Great story Paula. Been awhile since I’ve caught one of your posts. I’m also often a diplomat, likely to sacrifice myself to help smooth a situation than not. It’s good to read your insight. I have two words this year too, and I don’t usually do a word of the year focus. But these two words kept rolling around my head the last couple months of 2015: SLOW and RESOLVE. Slow because speed is taking more from me than it should. And resolve mostly for determination and boldly, fearlessly moving forward. But also for the other parts that resolve covers, firm course of action, finding solutions, that solid sense of calm, etc.. ☺ Boldness, fierceness, etc didn’t quite fit alone, but resolve seemed to feel right. Anyway, nice to catch your post and blessed wishes foryour new year!