I picked my word. Are you ready? (Drum roll, please) The word is:
Light.
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines light as “the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical devices, and that allows things to be seen.” Light is defined as “not weighing a lot.” It can mean “entertaining and easily understood, but not serious and not intended to make you think.” Light also means “to cause something to start burning.”
So many ways that light can show up in my life…
I can seek the light. Acknowledging the darkness first, which is important and valuable in its own way, but then looking for brightness, searching for the warmth of the sun, lighting my way. Appreciating the light that shines around me from others.
I can be the light. Nurturing the light within me so it can be seen, even from a distance. Sharing my light with others.
I can live more lightly. Not weighed down by the trivial, bringing more curiosity and less blame or judgement. Holding to the things that are important, but giving each thing its proper weight, looking for the wants and expectations I can hold more lightly.
I can also light a fire and burn it all down. Dramatic words that carry a powerful energy. Maybe it’s my ego that I’ll eradicate. Maybe a life that often doesn’t feel nurturing or supportive. Maybe I will just hold the knowledge of that power close to me, a reminder to be cautious about where I direct my energy.
There are many wonderful quotes about light. I’ll share some over the year, maybe one a week. I have two for today.
“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
— Leonard Cohen
That quote comforts me – I come with so many cracks, so many flaws, and yet I think in terms of being stronger in the broken places. Those tender, barely healed or damaged parts let light in and let me offer it back.
This is a long quote with so much wisdom. If you don’t know John Lewis, he was an American civil rights leader and politician, representing Georgia in the House of Representatives. He died in 2020, leaving a powerful legacy of service and deep wisdom.
“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light. Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates… Release the need to hate, to harbor division and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself.”
— John Lewis, Across That Bridge
Do you have a word for the year?
A final note, Sir Jon and I continue to explore our deep connection as I work on learning what it means to be his submissive, and (hopefully) to do it well. For sure you’ll hear more about that, and probably more of my fantasy with Nora and Sir Jon. 💜. Lots of feelings in my heart today, and appreciation. Thank you for being here.
Olivia 
I LOVE this, olivia! Your word, especially as you have laid it out, sounds quite fitting for 2024. I’d been meaning to share with you that my Sir sent me an assignment on Christmas Day, asking me to choose a word to represent the upcoming year. He doesn’t peruse WordPress often, but said that he’d heard of this activity in one of his recovery meetings. I’ve been thinking on my word all week and finally settled on perseverance, as I feel that I will definitely need to maintain a steady course of action this year, especially in the light of difficulties or obstacles (which in my world, translate to health issues). Thank you for sharing this with us! I just may have to post something about my word, as well. Happy New Year! XOXO
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That is SO cool, that your Sir gave you that assignment!! I love the word perseverance and would love to hear more about it in a post. Happy New Year, Nora!!! Wishing you and all of your loved ones a joyful New Year!!
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Light is much more than the absence of darkness. The age old question of which came first: darkness or light? I choose to think Light was here first then someone or something introduced the idea of darkness. Let’s keep the Light On and keep Darkness away in the New Year. 🙂 😘❤️
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Yes – I definitely want to keep the light on, and bask in the sun and the warmth. Looking forward to all the possibilities of the New Year! 💜🥰
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It’s interesting, ( as a Canadian we tend to know a thing or two about Leonard Cohen lol ). When taking in the part of the quote/ verse you posted here, I think similarly to what you have written about it. I’d also add, that within my submissive context my outer shell needed to be cracked in order for the light to get in ( and also radiate out ). When quoting the verse in context ( as I know it anyway),
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack,a crack in everything
That’s how the lights gets in”
I think of being a survivor of whatever has come my way. And again like you stated, my broken pieces are acceptable- to be proud. It gives us an ability to empathize with those who also feel or have felt broken. In addition I can still ring that bell regardless of appearances ( and future failings). In a submissive context it reminds me to continue even if I’m limping because eventually the light will shine on my core again .
But back to your original word— light, I would have given a more literal interpretation to it, if I hadn’t read your post. I look forward to reading what discoveries you make embracing light over the next year.
All the best in 2024!
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Yes! The quote is better in that context of the verse. I had heard that before and always appreciate the “forget your perfect offering” line.
Your reflection on being a survivor really resonates with me. Yes. And perseverance – Nora’s word – comes to mind too. Beautiful. Thanks, Willie.
I’ glad my post expanded the meaning of my word. I look forward to seeing what discoveries I make too!!
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year and lots of joy in ’24.
💜
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I love this word for you Olivia, especially as you have laid it out. The quotes are awesome, and thought provoking. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” 😊 I haven’t picked a word yet.
Hugs
Roz
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Thanks, Roz! And you know that “This little light of mine…” song is one of my favorites. It will be fun to see how it goes. If you do pick a word, share it, ok?
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Bizarrely enough, my name also means light, and light is a way that I choose to live – light and simple; unburdened. It is a good word, and I hope you will have ample opportunity to use and explore it 😊
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Helen! Thanks so much for reading and for commenting! I think it’s pretty cool that your name means light – and living light and simple, unburdened sounds pretty great. We’ll see where the word takes me….
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You’re very welcome, Olivia. Hopefully onwards and upwards into 2024. Even a little lighter is a little better.
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Definitely! 💜
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