I love love love the idea of having a word that holds what we’re aiming to bring into our life. My mind is think a mile a minute right now to see if a word jumps out at me, but I’m sure it will come in its own time.
A great post Donna. And for what it’s worth, I’ve always felt as though the name of your publication suits really well. But it is nice to read the backstory. :)
I've always felt that the best ideas show up for us (which may be why I don't have too many good ideas🤣) so I'm sure a life word will come for you when it's ready.
I remember years ago when I was a student and really struggling with exam anxiety and I wanted a phrase to carry me through. I had to write out different words many times until I found what would come easily. It was certainly an unusual process. Maybe that was the student in me at the time, I'm not sure.
Thank you for your constant support Michael and for your kind words about my newsletter💕
This post drew an immediate response from me with the word grace. I’ve not done the work to dissect that but it feels so right in this present moment of my life. Thank you!
Cori, the word Grace seems perfect for you. It seems to me to be a foundational part of who you are and how you live so maybe it popped into your head as a reminder that you're solid💕
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your special word!
Oh my goodness, my friend, I love everything about this! I've always thought bright is so perfect for you and I love that you have intentionally become what you wanted to become. What an amazing example to us all! I also love the four categories you brought here: body, mind, spirit, and energy. I automatically equate this with the suits of the tarot: pentacles, swords, cups and wands. And the classical elements: earth, air, water and fire. And then pulling your 'word' into how you want that to land in each of those four areas is genius. I looked up the etymology of bright and found a meaning of 'to shine'. Gorgeous! I was thinking about what my word might be in this season of my life and what popped into my head is 'fresh'. I'd love to be fresh...rested, restored, vital, not-jaded/cynical, full of wonder, and, well, juicy. Thank you so much for all this insight and pondering, you amazingly bright being you! 💖✨
Thank you, my friend, for your kind words❤️ I love that the categories I associate with bright line up with the categories of the tarot and the elements! I hadn't thought of it in that context so appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
Fresh is a beautiful word that envelops so many aspects of being - it's perfect!
It’s a perfect name Donna. Bright connotes so many things, and also has a tangy, sunny, zip too, a word that makes the corners of my mouth want to turn up.:)
It's not silly at all. I love the name. "Bright" sends up a shower of sparks in the mind, and it's not overused. Your first instinct was right on the money (well, I don't know about the money).
Rona, my heart skipped a beat to see you in my comments section! Thank you for taking the time to read and respond, it means a lot. I also appreciate the chuckle about the money because...well, writing. We love it much more than money🤣
I love the word bright. It reminds me of vibrance and im attracted to vibrancy.
I have no idea what I'd like to become when I grow up and I may have stopped caring. But if i had to choose one word to describe it, it would be mobile. I'm craving adventure again and I'm dying to achieve the finances it would take to live a life on the move again.
You are the most creative person I know so if anyone can find a way to do this it will be you! I like the word mobile because, while we think of physical mobility, there are many angles to this great word. We want a mobile mind, a heart that will expand - especially after a significant loss like you've had, and a body that will go...then we just need the finances. I'm picturing you writing from a European or Carribean beach!
You know, a Caribbean beach isn’t off the table in the future (again) but while I have my BFF, Dezi, I’m staying put in this country. But that doesn’t mean with my ass in this chair! I’m picturing a drivers seat with a canine copilot!
I completely agree with Donna’s saying “you are the most creative person I know” because I feel that way about you too. If you do choose mobile it might pair well with something compass-like because I also consider you magnetic. Your enthusiasm attracts like earth’s poles.
OMG you two....stop it! I have trouble accepting compliments 😆 Thank you so much, Cori. Funny you should mention a compass because that's my little square logo image on Wildhood Wanted. Always has been!
I know but I think more of an emphasis in magnetism versus the gps qualities of a compass. My humble input…you’re brilliant at branding without my thoughts lol
It’s something that I know is at the heart of me, and yet isn’t what others would probably associate with me at all. And while I realise it’s total appropriateness for me, I was a wee bit shocked. It doesn’t feel like a very ‘sexy’ word to have lol!
Dearest Jane, I respectfully disagree. To me the word STILL is magnetic and I love that's what came to you. As a nine on the Enneagram I am driven by peace so stillness is the sexiest attribute a person could have!
It's interesting that sometimes what's at the heart of us is not what would come to mind for others but I guess that's what growth is all about...here's hoping!
I love seeing you here, thanks for taking the time to comment💕
Donna, I woke this morning with that word ‘still’ fully present. And I was fully present in the stillness too, which feels like basking in heaven. With that as my core, and the ability to relax into it, everything is always all right.
Then I reflected that I couldn’t remember who had written about this word, nor the question that had prompted this answer for me.
I turned on my phone and there was your comment above. I feel utterly blessed, and now entirely agree with you! (I must find out what enneagram number I am). Thank you so much. Xx
Also, I'm with you in the frustration of having a great conversation on Substack and then forgetting where it was and not being able to find it again! Having great conversations is a good problem to have but I always want to finish them. I'm glad it worked out this time🙂
Luz is such a fitting word for how you roll through life and what you embody. I see it everywhere in your work. Your comment that the light will shine through shadow, even if it’s in small glimmers, is similar to what I mean by bright. It’s both a calling and a way of being.
Speaking of light - you are always a bright one in my community. I appreciate it very much🙏
“The word bright landed in my heart years ago after a period of doing a lot of inner work to peel away the layers of gunk and examine what lay beneath. I don’t mean I discovered a shiny, new me—far from it. Rather, I realized what I wanted to become.”
What a beautiful post, Donna! And such a bela photo, brimming with life! I love when people share the meaning behind the words that shape them—it feels like a glimpse into their inner world. If I had to choose one for myself, it would be Light (Luz, in Portuguese). Not only what illuminates, but also what endures through shadowed moments—a symbol of resilience and hope.
I love love love the idea of having a word that holds what we’re aiming to bring into our life. My mind is think a mile a minute right now to see if a word jumps out at me, but I’m sure it will come in its own time.
A great post Donna. And for what it’s worth, I’ve always felt as though the name of your publication suits really well. But it is nice to read the backstory. :)
I've always felt that the best ideas show up for us (which may be why I don't have too many good ideas🤣) so I'm sure a life word will come for you when it's ready.
I remember years ago when I was a student and really struggling with exam anxiety and I wanted a phrase to carry me through. I had to write out different words many times until I found what would come easily. It was certainly an unusual process. Maybe that was the student in me at the time, I'm not sure.
Thank you for your constant support Michael and for your kind words about my newsletter💕
Some folks have a spirit animal; I love the idea of your own special word. Bright is very you. Glad you kept the name.
Thanks CK, I appreciate that😘
This post drew an immediate response from me with the word grace. I’ve not done the work to dissect that but it feels so right in this present moment of my life. Thank you!
Cori, the word Grace seems perfect for you. It seems to me to be a foundational part of who you are and how you live so maybe it popped into your head as a reminder that you're solid💕
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your special word!
Oh my goodness, my friend, I love everything about this! I've always thought bright is so perfect for you and I love that you have intentionally become what you wanted to become. What an amazing example to us all! I also love the four categories you brought here: body, mind, spirit, and energy. I automatically equate this with the suits of the tarot: pentacles, swords, cups and wands. And the classical elements: earth, air, water and fire. And then pulling your 'word' into how you want that to land in each of those four areas is genius. I looked up the etymology of bright and found a meaning of 'to shine'. Gorgeous! I was thinking about what my word might be in this season of my life and what popped into my head is 'fresh'. I'd love to be fresh...rested, restored, vital, not-jaded/cynical, full of wonder, and, well, juicy. Thank you so much for all this insight and pondering, you amazingly bright being you! 💖✨
Thank you, my friend, for your kind words❤️ I love that the categories I associate with bright line up with the categories of the tarot and the elements! I hadn't thought of it in that context so appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
Fresh is a beautiful word that envelops so many aspects of being - it's perfect!
I don’t think Bright is at all silly. It’s accurate and alive and full of sunshine and moonlight and so many beautiful things.
Lori! Thank you so much for this wonderful comment. Your words floated right into my heart and shed sparkles all over the place💕
It’s a perfect name Donna. Bright connotes so many things, and also has a tangy, sunny, zip too, a word that makes the corners of my mouth want to turn up.:)
Thanks Kimberly. I especially like the word tangy, it's got a little spice to it! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment💕
It's not silly at all. I love the name. "Bright" sends up a shower of sparks in the mind, and it's not overused. Your first instinct was right on the money (well, I don't know about the money).
Rona, my heart skipped a beat to see you in my comments section! Thank you for taking the time to read and respond, it means a lot. I also appreciate the chuckle about the money because...well, writing. We love it much more than money🤣
If it was about money, we’d have become tax lawyers.
Exactly! I can't see that panning out very well for me and it would be even worse for my poor clients🤣
I love the word bright. It reminds me of vibrance and im attracted to vibrancy.
I have no idea what I'd like to become when I grow up and I may have stopped caring. But if i had to choose one word to describe it, it would be mobile. I'm craving adventure again and I'm dying to achieve the finances it would take to live a life on the move again.
You are the most creative person I know so if anyone can find a way to do this it will be you! I like the word mobile because, while we think of physical mobility, there are many angles to this great word. We want a mobile mind, a heart that will expand - especially after a significant loss like you've had, and a body that will go...then we just need the finances. I'm picturing you writing from a European or Carribean beach!
Thanks Donna, your words are so kind 💗
You know, a Caribbean beach isn’t off the table in the future (again) but while I have my BFF, Dezi, I’m staying put in this country. But that doesn’t mean with my ass in this chair! I’m picturing a drivers seat with a canine copilot!
Drive west my friend, drive west!!
When its time, I definitely will!
I completely agree with Donna’s saying “you are the most creative person I know” because I feel that way about you too. If you do choose mobile it might pair well with something compass-like because I also consider you magnetic. Your enthusiasm attracts like earth’s poles.
Amen Cori!
OMG you two....stop it! I have trouble accepting compliments 😆 Thank you so much, Cori. Funny you should mention a compass because that's my little square logo image on Wildhood Wanted. Always has been!
Giving is easier than receiving! Look at recieving our kudos as an exercise in personal growth. (stop eye-rolling!!🤣)
Hahaha I'm not!!
I know but I think more of an emphasis in magnetism versus the gps qualities of a compass. My humble input…you’re brilliant at branding without my thoughts lol
You’ve made my whole day!!! Thank you 💓
Lovely post. And a great question.
The word that came to me is ‘still’.
It’s something that I know is at the heart of me, and yet isn’t what others would probably associate with me at all. And while I realise it’s total appropriateness for me, I was a wee bit shocked. It doesn’t feel like a very ‘sexy’ word to have lol!
Dearest Jane, I respectfully disagree. To me the word STILL is magnetic and I love that's what came to you. As a nine on the Enneagram I am driven by peace so stillness is the sexiest attribute a person could have!
It's interesting that sometimes what's at the heart of us is not what would come to mind for others but I guess that's what growth is all about...here's hoping!
I love seeing you here, thanks for taking the time to comment💕
Donna, I woke this morning with that word ‘still’ fully present. And I was fully present in the stillness too, which feels like basking in heaven. With that as my core, and the ability to relax into it, everything is always all right.
Then I reflected that I couldn’t remember who had written about this word, nor the question that had prompted this answer for me.
I turned on my phone and there was your comment above. I feel utterly blessed, and now entirely agree with you! (I must find out what enneagram number I am). Thank you so much. Xx
I love it when this happens!
Also, I'm with you in the frustration of having a great conversation on Substack and then forgetting where it was and not being able to find it again! Having great conversations is a good problem to have but I always want to finish them. I'm glad it worked out this time🙂
Love this Donna ✨
Thank you Hon😘
Luz is such a fitting word for how you roll through life and what you embody. I see it everywhere in your work. Your comment that the light will shine through shadow, even if it’s in small glimmers, is similar to what I mean by bright. It’s both a calling and a way of being.
Speaking of light - you are always a bright one in my community. I appreciate it very much🙏
One way or another, I always incorporate Luz into what’s dear to me—like when I recently named a fish after it!
That's a great name for a fish!
“The word bright landed in my heart years ago after a period of doing a lot of inner work to peel away the layers of gunk and examine what lay beneath. I don’t mean I discovered a shiny, new me—far from it. Rather, I realized what I wanted to become.”
What a beautiful post, Donna! And such a bela photo, brimming with life! I love when people share the meaning behind the words that shape them—it feels like a glimpse into their inner world. If I had to choose one for myself, it would be Light (Luz, in Portuguese). Not only what illuminates, but also what endures through shadowed moments—a symbol of resilience and hope.