One Word Resolution: Choosing One Word For 2017

The other day, I was cleaning out a stack of papers I stumbled upon in the attic. I found a decade old list of Resolutions, and my, was I ambitious!

The list was quite long and unfortunately, many of the things on the list would still be there if I made one today.

Oh, the standards were represented – tackling diet and fitness, managing our finances better, improving one specific area like organization – yes, it was all there and it would still make the cut this time around and, as always, I would vow to own that Resolution list like a boss!

But I noticed one specific thing that was lacking.

Character

While it’s great to improve on bad habits and focus on bettering those elements, aren’t we leaving the most important aspect aside…the person?

Have you seen the “One Word for the Year” idea going around? I have noticed this idea in the place of resolutions for the past few years and I’ve always thought it was a great idea, but never actually applied it.

Just the other day, I saw a meme going around making fun of New Years resolutions. It had some colorful language, and since I’m a lady, I won’t share the exact phrase, but the gist is that we don’t magically change the moment the clock strikes midnight. It takes time.

It takes trial and error.

It takes messing up in front of people.

It takes messing up as a parent.

Or as a spouse.

My main goal was to build my character instead of changing my behavior – and doesn’t one beget the other anyway? With that realization, I was officially on the word of the year train!

So of course, Miss Eager Beaver showed up with her list making notepad and new shiny pen and started jumping in, filling my mind with words upon words.

Malleable. Contentment. Joy. Peace. Adventure. Balance. Strength. Patience.

Well, then this idea became all muddled and I almost gave up and was only going to focus on flossing my teeth this year. I turned to Trent and asked him for help.

He suggested the word rest. He notices that I busy myself and my mind so often with projects and problems that many times I don’t sit down until 9:00 and then I just turn off.

But resting seemed like …. nothing. So I just sit and stare? I got his vibe of abiding and letting go of things and blah, blah, blah…

but that word wasn’t quite right.

Then epiphany struck!

What is my blog all about?

Noting Grace

Stopping the craziness around you and noticing the grace you’ve been given. Recognizing when you need to dole out that grace. Giving yourself grace on those time you mess up, which for me is quite often. Or even giving grace to a neglected piece of furniture, or a forgotten room.

Grace

That’s my word for 2017 – and all the above applies.

By choosing just that one word for the year, I will be able to focus. I can see growth in how I handle my stress. It will keep me sane. And it will leave me much more satisfied with the accomplishments I can see.

Instead of seeing a list that didn’t get crossed off in a year, I can look at how I’ve grown in my character, which needs load of help!