2018: Word of the Year

For the last 2 years I have chosen a word to focus on. 

2016:  Present
2017:  Focus

I feel I succeeded in 2016.   I felt more present in my job, family, and life over all. However 2017 was a struggle for me.  Many things happened over the last year to cause me to struggle with things on a daily basis.  Not my family or marriage, both are stronger than ever.  There were other outside forces that tried to wreck me but I think I came out above it all after all is said and done.  I worked on ways to refocus my mind, refocus my career, and refocus my beliefs.  I'll share the tips I have tried to stay on top of my struggle throughout 2018.

That brings us to 2018. 

I'm choosing to be confident, honest, and brave.  SHINE.  I let people but negativity about myself in my head last year which then sent me spiraling down.  This year I will be turning that around and let my strengths SHINE.

What did you chose for your word of the year? Let me know in the comments!

Word of the Year: 2017

Last year I started off the year with one word to focus on.

Present.  

I really tried over the last year to be present.  To put the phone down, to not let life's distractions take me away from my family, friends, and faith.  While I was not 100% perfect, I was more mindful over the last year to be present.  I will continue in 2017 to be more present in my life. 

That brings me to 2017's word of the year.  

This year I want to focus on what's important.  It uses last year's word as a stepping stone in my life and gives me the platform to grow.  I want to focus on my family, my family, my job, and my faith.  HOWEVER at the same time I don't want to lose the progress I've made over the last year.  Focus allows me to let update my goals as the year goes on and I grow in every part of my life.  

Along with choosing a word, I also chose a verse that will help me focus on what is important throughout the year.  

Colossians 3:2 

Today is the first page of a fresh new book.  Now is your chance to write a masterpiece.  

What is your word of the year?  

I try to use my own pictures when available and if I do use other pictures I cite the source.  There are times when I'm unable to find the source for the pictures I use.  If you find that I have used one of yours please let me know, I will gladly give you credit!

One Word 2016: Present

I will admit, I struggled with this.  I tasked myself and you all to find one word focus on for the upcoming year.  I prayed over it, read my bible, talked to friends, and I still struggled.  Last night while I sat alone with my thoughts I finally came up with mine.

Present

I want to focus on being present.  I worry about tomorrow and how things were handled in the past making me miss the present.  Each moment is a gift and I want to be able to value each one.  My daughter is 12 and growing into a strong young lady and I want to be present more in her life.   My husband and I are in a great place but I need to remember not to get distracted when life gets hectic and to always make time for us.   I’m do well with my devotions and my first 15 but there is always room for improvement.  I plan on making an effort to put down my electronic devices and live in the now. Last year was a blur with buying a new house, problems at school, work, family, etc.  Now that we are settled, it’s time to focus on what’s important.

I know I will need to redirect my thoughts and actions over the next year and it will take a great deal of prayer to help me along the way.


Did you find your one word?  Let me know!

What's Your One Word?

Do you have a word or a theme that you focus on for a year?  

Most people use the start of a new year to create a them or think of a focus word to meditate on for the next year.  That's all good and well but I know myself and I will likely fail if I start something as a new year's resolution.  For me, Autumn seems like the perfect time to start a theme or a word to focus on.  I mean why not?  Fall is time to Restart!  Reboot! and Refresh!

Let's look at that more closely, if you are like me, you may have planted some bulbs this fall so at the start of spring you have new growth!    So if you think of a word to live by now, come spring you may also see some growth and blessing in your own life.

My task this week is to think of that one word.  I also challenged my good friend Jac with the same task and if you are up to it, I challenge you to also find that one word!!

Blessings, 

Melissa