Note from Stacey: To celebrate the beginning of a new year, I’ve asked some of my favorite bloggers to share their “Word of the Year.” Today we’re once again featuring Lance Ekum of Jungle of Life. Thank you, Lance!
Splash
My word for 2010.
…and then…life went on. Life went on, as I suppose it does for all of us. The moments that make up our days…our weeks…our life…
Except.
Except, that this word, it was there, deeper in my soul. There, even on those days when I didn’t think about it, as I continued down the path I was choosing to walk over this past year.
Splash.
So, was this past year really any different, because I had taken some time to think about a word that I connected deeply with, that became part of me? Did it really make a difference?
There really weren’t many cannon balls into the swimming pool. I wasn’t outside, stomping through the puddles after every rainstorm. What was I thinking with this word, anyway?
Taking action and jumping in – SPLASH!
Having fun – SPLASH!
Seeing the adventure that comes in all of life’s moments – SPLASH!
The year 2010 was a year that I focused more upon my own deeper sense of being in this world.
Perhaps I can best describe this year in a couple of sentences, and the preparing for one particular day.
In the fall of this past year, I completed my first marathon. There were, very much, moments of jumping in and taking action…every week from early spring onward, to get ready for one day in October. And then…crossing that finish line, that was so much more than just a finish line. That was a deeper realization of what IS possible, even in those things that seem like a real stretch.
And those splashes I desired – that end result – was something that took dedication, belief, and commitment.
There were days that all of this didn’t feel like I was making a splash. There were days where I questioned what I had committed to doing.
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” ~ Walt Disney
There is something very powerful in reaching a place that seems “far away”, and perhaps even unreachable. Taking action, jumping in…and completing this race…it was so much more than just a race. With this, came that realization of belief in me, and that anything is possible. Anything!
SPLASH!
And as I look back, look back at all the moments that made this a realization – I’m drawn into the beauty of it all….the highs and the lows.
…and crossing that finish line, and knowing the end I had reached, only to more fully realize the beauty of all the steps along the way…
Such has been life this year. So, as I reflect back over 2010, the word SPLASH has been a deep part of my moments.
As I begin 2011, I’m bolstered by all that these past twelve months have setup within me. And perhaps that’s the most meaningful thing of all. It’s not the completion of a marathon, or the journeys I’ve taken out into this world, or the work I’ve done to much more fully connect with myself, or the myriad of other smaller splashes that have defined my year. It’s about what has taken place within me. It’s about seeing the word SPLASH as much more than just a word. It’s about this journey through my life, and more fully believing in my own greatness (…just as each of you has within you). It’s about believing in the possibility of amazing.
…what a beautiful year it has been…
All of it, the good, the challenging, the this life that I am continuing to create…
Lance Ekum started writing two years ago, after thinking about some of those things that he’d never done…that were floating around in his heart. Today he writes at the Jungle of Life. The site has transformed over time, today with a focus very much around seeing the inspiration that is all around us in our world. Lance lives in Wisconsin, with his lovely wife and three children.
defeat. When asked what he attributed his great success to, wide receiver
Jerry Rice said “having the world’s shortest memory.”
Wednesday: Daydreaming’s not just a slacker activity – a study shows it
actually helps solve problems. What are you daydreaming about today?
Thursday: For a happiness boost, rather than compare yourself to others
(“She gets to travel to all the places I want to go.”), use an internal yardstick
to gauge your achievements. (“I’ve learned so much by starting my own
business this year.”) Name one of your achievements here now!
Friday: Happy hour just got happier! Having a drink with a friend is linked
to lower rates of stroke and cardiovascular disease, a study from Osaka
University in Japan shows.
Saturday: Life’s too short to spend on activities that don’t tickle you. Give
yourself permission to close that yawn-inducing book or leave half-way
through the snooze of a movie. I’d rather watch the “Drag Queen Challenge”
on Season 5 of Project Runway again. How about you?
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this essay so much, Lance! I love how you used running a marathon as a metaphor for life. Even though the race day was the “headliner,” it wouldn’t have been possible if you weren’t willing to do the work of training (much less splash-y). The actual race day – even with the glory of the finish line – was simply another day when you got to show up and do your best to make the most of it. And you did! Thanks so much for showing us how we can apply this wonderful lesson to our own lives! Much love, s
Hi Stacey,
…and such is life. Not all of our moments will be what feels like a “splash”. When we’re coming from a place in our heart, though – there is that “splash”, that essence of living according to the voice of our soul. And I believe, very much, that when we are coming from this place, we DO make a splash in this world…and the ripple effects reach out in untold ways!!
It’s so great to be here today, Stacey. You have created a space that always feels so inviting.
Much love to you…always,
Lance
Hi Lance!
Thanks so much for this comment. It’s so true that we are at our best and serve the highest good when our actions are in alignment with the “voice of our soul.” Thanks so much for expounding on this simple, yet often-missed truth. Much love, s
Stacey, Thank you for hosting Lance at your site. I am happy to find you and will look forward to exploring your blog!
Lance, I loved your word last year: SPLASH! Of course, I love the marathon analogy too….one I am so familiar with. That puddle jumping continues to make it’s presence known in my life. Sometimes a big splash, sometimes a cold splash, sometimes a wake-up call! Sometimes refreshing, and other times messy and muddy.
Life/running/splashing/discovering/rippling/sharing! What a journey! Thank you for diving into this world of writing for us all to connect!
Love,
Jen
Hi Jen!
I said “Hello” to you first on the “Questions” post from today, and again, it’s so lovely to have you here. It’s wonderful to hear how Lance’s post resonated with you, too. I hope you will continue to share your journey with us here! Much love, s
Jen,
(I’m smiling) …yes, I know how this concept of marathon is something you know well!!
All the splashes in our life – whatever they are – when they come from a place of meaning….there is something very meaningful about it all…
Jen, so wonderful to see you here.
Love and running shoes,
Lance
Great article, Lance. Most people would like to believe they can change their lives with on big SPLASH. But as you point out, we can’t make a big, meaningful SPLASH without a lot of drip, drip, drips along the way. Deliberately repeating a new thought over time is the ultimate way to change our lives. When we drip, drip, drip new thoughts into our subconscious mind, one day we look back and can see the huge SPLASH we have made.
Hi Rob!
I laughed out loud with your “drip, drip, drip” analogy. It’s so true! We totally underestimate the power of those small drips, but they are responsible for almost all meaningful change. Thanks so much for sharing your insightful (and funny – the best!) comment. Much love, s
Thanks Rob!!
I love that you have mentioned thoughts, as I really believe that this is it – what we think about, we ultimately become. And that is very likely with those “drips” along the way (love that, too!) leading to what might feel like the bigger splash.
So, here’s to thinking as if we’re already where we desire to be….
Lance,
You made a big SPLASH in my life last year and I know your waves touched many others too. Crossing that finish line was huge. It’s a wonderful story showing us how we can all get in touch with our greatness. Thanks for your continual splash of inspiration and illumination in this world.
Stacy, Thanks for asking Lance to splash around your blog so beautifully! Be well.
Hi Sandra!
I love your word play with “splash.” I think we’re both moved and inspired by Lance’s writing because he has so much fun communicating his ideas and connecting with his readers. His joy is infectious, isn’t it? Thanks so much for sharing the delight with us here. Much love, s
Sandra,
Awww, you are so sweet. And know too, that your presence in my life…what a beautiful splash that has been. I feel very connected to you and the message you share so beautifully…
I know, too, that you have chosen a word for 2011, and may you feel that manifest into your life over the next twelve months….
Much love,
Lance
Hi Lance, It was through your inspirational post about the marathon that I first came across your blog. Wow…how many comments did you get on that brilliantly written EPIC post? They seemed to go be splashed all over the blogosphere for weeks if I remember rightly!
Can you imagine how many you inspired with that story, and thus inspired how many more people did they, in turn, inspire or help to move forward in their lives. That is the ripple effect that adds up to the tsunami of a lifetime. And then there is the drip drip (thank you Rob!) of your Sunday Thoughts that cheer me up and give me a splash of energy on Sunday mornings which I hate because energy always seems stagnant then. So thank you Lance for your tsunami and thank you also for leading me to Stacey’s super blog!
Warmest wishes to you both
Roseamry
Hi Rosemary!
Thanks so much for your kind comment. Lance sure does know how to make a splash, doesn’t he? I’m so glad you came by to share your lovely smile and sunny energy. I hope you come back soon! Much love, s
Hi Rosemary,
YES!! Stacey’s site is super-awesome!! And it’s truly a direct reflection upon WHO Stacey is (one very super-awesome soul!)!!
I LOVE it!!! (tsunami of a lifetime!)!!! And…know that it puts a huge smile on my face to know how touched you are by the Sunday Thoughts. Thank YOU for shining your light here and in my life!
Thanks for hosting Lance Stacey, two great people coming together for the world’s benefit! Love that you go after dreams Lance, it’s very inspiring. You never quit, even when it’s hard. That is the stuff of life!
Hi Audra!
Thanks so much for your kind comment! I followed you to your blog and learned that you will be editing your novel this weekend – SO exciting!! I hope you will come back and report on your dream of completing your novel – SO inspiring!! Much love, s
Audra,
So, so wonderful to see you here!! Know that I’m blessed by your presence in my life, and I feel that more deeply every day.
And – it’s been so great to be here on Stacey’s wonderful site…it just feels like such a comfortable place to share…
Much love to you,
Lance
Hi Lance,
I love your word Splash and I love how Sandra used it as waves touching people. I loved living vicariously through you while you trained for and ran that marathon. Also is was great connecting with you, your cousin and Jacob in AZ.
Your fun-loving personality has rocked the internet!
Hi Tess!
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I LOVE seeing how many people Lance has touched and inspired over on my blog. (And I know it’s only a *tiny* fraction of ALL those he has touched and inspired!!) Much love, s
Tess,
Mmmm…Sandra is super sweet!! (as are YOU!)
And I know that you are now also training for a marathon – so, so cool!! And I’m more than half tempted to join you!!!
Thanks so much for being such gracious hosts on our visit to AZ – truly a lasting memory for us!
Love to you, always…
Lance
You always amaze me Lance & you did your word justice!
Hey Jody!
Thanks so much for leaving a kind comment. And can I just say…your body is AMAZING!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog and inspiring me to imagine what I can look like at 53!! Much love, s
Jody,
….what Stacey said…your body IS amazing!!
And it’s been so wonderful to connect with you over these past several months – you inspire me always!!
Love to you,
Lance
Stacey,
Thank you, once again, for hosting me here on your beautiful site. It is a gift to be here, as I just feel a sense of peace in this space you have created. Know too, that you inspire me with your presence, your thoughtfulness, and your caring love.
Much love to you, always, dear friend…
Lance
Aw, you’re making me blush with your kind words, Lance!
I really can’t thank you enough for sharing your thoughtful and thought-provoking post *and* your lovely community with my blog!
I appreciate you SO much!! Big love, s
Hi Stacey and Lance .. Lance sure makes a splash .. and it’s wonderful being here on Stacey’s bright shiny blog – we’d always be awake with the golden glow.
I love the way you’ve reflected .. and mulled over your accomplishments and achievements … and the remembrance that Splash was always in your mind .. as SHINE will be this year .. I can see you polishing away everyday .. bringing a smile to many peoples’ lives with your reflections and thoughts.
With lots of thoughts and happiness for the year ahead to you both, your families and everyone .. Hilary
Hi Hilary!
It’s SO great to see you here again! I love how you captured the essence of Lance’s post and how you commented on Lance’s word for 2011: SHINE. Here’s to us all shining a very bright light this year! It’s always such a pleasure to have you here, Hilary. Come back soon!! Much love, Stacey
Hi Stacey .. I know .. I think I’m not RSSd in .. will be in a minute – so I know you’re there .. have written Janice’s testimonial, but she’s not organised with a website .. and things went slightly pear-shaped last year here .. getting straight now & so I just never made it back. Now I will ..
I love splash and shine .. they’re great words & Lance is just amazing so full of the joie de vivre .. I need a little of it!! Mum ticking over .. just been to Pz to sell her flat – sad to lose the Cornish connection .. so my last two posts .. food, Cornish fun reads ..
.. and I don’t know if you’ve seen the Shine TED video .. it would certainly bring a smile and a tear to your heart … “Benjamin Zander: Classical music with shining eyes” link: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=benjamin+zander+classical+music+with+shining+eyes&aq=0 ….. it really is excellent – enjoy with a cup of tea …
Now I’m off to RSS .. so I don’t miss out on your posts – I’ll be back .. much Cornish love to you .. Hilary
Thanks so much for returning so soon with your newsy update.
I’m sorry that your mom died and I send you much light and love as you make this challenging transition. I loved reading about your time with her. But your connection with her *and* Cornwall will always be there!!
And I will definitely check out the TED talk – thank so much for sharing it. Much love to you! s
Hi Stacey .. no, no she lives on … she’s” fine” .. and I go up twice a day .. so the update gets done per each post .. we had an offer on the flat – which seemed sensible to take – a real Cornish chap from the village, his mother 96 still lives there, the family own a small farm (can’t have a large one in Cornwalll – especially the west part?!) up above the village, and his brother runs a nursery on the east side .. and Elizabeth Mum’s great friend and ex-Manager of her Care Home lives next door .. so she’s pleased to have the flat occupied at last.
Not happy for me .. but generally a satisfactory arrangement .. cheers and big hugs to you .. H
Oh, Hilary! I’m so glad your mom is fine!! When you said, “Mum ticking over .. just been to Pz to sell her flat – sad to lose the Cornish connection.” I thought she had died. Looks like I need to get across the pond to brush up on my British slang.
Big love, s
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