I chose the word intentional for my word of the year for the year 2023. I wanted to feel more in control of what was happening (and not happening) in my life. So as much as this word prompted me to plan and prepare, it also helped me to feel comfortable saying no and not feeling guilty. It helped me to look at why I was responding to life the way that I was, and how I could feel differently if I changed my ways. It was a good year.

The first thing I wanted to focus on for the year was to insure that I’d be reading more. I’ve always loved to read, but as the years passed, I found myself reading less and less. I decided to make it easier for me to pick up a book and read by always having them available in my home. I ordered a few books with some gift cards I had received for Christmas. I went to the library every few weeks. I asked my friends on Facebooks for recommendations of their favorite titles in different genres.I read before bed instead of scrolling on my phone. I put my book in my purse so that if I had to wait at an appointment I could read a few chapters. I had a basket that I would keep full of books “to be read”. I kept a running list of each book title (and author) that I had finished. And because of all of these things, I finished 32 books this year. I chose to make those changes, no one else would have done any of those things for me. Being intentional about reading more and then planning accordingly helped me to succeed in my goal. I know full well that many people read far more than that in 12 months, but I am proud of myself and so very happy that I was able to jump back into a hobby that brings me such joy.

Another goal for 2023 was to continue my hobby of knitting winter hats and donating them to local charities. I enjoy knitting, but other than creating gifts for others, I didn’t feel I had the reason or resources to knit throughout the year. I especially enjoyed knitting hats, both for children and adults. Years ago, my children took an annual short missions trip with their youth group to help sort and distribute both food and clothing to those in need. Knowing that the trip was in November, I would knit all year and donate my hats to those they were helping. A few years ago, these trips stopped and I had to find new places to donate. It’s been fun each year to find winter hat/gloves drives and donate to them as I could. I let all of my friends know that I am knitting all year long and could use any yarn that they might want to provide. I posted on local Facebook “free pages” and explained what I did and was offered bags of free yarn. I take my knitting everywhere – on car rides, to the lakehouse, and I am never in front of the TV without my knitting on my lap. I also listen to books on tape as I knit on the couch. It’s a calming activity for me and I love that fact that in the end it is helping others, too. This year I have once again donated over 100 hats. I couldn’t do it without the generous souls that give me the yarn to work with, and I am so grateful. But once again, these hats could easily not have been made – I have to be intentional about keeping yarn stocked and having my supplies nearby when I have the time to knit. I’m feeling good about the donations I’ve made and the hats that were given to those who needed them.

I have other victories this year as well. I have seen more friends, taken more small trips, continued and changed my work out schedule, and focused on seeing the positive during difficult situations – all because I was doing my best to be more intentional. This blog has also been effected – I was able to write 12 times this year – once a month. It may not sound like much of a success story, but for as long as I have had this blog – over 8 years – that has never happened. I would run out of time, wasn’t able to think of something “worthy” to share, or life just got in the way. This year, I watched the calendar and tried to schedule an afternoon to write. I’d keep notes on possible blog topics on my phone. I’d let little things in life prompt a post, and I wouldn’t worry about blog length like I have in the past. I’m so excited about reaching this goal – it may be the thing I am most proud of this year regarding taking a bit more control back in my life.

I am now thinking and praying about my new word for 2024. I can’t wait to see how it will help to make me a better person in this upcoming year. If you have not tried this concept, I highly recommend it. Having one special word to lean on for 365 days is a great learning experience and can encourage growth in so many areas! I’m looking forward to continuing writing , and I will do my best to keep the streak alive – see you in a month 🙂