As a new year begins, our thoughts often turn to self-improvement. Can we make this the year we get healthier? Spend more time with our family? Embark on a new career? For the past few years, I’ve decided to abandon lengthy resolution list making in favor of selecting just one word to focus my intentions. I don’t know the origin of the “one little word” concept. I only heard about it through my network of friends and colleagues online. This year, I decided to help some of my favorite Star Wars characters choose their own guiding word.
Yoda: “Do”
While he’s full of good advice for Luke, it seems like he could have used this word for himself earlier in the fight. Yoda spent a long time huddled on a backwater planet. Yes, he feared for his safety. Yes, he was waiting for the moment to be right. Still, when there is a battle to be fought, Yoda doesn’t generally sit at the back. He gets right in there and he DOES.
Darth Vader / Anakin: “Choose”
This word holds two meanings for Lord Vader. He was manipulated by the Dark Side into making the choices that led to his downfall. Even so, he retains the ability to make his choices every step of the way. Our ability to choose includes the option to change our minds and make a new choice. Vader’s redemption shows that we can reverse courses even when we are quite a long way down a path.
https://notegraphy.com/mariaselke/note/1450053 (please display image)
Han Solo: “Dare”
After all, isn’t daring what smugglers do best? Ever the risk taker in his daily life; Han dares to take an even bigger risk and join a cause that could mean his death. He dares to open his heart to a circle beyond Chewbacca and his ship. He dares to become a leader. I can’t wait to see what his daring has accomplished when we hear the next part of his story in December.
Leia Organa: “Build”
The Rebellion was a success, and the Empire has been defeated. That’s wonderful, but it’s not the end of the story. Leia is a builder. Her organization and leadership is now needed to build a new world. Will it be one that is able to limit the growth of the darkness that still lingers? She’ll need every bit of skill to help the members of her Rebel forces find their new purpose in the galaxy.
Luke Skywalker: “Hope”
Our young hero is the hope the tattered remnants of the Jedi has been waiting for. Yet “hope” is also the word that focuses him. He hopes for adventure. He hopes to uncover and train the power within him. His hope and faith redeems his father. I’m curious to see if he remains hopeful when we encounter him in The Force Awakens.
Stormtroopers: “Aim”
Okay, maybe one wouldn’t be a great idea. If those stormtroopers had better aim, I may have lost many of my favorites during the original series! I think I’ll take this one back.
Do you have any resolutions or guiding principles for the year ahead?
Until next time – may the Force be with you!
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