Word of the Year 2010

Last year, I heard about this neat idea to come up with a Word of the Year. The Word of the Year is a word that describes something you want to be, something you want to achieve, something you hope for in the new year.

My word for 2009 was Survive. After the death of my husband and my daughter, it is something I've had to learn to do every day. Every day, starting from the instant I wake up, until I finally fall asleep at night, I have to survive to get through each moment of the day. It is often an unconscious effort, but it is effort, nonetheless.

So, somehow, I survived the first year without my husband. Now, in addition to surviving, I must thrive. And so, fittingly, that is my Word of the Year for 2010.

thrive
Pronunciation: \thrīv\
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): thrived or throve \thrōv\; thrived also thriv·en \thri-vən\; thriv·ingthrī-viŋ\
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse thrīfask, probably reflexive of thrīfa to grasp
Date: 13th century

1 : to grow vigorously : flourish
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper
3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

source: Merriam-Webster

The third one seems the best definition for my Word of the Year post, don't you agree? I am progressing despite or because of circumstances. My life is not leading where I had hoped or dreamed, but yet, here I am, moving forward, one step at a time.

Here's to thriving in 2010.

What's your Word of the Year?