2020: Happy Exploring
My 2020 word of the year is EXPLORE / EXPLORER / EXPLORATION.
It's a word that came to me. Yes, I've long been an explorer, but more importantly, I saw it as "the one thing" that helps bridge my different projects: Paris tours, coaching, workshops, writing, and researching my grandfather, but also the themes I explore within my work. My word is all about exploring deeper rather than exploring more.
While creating my 2020 vision board (I share tips for making your own) I flipped through a bunch of magazines in English and French. I found the perfect graphic with the word "explorer" on the top and a cloud in the figure's face. Then I realized the double meaning of the word. In English "explorer" is a noun: a person who explores and goes places. In French "explorer" is a verb: to explore. The pronunciation may be different but the double meaning feels doubly powerful.
Explore means to me...
Explore curiosity (within different fields too)
Explore creativity
Explore science + neuroscience
Explore possibilities
Explore my potential
Explore relationships (with self, and others)
Walking and looking
Observation
Sharing knowledge + experiences
Prototyping and testing out ideas (limited time, do more than think)
Bringing others on the journey (workshops (online + in person), tours, safaris)
How I want to feel:
Happy!
Fulfilled
At ease with discomfort
OK with not knowing all the answers
Excited
Energized
Enthusiastic
Inspired
Inclusive
Satisfied
Surprised
Being challenged (in a good way) – pushing myself
Following own special gyroscope
Here’s an incomplete list of things I want to EXPLORE in 2020:
+ doodling and analogue
+ creativity and play
+ neuroscience
+ emotional intelligence
+ writing for publications
+ book ideas
+ alternative narratives and pattern matching
+ hosting workshops (1/mo – in person and online, experiment with different ideas)
+ talking to 100 people who knew my grandfather
+ how to meet Amélie’s gnome (he’s my neighbor!)
+ manifesting
I had my card printed locally on a Riso printer, then hand wrote 100 personal notes on the back to express gratitude for the role they played in my year before sending it through the snail mail channels. It was a beautiful exercise in gratitude and sparking joy in myself, and others. I think it was also good for business as people not only shared it online, but also told me they had it prominently placed on their desk or fridge so they could see it. Some even said they want to frame it!
I shared the “making of” my map card over on Prêt à Voyager if you want a peek inside my process.
How is your word coming to life for you this year?
Every week I explore different ideas that inspire me in my Connect the Dots newsletter. I also find so much joy in working with my 1:1 coaching clients as they explore their own journey.