word of the year

Revisiting “today”…

Back in January, I chose “today” as my word of the year. This particular word was selected because I knew that this year was bringing many changes in our family and I wanted to focus on each new day instead of the upcoming events and activities that were on the way. These family events were all good, 2 weddings and a child moving to be with her spouse as he began law school – but even good things can be stressful. The wedding planning is a lot of decision making and that, in itself, can be exhausting. I know myself, and with these kinds of changes looming, I knew I needed to be intentional about living in the present.

As one prepares for a big event like a wedding – even if it’s your daughter’s and not your own – it can be all consuming. Thoughts of time lines and food options, dress fabrics and napkin colors can sneak in and make daily living a bit more “hectic”. Planning is fun, but would be so much more fun if the rest of your life would be more accommodating – do I still need to work, exercise, grocery shop, do laundry, prepare for holidays and on and on and on – while SIMULTANEOUSLY planning the wedding?! Yep, you sure do. And that’s where it becomes draining. It’s essential to let yourself take a day “off” every now and then and think nothing about the upcoming event. Do something for yourself. Go out to eat, take a nap, read, visit a friend. Don’t let the fun of every day slip away.

I am in my last few weeks of school and currently 18 days away from my first daughter’s wedding – so I will be keeping this post short and sweet. I have found several quotes this year that have inspired me to be more mindful of living in the present and I thought I’d share them with you!

Enjoy the remaining days of the month of May!

  • Know your worth – then add tax
  • Give yourself grace
  • Don’t spend your year doing the same shit
  • Focus on what you can control
  • Good things are coming

Today is the day!

I gave a lot of thought to choosing my word this year. I knew that the next 12 months would be bringing some major changes to our family dynamics, including two of our daughters getting married almost exactly 4 months apart. As someone with a type A personality, it is very easy for me to get caught up in planning, preparing, changing details, and nailing down specifics. It’s all too common for me to be in a situation or with a friend or loved one and have my mind creating a list of the next errands that need to be done, items that need to be returned, or ingredients that need to be purchased. I don’t want to miss the excitement and joy that we are in the thick of because I am focusing on the things that still need to be done – let’s face it, no matter how far ahead you plan, there will ALWAYS still be things that need to be done. I don’t want to be distracted with what is yet to be, I want to be completely present with the task at hand. I won’t be getting this time back, and if my mind is elsewhere, even the memories of these events will be a bit skewed. God, please help me to focus on TODAY, and celebrate both the magic and the mundane of the next 24 hours!

I also struggle with perhaps filling my days a bit too much. How much can I get done today? How many items can be checked off of my list? I am a big fan of lists and making sure I have a plan for each day or event. As a Mom of four young children, I realized that my productive days wouldn’t look quite the same, as my schedule was no longer my own. I started writing a “Have done list” instead of a “To do list”. This helped me to feel proud of all that I had accomplished each day while still feeding, bathing, napping, diapering and loving on my littles. The pressure was off as I added items to the list AFTER they were completed (*paid a bill *did a load of towels *did my bible study) instead of a looming list of chores and errands calling my name. I was still getting things done, but at my own pace and one that allowed my family to be my priority. There are certainly days that I need to ask myself what would benefit me more, being productive or getting some rest. I need to become more aware of how these busy days and schedules affect my mental state. As much as I love to get things done – I’m also a huge advocate for a nap on the couch with the dog. Balance – it’s all about balance – and what works for me today.

Every day is different, even if we think we know how things are going to play out. Some days seem to last forever, and some are over before you know it. Some days bring a tsunami of emotions and some days are absolutely uneventful and a big 24 hours of B-O-R-I-N-G. I am going to try to take each day as it comes and accept the highs and lows that arrive along with each new sunrise. I will do my best to thank God for every day as I pray each night. One of my favorite quotes is ” Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”. I’m not going to sugar coat what life throws my way – if it’s a craptastic day, ok then. Tomorrow is a new day. Being able to enjoy each day also requires me to let go of the malarkey that has recently happened – to keep moving forward. God has reminded us in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Today. We should be focusing on today – and that is my goal in 2025. Praying for your strength as you chase whatever you are running after this year . May we all find a wonderful mix of adventure and peace wrapped up with a sparkly bow of gratitude. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Effort – word of the year 2024

This is now my 12th year for choosing a word to focus on instead of a list of resolutions for the New Year. In the past, words I have chosen include perspective, peace, service, contentment, release, acceptance, focus, rise, enough, progress, and intentional. I truly respond better to a word that encourages rather than resolutions that may restrict. This year I chose the word effort. I’d love to explain why I’d like to focus on adding effort in all areas of my life and 2024.

In 2023, my word was intentional. I was more deliberate in scheduling visits with friends and family. I made time to enjoy reading, knitting, and exercise in my weekly schedule. I took more control of the things I had power over -my food and water intake, sleep schedule, screen time, etc. -and tried my best to not complain about the things that were out of my control. Basically, I looked at my day and made my best attempt to fill it with the things that would help me live my happiest and most productive life. Obviously, it didn’t always work out that way, but the intention was always there!

This year, I’d like to see what I can achieve if I throw in some extra effort. I learned that my life definitely improved with more intentionality, and I know I will see progress, growth, and development in several areas if I add effort -it’s a given. I have goals I’d like to meet, but without effort, there’s no way that they will happen. By definition, effort is “exertion of physical or mental power”. Making sure that I throw in some extra resolve to reach these goals will only benefit me. Pushing a bit harder towards a challenge will also help to keep me focused and moving in the right direction. Adding effort into my daily life will only help to improve my relationships, health and overall happiness and wellbeing – and I’m here for it!

So bring it, 2024! Go ahead and blow those “winds of change” that I see in the forecast! I will be doing my very best to make it a great year adding effort in all the areas of my life that matter most. Cheers to an amazing New Year!

It’s been an intentional year…

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 🙂

Intentional

Each year, I think long and hard about what my word of the year should be. I was “this close” to repeating my word from 2022 – worthy – something I had never done in my previous eleven years of choosing a word. The word worthy brought me so many lessons, and I was hesitant to move on without it. Nonetheless, I poured over lists of potential words until one made me stop in my tracks – intentional. The dictionary defines intentional as an adjective, meaning “done on purpose; deliberate”. Now, as a TYPE A personality, I feel that most of what I do in life is thought out, planned and on purpose. But was I living an intentional life? It appears I will be finding this out in 2023.

I thrive on a schedule. Having raised four children, I found that our household also did much better when a routine was established and we did our best to stick with it. As a teacher, I’m fully aware that my days are the most productive and successful when they are scheduled and planned in advance, even to the point of over-planning in case an activity took less time than originally planned. Needless to say, most of the areas in my life are already organized, anticipated and planned in advance. So why did the word intentional tug at my heart this year? Since I’m not a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal, why did I feel the urge to focus on this word in particular? Honestly – it has a bit to do with an upcoming date this winter. That, my friend, will be my 50th birthday (50 😳). I’m not dreading it by any means, but I am becoming more aware of how time has the capacity to pass rather quickly, and if I have things that I’d like to say, or do, or witness – I better start being more intentional.

I spoke earlier about how I feel that I have already tried to be intentional in my parenting and career. There are so many other aspects of my life that deserve a similar amount of intentionality… my hobbies, my eating habits, my relationships, how much sleep I am getting each night – the list could go on and on. Let’s take this little blog for example. Writing brings me joy. It also brings me frustration and guilt when I can’t (don’t) find time for it in my weekly schedule. It gets pushed to the back seat – heck it’s being pulled behind the van on most occasions. I don’t allow this outlet for myself – and I can’t even explain why it’s not justifiable in my own mind. But no more, I will be more intentional this year about writing more – and hopefully adding blogs for you to read about whatever is in my head at the time (God help us all!). I will also allow more time for reading – another true love that gets shoved aside in the chaos of daily living. I know I will find several other areas in my daily life that are begging for more intentionality.

For the most part, I will open my eyes a bit wider, and wait just a moment longer before I respond – making sure that I understand what’s in front of me, before I open my mouth and comment on it. I will plan more lunches and dinners with friends, be more careful with the words that I choose to speak and write, and be more cautious with what I agree to do with the time I have been blessed with on the earth. I will try to acknowledge that everything I do is a choice – and that others are choosing too… and that’s the hard part. I am going to do my absolute best to live on purpose, not just react and respond to what is happening around me. Being intentional sounds right, it sounds necessary. I know that God had a reason to plop that word in my lap. I am hopeful that this year will allow me to grow in whatever areas in my life could afford some improvement. I pray that this year is a great one for all of you ❤️

Worthy – 2022

The past few years have changed many things, including expectations that we all had for our every day lives. Talk was rampant about the “new normal” which I refuse to accept in any way, shape, or form. Control was taken away regarding our school hours, work locations, and shopping options. Weeklong to the familiar, unless we chose to let it go, finally excepting that are all the ways may not have been the best for us. As we begin a new calendar year, I will yet again choose a word to reflect on for the next 12 months. This process has served me well, and I am sharing my word with you in hopes of perhaps spreading some hope in a challenging time for all of us.

A few years ago while in a Bible study, I came upon the scripture Ephesians 4:1, “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received”. This particular this line stopped me in my tracks. How often have I failed to do this? More often than not, I make choices that lead to frustration, guilt and anger. I choose to look away, take the easier path, keep quiet when my voice would’ve helped. I know my choices haven’t all been negative, and that quite often I dive in headfirst with guns blazing in order to make a difference. But living worthy of my calling requires more awareness, deliberate responses, and making the decision to seek the good and promote it even when we question our own future. I am hoping that by focusing on the word worthy, I will take a few more moments before I react, adjusting my attitude and responses accordingly.

The definition of worthy (adjective) is “deserving effort, attention, or respect; good enough , or suitable”. I hope I will be able to feel worthy in the most important areas of my life. Am I feeling valued at home, work, in my friendships and family relationships? How am I choosing what activities, events and organizations deserve my effort and energy? How do I express my feelings if I’m feeling hurt, dismissed, or disrespected? Acknowledging our worth is the first step in taking ownership of our actions and addressing the actions of those around us. Understanding that each and every one of us are deserving and worthy will hopefully change how we interact, and result in less negativity and conflict – something that would benefit all of us!

Focusing on the word worthy won’t change my life. It’s not a magic pill that will fix my attitude or perspective. I’m hoping that it will open my eyes to more positive possibilities. I’m motivated to really think about the ideas, people, and activities that I feel deserve my effort and passion. I want to stop and fully realize the worth I bring to the world and those in my life. The amazing fact is …we are ALL worthy. Every last one of us. What a gift. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will do my best to live worthy this year.

Blessings to you in 2022 ❤️

My word for 2017 ….

For several years now, I choose one word that I attempt to focus on throughout the year.I am not one to make resolutions – mostly because I prefer short term goals over long term goals (I get distracted entirely too easily). Having a word or concept to pay particular attention to for the entire year allows me the chance to look at the various ways and areas that the definition of the word works in my life. For me, it works.

In 2016, I chose the word release. I felt that it was time for me to start letting go. Of what, you may wonder? Of lots of things, starting with clutter – stuffed closets, overflowing drawers, unloved knick knacks and more. Once the physical “stuff” was taken care of, I shifted my priorities to feelings, relationships and expectations that needed to be released. This wasn’t as easy as taking a garbage bag into the closet, but it was even more important. Letting go of these things frees us from the heaviness it creates – a heavy heart has trouble finding happiness. I worked hard on paying attention to the things that were causing me stress and attempted to change the way I dealt with these people, issues or situations. At the end of 2016, when my book was delayed – I needed to release all of my anxiety that was created by this overwhelmingly frustrating event. I was forced to let go of my plans and dreams of selling during the Christmas season and change gears for the future. At first, I wondered if my word would serve me well for 12 whole months. In the end, I could have easily used this word for another entire year – but instead decided to build off of it.

.acceptance-2

For 2017, I chose the word acceptance. I figured that since I had devoted a year to cleansing my life from negative habits, people and situations that I could not control, I should follow up with a year of learning how to live with what I can not change – and making the best of it. In June of 2017, my first born is graduating from high school. This is something that consumes my thoughts and much of my energy right now as we fill out college application, cap and gown forms, take senior pictures and plan for his graduation party. In the back of my mind, I fully understand (logically) that he is growing up . I hear his deep voice, see his facial hair and watch him drive away in his car as he heads to work. Yet – I haven’t fully accepted it. I think I am still in denial. I need to focus on how proud I am of him and his accomplishments, instead of how sad I am that he is leaving. Time will help, and so will seeing his excitement about his college days ahead of him. It’s all a matter of accepting it, right?  Being a parent is sort of crappy like that.

acceptance

Acceptance is also important in regards to how I manage the areas of my life that just aren’t “my favorite”. I think we all have things and people we absolutely must deal with that we wish we could JUST. NOT. The thought alone makes us cringe, but it doesn’t make the issue or relationship go away. So now what? ACCEPTANCE. To be clear – the definition of acceptance is “the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered” (according to the online dictionary). No where does it state that I have to LIKE it in order to ACCEPT it….right? My goal is to accept a few of the things that I can not control (like my babies growing up and leaving me) and search for the good – something positive – something that will make me smile and not pull my hair out. We can all use a bit more sunshine and a few less clouds. My wish for you is that you find a word that helps you in more ways than one this year. Please let me know what your word is once you know it – I love to hear how my friends are working to improve their lives!

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My word for 2015…

YOU CAN COMPLAIN

A few years back, I heard about something interesting that I decided to do at the start of each new year. The concept of making resolutions for the New Year has always been a negative one for me. Call it what you will – lack of will power, too high of expectations, big dreams and smaller amounts of motivation – but I never quite made it through January the end of the year with my list. It all seemed too daunting. So, needless to say, I was über excited to learn about a new way of doing things in order to get the positive results that I desired.

Basically, I choose a word. A concept that I’d like to focus on through out the entire year. A word that I can work into my daily life – my relationships, my struggles, my schedule. A word to meditate upon instead of a list to “do”. In the past, I have chosen the words peace, service and contentment. I go to my fave place, Pinterest, and create a board for my new word. I include quotes, articles or pictures that “speak to me”, that encouraged me to keep my word in the forefront of my mind. This year, I have chosen the word perspective. The photo quote above is one of my pins. And by the way – if you are not yet on Pinterest – please go and sign up. Now. I can wait. It will change your life  (in a good way). But, I digress. 🙂

Choosing your word has to be well thought out – it can’t just “happen”. It’s something I usually start thinking about during December, so that I will be ready  once all of the cookies have been eaten, the tree is down and the calendar flips, beginning the New Year. Typically , it will be a word that I feel like I need to understand more, connect with more, have in my life to a greater extent. A word that naturally intrigues me. I chose perspective as my word this year for several reasons. First, because of its basic definition. I am – please note the blog name – a lover of words. I like to learn new ones and then throw them into every day conversations. I like to use “big ones” and sound smarter than I actually am (we called those 50 cent words when I was growing up – as in “Don’t come in here and start throwing 50 cent words around here, Buddy!”) But I digress. Again. 🙂  Dictionary.com defines perspective as “a mental view or prospect”.  I feel that I did indeed need a change in my mental view.

Next, I truly felt that I needed to be reminded that my view was up to ME. The things that happen to me, rumors I hear, reports from news program … they are legit – but I get to decide how to react or “feel” about them all. And finally, and most  importantly, I wanted to start focusing more on the positive. Even in the worst case scenario – there is hope, and I wanted to train myself to look for that silver lining. I want it to become more natural. I know that there are still going to be  moments when I will want to sneak into the pantry, shut the door and enjoy a few minutes of solitude and M&Ms. I am definitely not saying that because I am focusing on the good that the bad will just disappear (don’t I wish). But during 2015, I am choosing to look for the good and see if that helps me to find it more than when I am grumbling around feeling sorry for myself.

I have mentioned this on Facebook each year and love it when my friends post their words for the year as well. It’s very interesting and motivating. So – what do you think? What is your word for the year?