknowledging and accepting the real me.
I will seek to get comfortable in my own skin because I live there.
I will learn to accept and live in the present, let go of the past,
plan for the future and surrender the outcome.

I will live, walk and speak my truth.

I’ve decided I need to be more open and to share the real me with the people in my life who deserve to know who I am and what that means.

The people in our lives only ever really know what we want them to know about us. I’ve been known to edit an experience or myself for the audience. I think the most real I’ve been is here on this blog. I hold nothing back. I give it everything I have. I’m going to take this approach into the real world this year.

It’s about time I let people see the real me, even when that means being vulnerable. I want to have a truly authentic experience of life in 2013.

I will share the evolution of this journey on the 15th of every month.

Truth

Be impeccable
with your word.
Speak with integrity.
Say only what you mean.
Avoid using the word
to speak against yourself
or to gossip about others.
Use the power of your word
in the direction
of truth
and love.

~ Miguel Angel Ruiz

Already great things have been happening. My awesome custom image of my “One word” above, as well as the “One Word” button in the sidebar was created by fellow Blogger Melanie Moore for me for free and she will make one for you as well. A special, special thank you to Melanie for this gift from the heart.

For more information visit the One Word 365 website or follow @OneWord365 on Twitter.

If you could choose one word to inspire you for 2013, what would it be? Brainstorm and share it with me in the comments below!

Stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare The truth thou hast, that all may share; Be bold, proclaim it everywhere: They only live who dare.
~ Voltaire

Day 25 – Counting my blessings

Today”s Affirmation:

Today I live and walk in truth.

It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else – Erma Bombeck

Today, I am still in turmoil. I feel like I’m back to square one in terms of my emotional progress. Usually, when I feel overwhelmed I either want to be alone or I seek the company of my sister. She is one of my best friends and always gives me the unvarnished truth about my situations. Spending time with her always improves my moods.

I completely unburdened myself to her. I didn’t hold anything back. And there was no judgement. When we walk in truth and light, there is nothing but love. And when we show people who we really are, yes it makes us vulnerable, but it also empowers us. This is who we are and that is all there is. No pretense. Walking in truth, emboldens us in all aspects of our life. Being true and real and showing ourselves as we truly are helps us grow towards an authentic life and that should be the only way we want to live.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I know this adds to my sadness. All this confusion and sadness was impacting on my gift-giving as well. I couldn’t focus on gift giving, when I was thinking only about myself. But the opportunity to give still presented itself. A friend of mine called me up and suggested that we go out for a bit. I decided that this will be my gift. I will take this opportunity to give my time despite how low I was feeling. Turned out being out, being out helped my mood a bit. I am certainly grateful for my sister and the blessing of my friend.