If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time, you know that rather than resolutions, each New Year’s Eve I select a single word to focus on in the upcoming year. In 2013 it was peace and all of its derivatives.
This year my word is Serendipity—the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Serendipitous—a magical approach to life.
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ― Roald Dahl. A magical surprise — the flame draws toward you — when you blow on it with a knife in-between. © Laurie Buchanan 2013.
An enthusiastic proponent of affirmations, this year’s positive supporting statement — I see things I didn’t know I was looking for — targets how I choose to be in the world.
Jose Manuel Barroso said, “What people call serendipity sometimes is just having your eyes open.” And that’s precisely what I will do in this shiny new year — see joyful, beneficial things I might have otherwise missed.
Do you have a focus word this year?
© TuesdaysWithLaurie.com
Tuesdays with Laurie 
Laurie, I love your word! Serendipity – wow! What a lovely way to see the world. I’m inspired by your posts week after week. Thank you so much for your presence and for sharing your gifts all through the year. Have a magical and serendipitous New Years, Dyan
Dyan – Right back atcha! May the New Year be filled with simple, slow moments that nourish your soul.
What a great word to focus on for an entire year, Laurie. That reminds me- I need to get new glasses this year!:) Happy New Year!
Becwillmylife – Your comment made me smile, thank you. May your New Year be filled with simple, slow moments that nourish your soul.
Love serendipitous … and being so opening to related synchronicity. I have experienced how this unfolds. Delightful.
Beforec opening your blog I had just posted my resolution/intention for 2014 … to be more peace-filled, peaceful in heart, mind, spirit and actions.
And remembering the old song “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me” … invited others (my first public post) to join me to be ripples of peace. Some may see it as naive.
I know it is the only true path to peace. I am open and curious to what synchronistic response will flow from it.
Elizabeth Lesser had just posted Mary Oliver’s poem with the phrase “I want to think again of dangerous and noble things.” I’ve started again!
To make it practical, I’ll start by taking on the quality practice gifted by one of my life teachers Wendy Palmer …reflecting “If I was just a little more peace-filled what would that look like?”
Thanks for allowing me to share this with you and all others who post with you. … like spirited folks.♥
Audrey – Your beautiful comment is like a fresh breath of spring air. Thank you for sharing it here, my friend 🙂
I haven’t picked a single word yet as my star to steer by for 2014, but I do have a quote that matches the sentiment of “serendipity” from Thoreau’s Walden: “I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his (her) dreams, and endeavors to live the life which s/he imagined, s/he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
During my last 10 months as a blogger, I have met so many wonderful people like you who inspire me to reach for the stars! Open to wonderful surprises — Marian, plain and fancy girl.
Marian – Oh, what a wonderful quote from Walden. Thank you so much for sharing it here 🙂
I love this approach and the word you chose. A word that keeps coming back to me whenever I think about moving forward through 2014 is simplify. Maybe the simpler my life, the more serendipitously I can live it. 🙂
Paula – As a minimalist, I live an extraordinarily simple life. I can promise you this: YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE IT!
I love serendipity. Good word, great when it happens to me.
My focus word will be some sort of combination of discipline, tenacity, organization, determination, focus, and creativity. Dis-ten-org-de-foc-cre?
Chris
Chris – Oh my gosh, I’m cracking up. I love YOUR focus word!
*sly smile* counting the months until the Oxford English Dictionary adds it to its list of new words for the year 20xx.
Like Paula, I shall continue with the word I adopted sometime this year – simplify. Simplify and harmony. That will be enough.
Sent from my iPad
>
Carol – Simplify and Harmony. Two of the best ingredients for ENOUGH.
Thank you for this magic filled post. The word that it concurred in my mind is: keep
‘Keep’ working toward my goal.
‘Keep’ writing.
‘Keep’ believing in myself
‘Keep’ sharing my gifts with others
‘Keep’ building my supportive blog community
‘Keep’ relishing my author journey
‘Keep’ enjoying my life
Keep–it’s such a simple word. Its simplicitly made me doubt its appropriateness. And yet the word kept calling to me.
I can’t wait to try your magic trick. : )
Leanne – No wonder it was calling to you, KEEP is a wonderful focus word!
When you do the magic trick, it will be hard for you to see the flame because the knife blade will be blocking it from your view. Have your husband watch as you do it, and then you watch as he does it. Len took the photograph from the angle that each of you will see it 🙂
Thanks for the tip, Laurie.
Good one Leanne !… Interesting too !…one needs lot of TENACITY & WILL POWER to KEEP doing what he/she wants to day after day ….
I like your perspective, Laurie, and even before I read your blog, I thought in answer to your short question, of the word “receptivity”; and in many ways, I think our perspectives on the new year are similar.
Deb – RECEPTIVITY. I’m picturing you under your magic tree with arms wide open, in receiving mode 🙂
Hi Laurie
Align completely with this post.
I think my word is:
Abundance
In all positive domains – health, happiness, liberty, food, ……
Ted – yes, Yes, YES! You and Ailsa live such rich and abundant lives in all of the positive domains: health, happiness, liberty, food, friends, family, geographic location, interests, skill sets, shared wisdom, and laughter! I know you two are constantly cracking each other up 🙂
Serendipitous.. Such a wonderful word. Thank you ,Laurie.
May wonderful happenings await you in the coming New Year my friend.
Love and warm wishes, Cindy
Cindy – May your New Year be filled with simple, slow moments that nourish your soul.
I decided to look up your wonderful word ‘serendipity ‘ because I like to read the origins of words . I won’t bore you with my finding ( of which I might add I found really interesting ). Then ‘by chance’ my eyes wondered to the next word in the dictionary , which was, ‘serene’ …well I was smitten . This is without doubt my word of 2014 …calm,peaceful and untroubled . This is also my wish for the world and for you dear Laurie .
Cherry x
Cherry – That’s simply wonderful! SERENE: calm, peaceful, and untroubled. May you be wrapped — like a cloak — in serenity this coming year 🙂
Yes! Considering that one of my core desired feelings is “magical”, I wholeheartedly endorse the word “serendipity” for 2014! LOVE IT!
I believe that finding magic is all about keeping our eyes open, too. May 2014 be filled with serendipity for you, Laurie!
PS: As you already know, my word for 2014 is “ease”. 🙂
Dana – May EASE and all of its derivatives be yours in the New Year 🙂
Great word choice, Laurie; I’m still pondering mine. Sending along New Year Blessings for peace, happiness, good health and love…
Theresa – Thank you for the well wishes. Once you’ve selected your focus word for the New Year, please come back and share it with us 🙂
Rebuild–due to unexpected losses-
Wish you and your family a wonderful New Year,Laurie
Roamer – a REBUILD is an opportunity for an even stronger foundation. Blessings to you!
Oh yes, Laurie Buchanan! I LOVE this serendipitous living and way of being in the world. I especially love your statement that you see what you didn’t know you were looking for…isn’t that how it goes in the most magical of moments? So glad you shared your link on my site…and I’m looking forward to the most sensual, serendipitous 2014 for us both! xoxo
Jackie – A joyous New Year to YOU and YOURS 🙂
I love this Laurie. To see things I didn’t know I was looking for is to also listen to my heart. Because my heart will tell me to stay looking at those ‘things” and my gut will tell me that these ‘things’ have something to tell me and show me. So perhaps my word is stillness. To create that space in which I can see, feel and hear those ‘things’ I wasn’t looking for. Thank you. x
KindleTheLight – STILLNESS. May your New Year be filled with simple, slow, still moments that nourish your soul.
I don’t have a focus word yet, Laurie, but have been thinking about this all day. Have been noticing the ways I am still not compassionate toward myself and thinking perhaps “compassion” or “love” but not sure if that encompasses it yet. Wondering if there’s one word that can describe it. Thank you for this and Happy 2014 to you!
Kathy – I just saw the dinner photo of you with family on Facebook. That looks like LOVE to me 🙂
Twas love. Love with a Korean twist!
I love the simplicity of picking one word for a year. I don’t know if I could keep my focus that long! But, I’m going to give it a try. Serendipity is a good one, for sure. Mine is “manifest”. 🙂 Happy New Year, Laurie. Thanks for sharing your journey and your thoughts. You always inspire me!
Dorothy – I love the word you’ve chosen to focus on in the New Year: MANIFEST! Here’s to you manifesting your heart’s desires 🙂
Serendipity is probably a good word for me as I tend to let things happen. I wouldn’t say that I’m a risk-taker, but nor am I a control freak. Happy New Year to you.
aFrankAngle – Not one extreme or the other. It sounds like you’re well balanced. Health, peace, and joy to YOU and YOURS in the New Year! 🙂
Fairly even-keeled demeanor. Life has enough ups and downs, so I typically don’t add many unnecessary highs and lows. For instance, (to me) TGIF sets one up for OCIM … Oh crap it’s Monday. … so to me, the key difference between those two days is spelling.
aFrankAngle – I love your perspective!
Thanks … and just Frank is fine .. after all, it’s easier to type.
Frank it is 🙂
The very best year ever in 2014 for Laurie and Len!
What a fabulous word you have chosen for the new year Laurie. Well let’s see, we can dream about a mega millions lottery win, or another unexpected windfall. Ha! Well, your word puts everything in the proper perspective and it does disarm those who tend to deal with everything with a heavier hand. I certainly do love the approach.
I guess the word for us is ‘health’ after some not-so-heartening developments in 2013. I know it’s been a key word for you too Laurie, and paired up with serendipity I think we’ll all be just fine.
Sam – Here’s to mega health for YOU and YOURS — body, mind, and spirit 🙂
Serendipity, one of my favorite words. I do spend some time looking for it in my life and in the lives of those around me. Such a wonder and delight when it falls to you to enjoy a serendipitous event, you can spend days just reveling in it, watching things fall into place, something like a domino effect. This year I think I am going to focus on Creation. Not only the Creation I see in abundance around me everyday, but the creative ability that flows through me when I allow myself to be a willing channel. I am creating when working in a garden, when preparing a meal, making a plan for later in the year, mostly though I think of it while painting. When I find myself lost in the process, totally immersed in the Zone, this is my apex of my creative ability, It comes as a gift from a much Higher Power who has given me the Gift of being a Co-Creator. I suspect it is my job.
Sandi – I, too, suspect co-creation is your job! You’re one of the most wonderful CREATIVE channels I have the privilege to know. Indoors, outdoors, with humans and animals alike – you leave a trail of magic in your wake. I can hardly wait to see what you give birth to on your canvases this year 🙂
Laurie, just decided to read this before I trundle off to bed. It wasn’t me giving birth, but Cam! How’s that for serendipity? I’ll try some of your bippety-boppety stuff on the weeds this year!
Sandi – And a serendipitous event. WHOOSH!
Laurie, beautiful word and beautiful post. Happy New Year to you.
Luanne – Health, peace, and joy to YOU and YOURS!
Psst! I am about to ask the iChing Laurie so no word yet – soon though. Happy New Year 🙂
Terrill – Please come back when you’ve got it 🙂 JOYFUL NEW YEAR!
Finally! I have my word for the year – principled.
It is a perfect word for my focus this year which feels like it is on the cusp of a change requiring directional navigation.
Terrill – PRINCIPLED, a wonderful inner-compass 🙂
I love that word too!! If I had to choose one, mine would be diligence. I want to work harder in school and take risks and also make the best out of what I have! 🙂 HAPPY NEW YEAR
Misselsie19 – yes, Yes, YES — DILIGENCE will serve you well 🙂
I forgot to mention Laurie, that Roald Dahl is one of my absolute favorites!!!
Sam Juliano – How come that doesn’t surprise me in the least? JOYFUL NEW YEAR!
My word is Magic! Life is magic. It’s all magic. I’ve been practicing a bit lately 🙂
I could write a whole post or two on serendipity. Oh wait . . . . . . .
Much joy and blessings to you for the new year
Alison
Alison – The joy of MAGIC! A joy-filled New Year to you and yours 🙂
You’d think I would have answered this sooner seeing how I had the whole day off, but I can’t commit to just ONE word! I want them ALL! Story of my life. Let’s see . . . very important to me this year are purpose and possibility and emergence and create and presence and belief and positive. Can I have one each day of the week?
Barbara – Why yes indeed. Seven focus words – one for each day of the week: purpose, possibility, emergence, create, presence, belief, and positive. And let’s top it off with a tail flick of MAGIC!
Magic said “okey dokey” 😀
Barbara – Ya gotta love it! 🙂
How wonderful to begin another year filled with your Tuesdays! You know, I get so much from your posts and the wonderful comments they bring into the world. Serendipity indeed.
The one word I’ll be referring to this year is ‘action’. I really feel the need to engage with causes I feel passionate about. This quote from Rafael Wugalter (on https://www.irshadmanji.com/content/abandoning-political-correctness-save-lives) sums up exactly where I’m coming from:
“If you’ve been afforded freedom and a privileged life, then it’s your responsibility to stand up for those who want the same thing as you, but are being coerced to live differently.”
Happy New Year and thanks for our family pod-visit in 2013. xx
WarmGinger – yes, Yes, YES! A call to ACTION that is positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing. Onward!
I am serendipitiously late for Tuesday with Laurie! Great word, it is a magical experience to realize the serendipity of a situation or gift. Being in the world aware and awake allows the magic to happen.
The word that came up upon reading the question was “change”! Creating change, embracing change…
Grateful for your presence in my life !!! ((Hugs))
I agree we have to work toward changing things and not staying the same in the gray areas of our lives. Doing so, inspires peace and hope.
Great word choice, Laurie. My chosen word is Audacity, as in helping me to build courage and nerve.
serendipity has always had a place in my life. I love watching things flower, unfold in front of my eyes. My ‘motto’ for last year (and moving forward) was ‘inch wide miles deep’, as I tend to have SOS …shiny object syndrome (searching for a 12 step program for that as we speak).
But if I had to choose one word it would be ‘DO’…damn the consequences and DO!
Going all Nike on it this year DO it! Yes I know thats tech 2 words but its the Do that matters.
Love your blog, have I mentioned that lately. Peace for your new year!
Serendipity is my and my husband’s favorite word. Love the movie, too 🙂 It’s a feel good word with a touch of magic for sure. At first I wasn’t going to chose a word for this year because I always treat them like resolutions and quickly get tired of them and end up pushing them to the side. But I think this has more to do with not having chosen the right words in the first place, they just never resonated on that deep knowing level. Alas, it seems that a word has kind of found me this year: “awaken”. If you ask me how I would like to feel this time next year I would say without hesitation “I want to feel awake.”
Kerstin – AWAKEN – that’s perfect! So vibrant and crisp. I love it!
May your day Be Blessed
with wondrous quest
May your New Year
Be one of many more
and may you know you are always know you are wished within
the energy of what is yet to be the best…
Hope you have a wonderful New Year…
Take Care….You Matter…
)0(
BlessedBe
maryrose
( I like your word! mine is experience..hmmmm ?)
LadyBlueRose – What a beautiful poem, thank you. EXPERIENCE. That’s wonderful on every level: body, mind, and spirit! 🙂
Yes opening wide my heart and spirit, with arms ready to enfold all the wonderful blessings and surprises coming into my life.
Ann – And in your dream geographic location, to boot! Life is grand! 🙂
Yup, it sure is grand 🙂
You have changed my perception about serendipity Laurie! I have always thought of it as leaving life to fate. I now realize that living a serendipitous life is more geared towards a purposeful life because you will be more aware of things that surround you and be able to take actions.
Happy New Year!
The Vanilla Housewife – I’m so glad the word SERENDIPITY resonates with you now. Yaaaaaaay! 🙂
Oooo that’s such a mystical word, just saying it inspires faith, magic and trust. Our most benevolent & wise universal genie always grant our wish, so we better be conscious and receive the gifts offered to us every single moment. Laurie, thanks for sharing your beautiful spirit with us throughout the year, wishing you a prosperous fulfilling year ahead. The Happiest New Year to you and your Loved Ones!!♥
I have the word Serendipity matted and framed on the wall of my office, I like it so much. I’d never heard Barroso’s quote before, but I totally agree!
Here’s to keeping our eyes wide open and looking for our Good in 2014. 🙂
Cynthia – Indeed, serendipity a frame-worthy word 🙂
great choice / word … you have a fresh insight … thanks for sharing
Knieling2012 – I’m glad this post resonated with you, thank you for letting me know 🙂
– My Focus Word for all the Years ahead is CONTENTMENT !!…
– I first came across the Word SERENDIPITY some 45 years ago when I was still studying in College … The Chief-editor of the Local Daily had started a Weekly Column and word he had chosen to deal with was – SERENDIPITY …and that’s how this beautiful word entered my Vocabulary !….
– I’ve two more Focus Words which keep me Alive, Alert, Active & Agile at 65 – Physically, Mentally & Spiritually – SWIMMING & BOOKS !!… I Simply Love them and the action Involved therein – one Physical & the other Mental & Spiritual !!…
– Thank You for Sharing the Beautiful Word and the Sentiments going with it Laurie !…Wish you a Great New year full of Health, Happiness & Joy !….
bkjagadish – yes, Yes, YES — SWIMMING and BOOKS! It doesn’t get much better than that!
I love your word for the year. And I love the image of the flame reaching toward you when a knife is inserted (lots of symbolic material there!)
The last word-of-the-year I chose was one for 2012: pioneer. I needed that kind of energy in order to finish my manuscript and get through the editing process of my book Blush.
I think the word Connect works for me in 2014. it attracts other c-words, like conversation, creativity, and complete. I want to travel, speak, and write with a sense of abundance, gratitude, completion. I want to be fully present to myself and others, always conscious of the web of connection to the divine underneath and around us.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Re-meeting you in 2013 was serendipitous for me!
Shirley
Shirley – CONNECT is a wonderful word. It, and the other c-words it attracts, brings to mind action! Perfect for you — a woman of action!
I will comment more later. Happy 2014 Serendipity Lady. 🙂
Deborah – Happy SERENDIPITOUS 2014 to you, too 🙂
What a magical word, serendipity! It always speaks to me of being watched over, aided, protected and lifted up on fairy wings. It whispers flow and ease and wonder. I’m loving your word, Laurie. Much love to you for the year ahead. Nicole xx
Nicole – I enjoyed the protective word picture you painted. Speaking of faerie wings…http://wp.me/pP1C5-1f5
Hi Laurie – My word this year is “Calling.” Not in the sense of yelling, of course, but in the sense and balance through Purpose = Calling. I will need to do lots of listening. And add a large dash of being Open so Serendipity can guide me. Cheers, D
Deborah – yes, Yes, YES! CALLING – I love the way you’ve defined it as balance through purpose! 🙂
My spirit guide for this year is Buffalo = more trust, gratitude and prayer. I must keep on saying my truth and sharing the sometimes hard things I know and others need to hear – with compassion. Others are dependent on my teachings and I need not be concerned with their acceptance and the outcome will be abundance.
Already the number of authors asking to send me copies of their new books and 3 publishing companies have contacted me about more book reviews this year and I manifested a new KINDLE HD fire 8.9 inch tablet to replace my defunct second KINDLE and this one reads to me – even in the bathtub!
My young friend Megan Bord says I must work on flow and not stopping the process..
…and today is the first day I am on the computer in over a week. Trying to flow into this New Year and get my emails answered. WOW
Now I am trying to imagine getting 94 comments! on a post…You have certainly found magic with this one and I just love your picture at the top – a gem
Patricia – The Buffalo is a wonderful, wise totem. You’ll learn many things. It sounds like flow is actually F-L-O-W! Way to go!!! 🙂
I love your choice of focus word! My focus word for this year is “flow”. It’s funny that I saw it just above my comment when I had started writing it! I want to let new things flow freely into my life w/o resistance – and enjoy whatever life brings.
Tiny Lessons – FLOW conjures serene and tranquil emotions for me. I love it! 🙂
Happy new year Laurie! I love the word serendipity, just the sound of the word itself suggests that magic is about to happen! My word for 2014 is “Authentic”, it’s my year to focus on keeping real. 🙂
Joanne – Living an AUTHENTIC, transparent life. My hat is off to YOU!
Oh my Laurie….I have two words. Burn and Instigate. They both relate to my inner life and my outer life…and what they have in common is Ignition. Today, original is rolling around in my soul….instigate burning with original______? Burning with Original Instigation? ….hmmm. Sleeping on this. Happy New Year! xo S
Suzi – W-O-W! I love that IGNITION is common to both BURN and INSTIGATE. Then you’ve got ORIGINAL as icing on the cake! ROCK ON!
I love the word and concept of serendipity. Maybe my word for 2014 would be revenge or defend or assert. Not in my personal life but for the activism I’ve gotten involved in. Happy 2014, you made me THINK!
Enchanted Seashells – Defend and Assert (both) are excellent word choices — especially when advocating for others 🙂
LOVE that word, Laurie. And I love the idea of focusing on a single word over the course of a year.
Sorry to have been away since Christmas. We had guests from the US and then did some traveling around our new country. Didn’t always have internet. I’m trying now to get back into the swing of things.
Hope you had a great holiday. Happy New Year.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Kathy – It’s nice to have a “digital detox” every now and again, isn’t it! Since you’ve been away I’m not sure if you’re aware of “My Gutsy Story” — From GED to PhD — over on the Gutsy Living website. Mine is one of five stories. I’d love for you to go over and vote for your favorite. Here’s a link: http://soniamarsh.com/2014/01/vote-for-your-favorite-december-2013-my-gutsy-story.html
Yes, I voted on the 1st. Thanks for the reminder. I did get that tweet. Still trying to catch up with blog reading, however. I was thrilled to see you were one of the 5.
Kathy – thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!
Can I use your word too? Serendipity is one of my favorite words/ideas/philosophies. All of life is serendipity, I believe. May you have a new year full of serendipity. I look forward to continuing to read your enlightening blog.
Roughwighting – Absolutely and by all means! It’s too good not to share 🙂
BIG HUG!!!
Happy New Year 2014 !
Regards,
Aliosa.
Aliosa – What a beautiful video clip. Thank you for sharing it here 🙂
totally believe in magic. you have to allow it when it comes! 🙂 and fashion it when it doesn’t…;)
Heyyy…just belatedly got the association: the Morrie/Laurie thing…der-de-der. I am sharp as a beach ball, all right…;)
Charron’s Chatter – You just made me laugh out loud! 🙂
I love the word serendipity, so full of hope and adventure. Without realizing it I’ve done the same thing with two words – protection and provision. Something I learned on my journey but have let it fall to the back of my mind. This post made me realize I need to take it seriously if I want to see some changes.
Ana – PROTECTION and PROVISION. Wonderful choice of focus words. Thank you for sharing them here 🙂
Yeah, God’s been reminding me of these lately…better take him seriously.
What a really great word for 2014 … it leaves so much room for adventure and happiness and awareness, and just wiggles with the promise of bountiful gifts, just waiting to be appreciated. Great word!
Ntexas99 – And it’s fun to say: Serendipity! 🙂
Laurie – I just heard a phrase on another blog that I knew you would like:
It’s not a New Year’s Resolution, it’s a New Year’s Intention! It’s from Isabel Martin-Ventura.
I’m really trying to keep things positive over here, and be more selective when it comes to the energy allowed in my blog space. I think her blog is under “Life Coach.”
Deborah – Whoohoo! — I love it! THANK YOU for sharing it with me 🙂
🙂
All of 2013 seemed really kind of serendipitous. Couldn’t ask for a better year, and more of it would be fine with me 🙂
Michael – Then more there shall be. And so it is 🙂
Laurie, I love your word for this year and think I will copy you. I love the magical approach to life. Every time I get out of my own way, things magically align in a beneficial way. Imagine that!
Thanks for inspiring so many people with your awesome posts!
🙂 KMC
Serendipity—the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Serendipitous—a magical approach to life.
Karin – I’m glad SERENDIPITY resonates with you! And I’m so glad about the news you shared on your blog today. Whoohoo!
Hi Laurie! I am looking forward to reading a lot more on your blog. A lovely case of serendipity on my part to have found your blog! Thank you! Cher xo
SeaAngel444 – Welcome. I’m glad you found Tuesdays with Laurie, too 🙂
As am I, Laurie! Thank you!!
Hugs,
Cher