I wrote last month about my Word of the Year but am now seeing in various blogs the idea of choosing an Un-Word.
Myquillyn over at the Nesting Place Blog first introduced me to the concept of a un-word.
“The UN-word is a word that you are rejecting for the new year. You would like to Un-Do it.”
I like a challenge, especially a word challenge, so began to think about what is something I want to undo or stop this year. Instead of something to do or to be, what is on my to-don’t list? What do I want to say good-bye to this year?
This could be a great reflective question to ponder this time of year. What is an ugly, negative and even hazardous word in your life that you could get rid of this year?
She stresses a un-word can be made up. For example if you don’t want to be so bossy this year, your un-word is unbossy. Her word this year is undistracted.
The Nesting Place hosted a link up last week where others shared their un-word of the year.
Other people’s un-words were unafraid and undistracted. Several chose words that didn’t begin with “un” but just were words they wanted to drop from their vocabulary.
I created a list of possible words. Words such as unstoppable, un-perfect, un-folding, un- judgmenting, and unconditional. I continue to find more words – they jump out now that I looking for them from my journals, from the television, from other blogs.
Being the overachiever, I considered choosing several but duh, that defeats the point.
I choose on un-word for 2014:
Undivided.
Often I feel like two people – one who knows she is loved, acceptable and capable and one who slinks away into the corner of unworthiness and shame. One who knows what she needs to do to stay healthy and one who stuffs herself with sweet and salty snacks like there will be no food available tomorrow.
I am one, one child of God, loved and accepted. As Macrina Wiederkehr wrote,
“O God, help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is.”
For years one of my daily prayers has been
“Give me an undivided heart, O Lord, fully devoted only to You.”
I want to be whole.
I want to live undivided.
My un-word for 2014: Undivided.
What un-word would you choose?
Neat idea! I haven’t heart of choosing an un-word. Certainly something to ponder.
I am finding, Jennifer, that my un-word has been more powerful for me so are than my word. Interesting insight.
Un-divided is an excellent word. It is one I really need to apply as well. The “un word can certainly be liberating, can’t it? Sort of like ripping a page from a notebook. Free from that one!
Love your quote – “O God, help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is.”
If we could only allow that to sink into our hearts…how much more we could get done.
ooh, I want your word….Undivided and what a great quote 🙂 thanks, Jean 🙂
Hi Jean! I have seen this idea of an ‘un-word’ around some blogs. What a great concept. I guess I didn’t think of it too seriously before. My word for the year is ‘surrender’ so maybe my un-word should be ‘un-bossy’!! Thanks for the idea 🙂
I love your word. Undivided. So hard to do! Multitasking is the big thing, and taking a moment to realize that everything you do, no matter how busy, is for God will be so empowering, I think. It would really frame the day.
Always so happy to be here my friend. Have a good evening!
Ceil
‘Love your word-choice: undivided. Do you remember that great song by First Call, “Undivided?” Has to be twenty years ago or so since it was at the top of the charts. It could be your theme song!
My word? “Unstressed” comes to mind, as Steve and I face some new challenges this year. I would dearly love to be at peace in my spirit and calm in my reactions as circumstances unfold. “Help me, Lord!”
Thank you for the creative exercise, Jean!
Nancy I fourgot about that song. Great theme for me this year. will relisten to it. maybe the lyrics will lead me deeper.
Unstressed would work. Your prayer reminded me of Anne Lamott’s book: Help, Thanks, Wow. interesting book.
Ok, I’m going to have to think about my ‘un’ word. It’s a great word. My word for the year is grace so maybe my un word would be Ungraceful. Now, that might be a great idea right there (smile)
Ungraceful could work too, Mariece. Grace is such a rich word too.
Interesting thought, Jean. This is similar to my writing a “to’don’t” or”stop doing list.” I wasn’t able to pick one thing,; I settled on five things to stop doing. I am glad I read your post because it reminded me to reread the post I wrote about this and get back to stopping some things. . . . Whether it’s an un-word or stop list, there are actions and thoughts I want to get rid of this year. . . I like your word of undivided That is probably why I am stopping some things. I, too, want an undivided heart and mind.
Hi Susan. thanks for leaving a comment. This idea of choosing an unword so far has been more powerful than the one word. I am thinking the two of them will accompany me throughout this year. I will have to come over and read your post and your five things.