A few weeks ago, this peculiar word caught my attention, and I had the idea to make it my OLW (One Little Word) for 2025 – the word that would guide me through the new year.

Now, those who know me know that my skeletal challenges make traveling uninviting for me. But what if I looked at traveling in a broader sense? What does it mean to travel? My online search of the word coddiwomple was quite thought-provoking. It led me to synonyms for “travel,” such as journey, progress, roam, wander, and ramble, as well as other definitions and examples. Here are some of the insights I found and want to remember.

“Coddiwompling doesn’t mean lack of direction; quite the opposite. A coddiwompler has peace of mind because she’s not waiting to “become” someone or for something else to happen. She’s comfortable getting lost because she knows that’s where the truly worthwhile opportunities and aha’s are to be found.”  Awakin.org April Rinne

In a post on viningcenter.com, the spiritual journey is described as pilgrim vs tuorists. “Tourists set their course and agenda; pilgrims simply launch the boat and expect to be led. Tourists stay in control; pilgrims abandon control. Tourists are committed to a destination; pilgrims are committed to the journey itself.” In order to live like a pilgrim we must be

• Open-hearted. Less attached to the destination. More willing, less willful.
• Humble. Not so certain that I know what I need or even want. More ready to ask for help.
• Trusting. Looking for the unexpected opportunities embedded in every failure or plan-gone-awry.

What if I applied these thoughts to all areas of my life – personal – professional? What if I focused less on the “goal” or end result and more on all the little things that happen along the way?

Yes, coddiwomple will be my 2025 OLW! I can coddiwomple through my life this year. Stay tuned for the unpredictable – the limitless possiblities!