Editor’s note: Krista Tedrow shared an essay on Aug. 17 on her experience on choosing a word to define her year. This is part 2 of her essay.
When I began this follow-up to my article from six months ago, I asked some of the leaders who shared their words in January: How has your word changed you? Their answers reminded me that a word does not keep life from becoming difficult. It offers another way to meet what arrives.
Rachelle Keck, Grand View University president: Overflow
“Overflow has surprised me. I imagined it would be about celebrating abundance — and it has been. This year brought two precious granddaughters, a wonderful new daughter-in-law and countless reminders of God’s goodness. I didn’t anticipate, however, that overflow would also carry us through one of the hardest seasons our family has faced.
As my husband faces another battle with cancer, I’ve learned that even in uncertainty, love overflows through prayers, meals, encouragement, friendships and unexpected moments of grace. Overflow has taught me not to measure blessings by ease, but to recognize them in courage, community, compassion and hope. Sometimes overflow is less about pouring out and more about simply remaining open to love pouring in.”
Liesl Siebert, University of Northern Iowa: Nourish
“My word this year is nourish, and it’s become a simple question I ask myself when making decisions: Will this nourish me or drain me? That mindset has given me permission to say no to commitments, habits and expectations that don’t align with what matters most.
At the same time, it’s encouraged me to say yes to opportunities that stretch me, even when they feel uncomfortable, because I know that my growth often comes from going beyond what’s familiar. Over the past six months, I’ve realized that nourishment isn’t about staying comfortable; it’s about intentionally being open to the people, experiences and challenges that help me become the best version of myself.”
Wendy Mihm-Herold, president/CEO, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG): Empowerment
“Empowerment has deepened for me this year. I chose it because it reflects the leader and person I want to be, someone who keeps learning, takes thoughtful risks and continues to grow. It also means helping the people I lead and love —my staff, students, and family, recognize their strengths, build confidence, and believe in what they are capable of.
What has become clearer is that empowerment and belief are inseparable. We can offer opportunities, encouragement and support, but true empowerment cannot take root without belief in ourselves and in one another. My hope is to believe in people until they believe in themselves and help create the conditions for them to reach their fullest potential.”
Each person chose a different word for a different season. Yet their stories carried the same invitation: to become more fully themselves. They did not describe perfect consistency. They described noticing, returning and letting their understanding deepen as their lives did.
One last ‘what if?’
When I chose “radiant,” I thought I was choosing how to move through the world. I did not realize I was also changing what I would notice, what I would make room for and how I would meet others.
I became less interested in proving myself and more interested in knowing myself. Instead of only asking, How do I get through this? I began asking: Who do I want to be while I am walking through it?
You do not have to wait for January or know exactly what your word will mean. Get curious: What quality wants more room in my life? What might it change within me? How could that change the way I show up for others?
A kaleidoscope is not beautiful because every piece is the same. It is beautiful because every piece belongs, and each one catches the light differently. This year, I stopped trying to rearrange the pieces. I let them belong together.
Radiant stopped feeling like a word outside of me. I recognized it in the way I love, lead, create, grieve and remain open to beauty, wonder and connection, even in shadow.
Six months ago, I wondered whether one word could change my year. It did, by reminding me to live more fully as I am. And from that center, to meet the world with more courage, wonder and room for others to be whole, too.
Editor’s note: Krista Tedrow shared an essay on Aug. 17 on her experience on choosing a word to define her year. This is part 2 of her essay.
When I began this follow-up to my article from six months ago, I asked some of the leaders who shared their words in January: How has your word changed you? Their answers reminded me that a word does not keep life from becoming difficult. It offers another way to meet what arrives.
Rachelle Keck, Grand View University president: Overflow
“Overflow has surprised me. I imagined it would be about celebrating abundance — and it has been. This year brought two precious granddaughters, a wonderful new daughter-in-law and countless reminders of God’s goodness. I didn’t anticipate, however, that overflow would also carry us through one of the hardest seasons our family has faced.
As my husband faces another battle with cancer, I’ve learned that even in uncertainty, love overflows through prayers, meals, encouragement, friendships and unexpected moments of grace. Overflow has taught me not to measure blessings by ease, but to recognize them in courage, community, compassion and hope. Sometimes overflow is less about pouring out and more about simply remaining open to love pouring in.”
Liesl Siebert, University of Northern Iowa: Nourish
“My word this year is nourish, and it’s become a simple question I ask myself when making decisions: Will this nourish me or drain me? That mindset has given me permission to say no to commitments, habits and expectations that don’t align with what matters most.
At the same time, it’s encouraged me to say yes to opportunities that stretch me, even when they feel uncomfortable, because I know that my growth often comes from going beyond what’s familiar. Over the past six months, I’ve realized that nourishment isn’t about staying comfortable; it’s about intentionally being open to the people, experiences and challenges that help me become the best version of myself.”
Wendy Mihm-Herold, president/CEO, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG): Empowerment
“Empowerment has deepened for me this year. I chose it because it reflects the leader and person I want to be, someone who keeps learning, takes thoughtful risks and continues to grow. It also means helping the people I lead and love —my staff, students, and family, recognize their strengths, build confidence, and believe in what they are capable of.
What has become clearer is that empowerment and belief are inseparable. We can offer opportunities, encouragement and support, but true empowerment cannot take root without belief in ourselves and in one another. My hope is to believe in people until they believe in themselves and help create the conditions for them to reach their fullest potential.”
Each person chose a different word for a different season. Yet their stories carried the same invitation: to become more fully themselves. They did not describe perfect consistency. They described noticing, returning and letting their understanding deepen as their lives did.
One last ‘what if?’
When I chose “radiant,” I thought I was choosing how to move through the world. I did not realize I was also changing what I would notice, what I would make room for and how I would meet others.
I became less interested in proving myself and more interested in knowing myself. Instead of only asking, How do I get through this? I began asking: Who do I want to be while I am walking through it?
You do not have to wait for January or know exactly what your word will mean. Get curious: What quality wants more room in my life? What might it change within me? How could that change the way I show up for others?
A kaleidoscope is not beautiful because every piece is the same. It is beautiful because every piece belongs, and each one catches the light differently. This year, I stopped trying to rearrange the pieces. I let them belong together.
Radiant stopped feeling like a word outside of me. I recognized it in the way I love, lead, create, grieve and remain open to beauty, wonder and connection, even in shadow.
Six months ago, I wondered whether one word could change my year. It did, by reminding me to live more fully as I am. And from that center, to meet the world with more courage, wonder and room for others to be whole, too.
