Settling on One Little Word

I’ve been searching for a new word for the new year.  One little word which will capture how I am moving in the world right now.  I used to move with youthful confidence, quick to react as if my feet were on fire.  As I’ve grown older, I have slowed my pace, calmed my mind a bit, and have tried to be more introspective.  I don’t need to travel outside myself, trying to please everyone.  I can sit perfectly still, listen to my own breathing, and be content in each moment that comes.

The one little word that captures this feeling for me is settle.  It is not settle in the sense that I’m making do with less, that I no longer have drive or ambition.  It’s not the settle as in settling down and becoming mundane and monotonous, taking for granted this world like I’m going to live forever.  My settling is more a resolve to be content, to be happy with who I am and what I’ve accomplished.  I’m not yearning for something that didn’t come my way. I am not settling a score with someone who may have slighted me.  I have loosened my grip and hold no grudges.

Rather, I am quietly reserving my strength for any storms that may head my way.  I am standing firm, slowly gathering more insight. I have come into this world constantly curious, and I wouldn’t dare settle for less.