Well, hello there, January! You’re a sneaky little guy, you know that?! Here I was, eating a dessert after every meal, opening gifts like it was my job, and ignoring both the laundry and my alarm clock – then BAM! The calendar page flips and all heck hits the fan. School starts, I have to put “real” clothes on again, and everyone around me is talking the predictable “New Year, New me” talk. Yikes.

For seven years now, I have opted out of resolutions. Now don’t get me wrong. I am definitely one to reflect and attempt to improve myself. But, I know what works for me ~ and what doesn’t ~ and resolutions don’t work. I need something that is simultaneously more broad and more specific. Does that make sense? Let me explain. As I look back on my year, I pay close attention to what has given me trouble in the past. What is it that has caused anger, anxiety or stress? How much of these issues are out of my control, and how much could I have actually changed by more planning or less reacting? Deep, right?! But also, very basic. I want to have a word that I can use to remind me daily ( hourly, if necessary) of the positive life that I strive to live – even when I am facing something craptastic.

In the past, I have chosen contentment, perspective, peace, release, acceptance and focus. Each year, in December, I keep my eyes wide open for my new word. I read scripture, listen attentively to song lyrics, pay extra close attention during conversations. During this process my word is always revealed to me. This year, my word is RISE.

I chose the word rise for several reasons. First of all, it’s positive. It’s an action I can take. I’m a busy body, I need to DO stuff. One of the first things I ask when I situation presents itself is “What can I do?”. I can rise. Secondly, I wanted to find a word that would encourage me. When things are frustrating, and I said WHEN, not if, I want to be reminded they they will improve. That this, too, shall pass. That I can make things better, easier, more tolerable- if I rise. One of my very favorite quotes is “We rise by lifting others”. How can I help others? Are my eyes open to the needs around me? What can I do to make a difference? I can rise.

In regards to my word being both broad and specific, I hope I explained myself well enough. I guarantee that in 2019, I will have countless opportunities to rise. To stand back up, to find confidence that’s been lost, trust that’s been tested, truth that’s been denied. I hope and pray that 2019 is all that you want it to be. This year, I will rise.