One Word Challenge - February 2019: ENGAGE

How is it already February 1st? I mean, I feel like I just started really dialing into LEAP, I've leapt into new environments, new partnerships, a new schedule, and so far, so good!

Thanks to  my pal Karla for finding this
graphic for me. Truly it's been my motto
for the month of January!

I've enjoyed the process of saying to myself, "it's going to be fine, risk is part of the plan. Some folks will say 'no', but don't let that discourage you."  Coming from a lifetime people pleaser, wouldn't it just be easier to be what everyone else needs? No. No it wouldn't. The time is now. Leap, dammit. LEAP! 

So, I've leapt. 

Shit. Now what?

Well, the ball is rolling. While leaping in January (and I will continue to leap forward beyond January!) I've made some valuable connections, put systems in place, and started working on forward progress. 

The next step is to ...

                                   ...  ENGAGE!


Maybe you're a Star Trek nerd like me. If so, come with me on this thought...

You know when the Captain Picard says, "ENGAGE," they'd laid a course, they already discussed where they were going and why, they'd talked about challenges they may face. The Captain listened, processed and decided it was time to act. He'd given orders, but now it was time to  ENGAGE.  And no one questioned him after that order. Hold on tight. We're goin' in.


Here's the Merriam Webster definition:

engage

 verb

en·​gage | \ in-ˈgāj  , en-\  engaged; engaging 

intransitive verb

1a: to pledge oneself : PROMISE

b: to make a guaranteehe engages for the honesty of his brother

2a: to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity —used with inengaged in trade for many years

b: to do or take part in something —used with inengage in healthy activitiesengage in bad conduct

c: to give attention to something : DEALfailing to engage with the problem

3: to enter into conflict or battle

4: to come together and interlockthe gears engaged

Wow... that's a lot of information. But I find it so interesting how a word can embody all of these aspects. In this way, ENGAGE is really quite perfect for me.  Here's how I relate:

I want to pledge to myself to put in the work, to not give up on myself.

I want to make a guarantee to myself and my family that I'm working for our best future.

I want to be active in an enterprise of health, wellness and community support through event management.

I want to take part in my life actively, not as a bystander waiting to see what's going to come my way.  Some of you may have seen my shoulder tat that translates to 'If the wind doesn't serve, take to the oars."  It's time to start rowing!

I want to give my attention to the areas of my life I've deemed most important.

I anticipate that there will be conflict, battles even, and I'm ready to engage those challenges with vigor and vim!

It's time for the gears to interlock, friends! It's time for everything in my life to work together towards common goals, and not in opposition of one another.

ENGAGE is really growing on me. I mean, it's like a One Word Mission Statement!

While I continue to work towards (ENGAGE) my goals this month, I'll share with you how this One Word continues to inspire action and attitude.

How's your One Word challenge going?  Have you chosen a new word for February? Or will you have the same word all year? I'd love to hear your prospective on your word, or mine!

Life's short, friends. Isn't it time we all ENGAGED?!

Ciao for now!
~Jen