My 2025 One Little Word

A new pathway opens for my 2025 Spiritual Journey. It is guided by a new one little word. My former collection of OLWs will not be forgotten or discarded. They are the foundation that I have walked on since 2014. While reflecting on my stepping stones below, I open my heart to the possibilities for 20225 with a new guiding word.

My collection of one words strengthens my spiritual journey each year. In December, I eagerly awaited a new word, a connector that creates newness. Little did I know that my word had been waiting for me since 2014. In that blog post, I wrote the following about my one word openness. "A connector on my journey, the enticer to find possibilities in life by shifting, reflecting, redirecting, redesigning, and renewing my course of action."

I intentionally paused life since May 2024 due to a medical issue. I am ready for RENEW to restore what has faded and create newness in my life. I hope 2025 will provide a fresh start and a positive change to restore, revitalize, and make life feel fresh again. Psalm 51:10 holds the essence of my one word. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit  within me."  After last year's interruption, I confidently return to my spiritual path.

Logo created by Margaret Simon

Please join me at Margaret Simon's Spiritual Journey 2025 post to read what others in the community have chosen for their new word.

I am celebrating the start of Poetry Friday 2025 with our host and keeper-of-the- calendar, Mary Lee Hahn. She is full of wisdom today, a positive way to start poetic writing in 2025. Happy New Year to all! 

"Life Move" Tips-Day 2 SOLSC! #Sol2021

In the midst of a new life move, I need to slow down. There is so much to do; I rush around, jumping from small job to large one. Multitasking is no longer a plausible way to get to the bottom of my to-do list, nor is worrying about the move. What I need to do is seek balance when life becomes heavy. 

Balance was my guide word, my one word last year but you know what kind of year that was! I am ready for a small step plan. 

Tips for Today.

Breathe in. Exhale. - Pack with focus. - Find silver linings in what I do.

Pause intermittently. - Be grateful for small accomplishments.

Writing is a daily practice, an opening of my heart to the whispers of my soul. 

This post is the second in my March Musings 2021 series for Two Writing Teachers' March SOLSC! #SOL21. You can access the site here to read what the other slicers are saying as they begin Day 2 of their March Slice of Life writing journey. 

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Seasonal Bliss-SJT

This year, I am on a journey to discover a balanced life. There are many facets to my journey. Being rooted in faith is a fundamental element. Spiritual rooting is essential but I also need physical rooting. In the yoga studio, I work diligently to root each foot into the earth before readying myself for balance poses. Finding a healthy balance in life is my quest for this year. 

One consistent step to finding balance, my 2020 one word, is to observe nature's symmetry. Stepping outside to see the beauty of a winter day can be enough but a walk at the beach is exhilarating.

Inspiring scripture verses also guide my journey. Ecclesiastes 3:1 connects faith, balance, and nature, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." In 1966, Judy Collins beautifully shared the scripture verse with Pete Seeger's song. This gentle tune brings reflective time to ponder my thoughts on seasonal bliss and the importance of balance.

The song also leads to play with language and write about nature that lifts my thoughts as I coddywomple through life.

The unique word coddywomple was introduced to me by my poety writing colleague and photographer, Molly Hogan. I found it as a hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. The definition of coddiwomple is to travel in a purposeful manner toward a vague destination. The word inspired me to create the above digital inspiration with another writing buddy's (Ramona Behnke) one word light that is an uplifting word by itself.

Travel in a purposeful manner.

Treading lightly on the paths you cross.

On your way seek and enjoy

each one of nature's beautiful seasonal delights. 

As host of Spiritual Journey Thursday, I invite you to add your thoughts on seasonal bliss below. Do you sense it? Where do you find nature's bliss? Why is it important? Enjoy your reflection time and continue to find the beauty of the seasons. 

Step Forward!

From deep within,

a seed of thought develops. 

It nestles into a corner;

Finds space to grow;

Releases some energy.

Sprouts!

Last night at the #TeachWrite chat, we were talking about what inspires us to write. I replied, "Some days I wonder what to write about or where the inspiration will come from." All day, I continued to ponder this so tonight while chatting with my #DareToBe friends about confidence, I was inspired by their conversation to jump in and write my thoughts. I responded to the first question with a digital inspiration (see above). Ideas flowed and out popped a poem.  It was the break from academic writing that allowed me to go back to the thoughts that have been churning inside since last night. It is interesting how a word, image, or occurrence can generate new ideas and the energy to write creatively. 

Confidence allowed me to step forward and transform a possibility into a reality. 

What will you do tomorrow to take a leap of faith?

I plan on believing, trusting, and relying on my one word, hope, to guide me.

*********************

Today is Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers.

I am delighted that I could take a few minutes to write down the thoughts that have been fermenting all day. 

Looking Back to Look Forward

It's summer, my yearly mid-point check to self-reflect by looking back on the first half of the year in order to move forward. Six months ago, I carefully chose my one word, hope, to be my faithful guide on my life journey. The goal for the year is to become a more mindful person who fully savors "life living" moments and not just races through life. 

How did I do so far?
✓ I am learning to take time to notice and wonder more. 
✓ I am leaning on my word hope to get me through the challenging moments.
✓ I am learning that calm has a more lasting effect than speed. Yoga helps me to be in the moment and calm down from any outside forces.

What do I need to do?
✓ Take my on the mat yoga practice to my off the mat life.
✓ Let go of the little annoyances in life to remain happy.
✓ Read scripture more often to be guided toward peace.

In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. - Isaiah 30:15

Hope floated in this year.

 

Where have I found hope?

✓ In quiet moments where I can see the ordinary transform itself into a thing of beauty

✓ In my gardens where nature transformed the landscape this spring into summer

 created with FotoJet.com

✓ In my grandbaby's smile 

Commitment for the 2nd Half of 2018:
✓ I look forward to continuing my journey of self-reflection, discovery, and transformational change.

Today is Spiritual Journey first Thursday. Doraine Bennett is hosting the link-up this month at her blog site, Dori Reads. This month's topic is "Looking Back/Looking Forward Here at the Middle of the Year." In closing, Doraine writes, "Give thanks and reaffirm your commitment to continue." That I shall do.

Anticipating Summertime

There is so much to love about summertime on Long Island's south shore. 

You can stroll on the boardwalk, observe the happenings, 

and follow up with a relaxing afternoon at the Atlantic Ocean shore. 

If you are not a beachgoer, you can find solace in the arboretums and botanical gardens. The myriad of town and county pools are filled with families enjoying the sun, swimmers practicing their skills, and various social outings. There are endless opportunities to embrace outdoor living and find the easy calm of a Long Island summer. The be as you are, relaxed pace of sweet summer living is an important feature of life here. 

Years ago when I first arrived on Long Island, I learned quickly never to tire of summer living. I was then and still am intrigued by the endless passion of the sea and the inviting nature of its beaches. On grey or rainy days, I often visualize the beach to create a virtual experience for at the beach calm pervades. 

As a beach lover, I understand the ocean's appeal and positive effects on the psychological and physical aspects of life. Much has been written on this topic. The ocean is like a medicinal herb offering healing. There is relaxed feeling at the beach when the weather is warm. Cares seem to slip away and stress reduced. People are more present "in the moment" when at the beach. The to-do list slips away.  You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D at the beach and sleep better at night. For me, I can remove myself from the hectic pace of life and feel re-energized when staring into the ocean's waters. There is joy at the beach.

calmness beachside

once removed, rises inside

like rushing waves

©CVarsalona, 2018, Long Beach, NY

#The beach is a sacred sanctuary for humans and oceans."

The above quote is from Surfer Today.

"Calm is trust in action. Only trust, perfect trust can keep one calm."

God Calling by A.J. Russell

I am anticipating summer here on Long Island and the next time I visit the beach, I will ponder the beauty of summertime at the hands of the Supreme Creator.

Margaret Simon is the host of Spiritual Journey first Thursday this week. She chose "summer" as the writing prompt topic. 

Springs Brings Hope

Spring unveils itself as a season of hope. It reawakens earth, lifts spirits, and calls all beings back to nature. Spring is filled with hope evidenced by the blossoming of life. We cannot reach out and grasp hope but we can accept the spirit of possibility it offers in springtime. 

Hope is needed in this world of change and flux. Finding and spreading it is a call to action. 

Tonight, #G2Great offered an inspirational chat, Teaching Hope to the Next Generation. Since it was due time to check in with my one word, hope, I joined the chat to voice my thoughts with my colleagues. My friend, Dr. Mary Howard, opened the conversation with a confirming statement, "We need more HOPE in this world and that begins with our children who will lead the way. We have to make that a priority in our schools and classrooms." Agreeing with this statement, I added that building, cultivating, and sustaining cultures of trust and hope is essential. Classrooms must become havens of joyful learning and educators, as ambassadors of hope, need to bring the spirit of possibilities to all our students. In turn, they need to help students believe in their unique selves in order to find their greatness. 

The ending challenge of #G2Great asked us to state how we would become ambassadors of hope this week. What would we do to spread hope to our students or colleagues. Being a change agent is important to me so I said that I would take up the challenge by creating a digital inspiration to spur others to believe in possibilities. 

I created the above digital inspiration by appsmashing using PicMonkey and FotoJet.

#G2Great shared this beautiful digital titled,Teaching Hope to the Next Generation. The first stanza of Emily Dickinson's poem is here. You can read the rest of the poem at Poetry Foundation.

You may be interested in listening to these videos.

Today the Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by the amazing Jama Rattigan. Please join me at Jama's Alphabet Soup that offers an eclectic feast of food, fiction, folderol and chewy culinary verse.

I am collecting offerings for my newest gallery, Spring-sational Spring, and hope that my Poetry Friday friends will grace the gallery with their inspirational digitals. I am adding the 2018 Progressive Poem with the names of the 30 contributors to the spring gallery.

Reach

What better way to open a morning than to 
REACH for positivity and possibility. 

My day began with gratitude for a shining sun.
I reached out to touch the world
as I glided down the highway.
Traffic was heavy and focus
needed to arrive safely.
Persevere through
challenges,
I thought.
©CV, 2017 

Donna Smith's one word, reach, was on my mind but there was no time to write. Now at the end of day, I reflect on the power of #ThankfulThursday as a catalyst to pour gratitude into the universe. I am thankful for: safe passage to the regional meeting that I was facilitating, new learning from the keynote presenter, positive communication with colleagues, a wonderful dinner with friends, and the quiet of alone time. 

As I reach out to find further inspiration for this post being offered to Spiritual Journey first Thursday, I give praise to Irene Latham for gathering our community of believers each month and to Donna Smith for opening her site for commentary on her one little word, reach. 

There is much to reach for in life. 

The road ahead may be bumpy

but with a shiny light from above,

I will be able to reach further destinations.

Rise

©CV, 2017

Shall I rise

like the phoenix-

Reborn from the ashes

of life's struggles and uncertainties?

Shall I rise

like the sun-

Vigilant in its pursuit

of morning's hopes and dreams?

Shall I rise

like a creative spirit-

Soaring on wings of words,

crossing boundaries and connecting? 

I Shall Rise 

with the Supreme Voice

guiding my journey

in search of hope, destiny, and joy unlimited.

Thank you Leigh Anne Eck for sharing your one word, RISE. It will remind me to life my voice in thanksgiving despite any challenges that come my way. 

I offer my digital word cloud and poem of morning thoughts to the writers of the 2017 Spiritual Journey first Thursday, created by Irene Latham and hosted by Leigh Ann today.

As a community of writers, let's all rise up today

and see the world with new eyes!

A New Year's to Remember

It's a new year and a new whirl through the pathways of life. While most people I know spent New Year's Day relaxing, I found myself in my dentist's office gripping my hands as I endured two hours of emergency dental work. 

Here's the playback on how I found myself in this predicament. After baking several desserts for the party my family and I were attending,  I sampled one of the cookies and immediately heard the following sounds: "Crack! Crackle! Drop." Running to the mirror, I found an odd sight: a large gapping hole in the front of my mouth. I started to get frazzled so I quickly dialed my dentist's emergency number. What I did not expect was to have a long distance east to west coast conversation but I listened carefully to what seemed to be an impossible quick fix. Remembering that my one word to guide my 2016 journey was believe, I put the dentist's plan in motion. Are you ready for his remedy?

"Buy a bottle of Krazy Glue and vaseline. Place the latter on my gum, add glue, and then, stick the false tooth back into my mouth."

Knowing that Krazy Glue adheres to skin, I tried to figure out how to carefully insert the false tooth without having my fingers stick to it or placing it lopsided back into my mouth. One hour to go before the party and I was still fiddling with the tooth. Finally, with strong belief that I could insert the tooth between my front teeth, I accomplished the task and left for the party 30 minutes late. 

What transpired was another crazy incident that probably was to be expected. As soon as I ate something my tooth fell out. Oops, remembering that I left the Krazy Glue at home, my husband flew out the door to the rescue. 

I guess you must be thinking that I solved my problem. Well, Krazy Glue was not my salvation. After three attempts to place the tooth back into my mouth, I decided it was not worth the bother so I went toothless. With family and friends like mine, the self-consciousness wore off and I felt comfortable but each photo taken I made sure that my lips were tight together. 

Today, I am tired from the New Year's experience, relieved that all is behind me for now, and believing that the new year will bring new direction if I remain positive. After all, I not only lived through most of this year with dental issues, but survived New Year's with a missing front tooth. 

Life sometimes throws curve balls 

but the game still goes on.

http://www.photosforclass.com/search/baseball%20curve%20ball/5

It's the first Slice of Life for the new year at Two Writing Teachers. While most of the bloggers might be writing about their one word for 2017, I am reserving my reveal until Thursday when I will be hosting at my blog site the one little word party for Spiritual Journey Thursday. Please join me  if you are interested in revealing your one word with the writing community.

Autumnventure Debuted

After many days of preparation for the holidays and sandwiching in writing to soothe the soul, I have unveiled Autumnventure Gallery as my seasonal holiday gift. Gratitude is extended to all my poetry friends who supported my love of poetry by offering wonderful nuggets of wisdom, vivid autumn scenes, and inspirational quotes. Original music, art, and videos were added to this gallery as a bonus. 

Here are my brief thoughts on the completion of the gallery in septercet form. (Thanks Michelle Barnes for introducing me to this poetic format.)

Winter entered; autumn left

but fond memories linger.
Fall's seasonal gift unveiled.

©CVarsalona, 2016

You can access Autumnventure Gallery here. I hope you enjoy the gallery walk, with soothing music, artwork, #digipoetry, digital inspirations, #imagepoems, and bursts of color. It was an inspiring journey. My one word this year that has guided me onward is believe and that I did as I designed the gallery.

Poetry Friday Friends Who Contributed to Autumnventure Gallery
Baie, Linda	Kogan, Michelle	Rattigan, Jama
Behnke, Ramona	Lewis, J. Patrick	Salas, Laura Purdie
Flynn, Catherine	MacCulloch, Jone	Shepard, Kiesha
Forrest, Matt	Magee, Bridget	Silverman, Buffy
Hahn, Mary Lee	Mayr, Diane	Simon, Margaret
Harsham, Brenda	Mitchell, Linda	Varsalona, Carol
Hodgson, Kevin	Nesdoly, Violet	Wyman, Christie

Autumn asks that we prepare for the future—

that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. 

But it also asks that we learn to let go—

to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness. 

-Bonaro W. Overstreet

Happy Holidays, friends. Enjoy your time with family, friends, and poetry. #Poetrylove sustains us when the pace of life is hectic. Now back to finding the elves to help me wrap all my presents before the family arrives tomorrow.

Buffy Silverman is hosting Poetry Friday-the Solstice Edition at her blog, Buffy's Blog. Please visit so you can read her Hound Haiku in story format. Also, please check out Buffy's offering, Life of a Leaf, at the Autumnventure Gallery.