2013, Enough

I’ve been contemplating the idea of a word of the year. I toyed with the idea last year, but never found anything that felt right. This year as I was thinking and writing and playing around with different things, this word seemed to settle in around me:

enough

I wasn’t crazy about it. It felt almost defeatist. What about my goals to be focused on writing my memoir or taking a chance on rejection and actually sending my writing somewhere or getting back in shape or spending more time offline or letting go of anger? What about ramping up as my energy expands? How about a more inspiring word?

Enough is what I need right now. I am good enough. What I do is good enough. How much I do is enough.

Enough is the reminder that my girls are still little and here all or most of the time, but they won’t be for long. When my “want to do” list seems impossibly far away, enough is my reminder to enjoy this time and acknowledge what I can and do accomplish. If I write less or run less but am present with them instead, that time is well spent.

Enough is my reminder that my girls are still little and don’t need a lot. They do better with fewer toys and a schedule that isn’t overpacked.

As I feel my energy return and feel more ready to tackle projects, I don’t have to go all out, push myself to the limit. Today, I started cleaning my office. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the piles and the futon buried under holiday debris and empty boxes and stashed away toys, I put away all of the wrapping stuff and recycled some papers. It was a start. I still can’t see the futon, but it was enough.

I’ve gotten better over the years, but I have a tendency to try to do too much. So this year I’ll remind myself to let go and let it be enough.