Every year I say I'm going to make a playlist that goes with my word…
One Little Word Update: Fearless, June 2025
Ooof, friends, this word is testing me.
As in, I have felt fearFUL way more than fearLESS this month and I don’t like it one bit. I am asking myself on repeat, what can I do to reclaim my joy and I’m not coming up with great answers most days. But I do know a few things that help.
I can make lists. I joined the LIz Lamoreux 5 things class this month and made a list every day. Some were silly, some were difficult, and all were helpful.
I can attend a protest. It’s astounding to me that our news cycle changes so rapidly these days that the No Kings protest feels like a blip on the radar already but it still sent a powerful message that many (5 million!) of us are not happy with the direction of our country.
I can avail myself of talk therapy. I have seen the same therapist weekly since January 2020 and the benefits of this are incredible. She has helped me work through grief, childhood trauma, relationship issues and so much more. Just a few weeks ago we joked about how my One Little Word practice has manifested itself in a way I hadn’t anticipated and that maybe next year I should choose a word that’s the opposite of what I actually want to see what results I get.
All of this is to say that fearless is a journey and at this mid point it doesn’t feel like a successful one.
Maybe that’s the point, though. Hmmm.
Related Posts
I think the months that feel the hardest are the ones that I learn the most about myself. (not always a bad thing… but I do like the “easier” months so much better!) I think that being fearless does not mean never being fearful… it means going forward anyway! (and YOU are doing that so brilliantly!!) And the news cycle… oy. Nothing stays on the radar long… it is scary.
I can’t judge whether you’re fearful or fearless, but I think that anyone who feels fearless much of the time may not be paying attention.
I find strength in the Serenity Prayer.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
Courage to change the things I can.
And wisdom to know the difference.
God bless you, Carole, on your journey.
I think you are where most of us are at this point, Carole. I am trying to separate being fearful for myself and being fearful for others. If I analyze my situation, I find I am more fearful for others than myself. That speaks to my ability to have compassion, and maybe your fear does as well. Certainly not a bad thing, but it can create a lot of anxiety about things we can do nothing about these days.
I think the “stickiest” words are the ones we really struggle with. I’ll bet some really great things will come out of this word-experience if you let them!
From where I sit and read, I would say you are knocking it out of the park. Fearless in showing up and writing and being vulnerable. Strong work.
Over here, agreeing with Kat and Juliann. Fearless does not negate being afraid…if does mean (IMHO) that you move forward as you are able. You have shown up…you have written to us all about it…that takes courage my friend. Well done you!