It's been about a month since I was here last, typing in this space, and I've missed it. The month of December is overwhelming in almost every way, and add in a chronic illness that flares and it becomes quite a challenge. Having said that, I find it the most magical time of the year and I had a great Christmas season. I will share some of our moments with you soon.
For now though, we are starting a new year and I am trying to choose my One Little Word for 2012. I started this tradition in 2010 with the word Nest. I chose that year to focus on our home and family. I wanted to create a cozy, warm, artful home and focus on nourishing my little chicks.
In 2011, I chose Still. I was diagnosed in 2010 with a chronic autoimmune disease, and I wanted to remember in 2011 to slow down, to rest (both physically and mentally), and to remember that no matter what, God still has a plan and a purpose for me.
This year I want to continue to learn how to celebrate the moments while letting go of expectations. I don't want to live on auto-pilot. I don't want to do things because I should do them or because they are expected. I want to spend my days on things that my family has chosen and implemented because we feel they are worthwhile.
I want to slow down in the moments -- unlearn multitasking every moment and remember that sometimes multitasking doesn't lead to getting more done, it just leads to frenzy and not really being able to focus.
This year I want to practice the art of being present in each moment. I want to give the person or task in each moment the undivided attention it deserves. Life is a gift. Every moment of life is a gift and it won't be back. We spend it while we live it -- whether we are present and absorbing it, or wishing it away, or too busy to notice it slipping by. I am still trying to determine the best word to use for that. Any thoughts?
So are you choosing a word for the new year? I would love to hear about it in the comments. If you've written a blog post about it, feel free to link to your post in a comment. And if you haven't chosen a word, but have something you are resolving to do or improve at, tell us about it. I'd love to hear where your heart and head is as you are starting your new year.
I am glad you are back!
ReplyDeleteYou described what I want for 2012 so well. I have two teenagers and find our time together less predictable. This year I want to focus more on looking into their eyes and listening to their thoughts rather than focusing on all the other things going on in life. Life is definitely a gift to be treasured.
I don't have a post about this, but in addition to my main blog, I also have a blog where I focus on simple daily things that bring me pleasure. I find spending a few minutes each day reflecting on these simple gifts brings a lot of joy to my life. http://naturallyhappybeingme.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year.
I love the idea of having a word for the year. The first time I had heard of this idea was in an Illuminate class I took a few months ago. I didn't choose one for last year, but one chose me...Trust. Since I took the class, I decided on a different word to follow me through 2012. Believe. If you are interested, you can read a little more about my word and my reflections on the year...http://myinfantloss.com/2012/01/a-look-back/
ReplyDeleteMy word for 2010 was Cherish as I learned to focus on savoring time I have especially with my son and family and friends. My word for 2011 was a little strange, but I needed it: Ebenezer, from I Samuel 7:12 when the prophet Samuel named the stone, proclaiming "Thus far has the LORD helped us." That thought has carried me through moving houses and a major diagnosis in my family. For 2012 my word will be the latin phrase Fortitudine vincimus: "by endurance we conquer."
ReplyDeleteMy natural tendency is to be overwhelmed by my limitations, so I am thankful for the way God uses the word of the year to train me and expand my awareness of what He's given me.