A few years ago I began the practice of selecting a word at the beginning of the New Year that would be my touchstone throughout the year.  Both as a way of manifesting and also as a way of overcoming sometimes negative responses to challenging moments. Essentially, any situation I would meet with the essence of the word.

The first year I chose “Roots and Home” and while within months of selection I found myself planning a sabbatical of undetermined length to California, by the end of the year I had found the home I would purchase in the community I selected to put down roots in. This manifestation has brought with it, along with many other blessings, the best neighbors on the best street a family could ever choose to reside.

The second year I chose “Love” and as a result of this focus was better able to remain centered in love, feeling from love, acting from love, being love, and the result was I was met with amazing love that the year. Love more beautiful than I have ever experienced so far.

The next year I chose “Heart-song” as this reminded me to listen closely to my inner callings and to pay attention when the universe provided nudges and confirmations and synchronicities.

This year, perhaps because of the political climate, or personal transitions, or anxieties felt throughout our community, by December 31st I did not yet have “my guiding word” for the New Year.  Then three words appeared for me as if whispered from the Divine:

Sacred. Benevolent. Loving. 

These, much like our UU Principles, will be my companions and guides this year. As I live in to my callings, I will do so with the essence of doing so with myself, and my creations as

Sacred. Benevolent. Loving. 

I will respond to community needs and meet freedoms and challenges from a space of being

Sacred. Benevolent. Loving.

 January 25th, 2017