Happy New Year!
So, how are those New Year’s resolutions going? Bagged them already? I didn’t even try. Based on years of failure, I know that resolution-making is a useless feat. Not because I can’t but because I won’t, and I end up feeling lousy about another failure chalked up against me.
How about you?
Well, I may have a remedy.
I discovered something several years ago that does work. It has been gaining popularity recently, and it’s called “One Word.” Maybe you have practiced it too? It is the idea of choosing a “word of the year” instead of setting unattainable resolutions. You may use your word to set goals or intentions for each area of your life where that single word ties it all together. For example, if your word of the year is “discipline” it could entail going to the gym, save more, sticking to a morning quiet time, ditching your phone while spending more quality time with the people you love, less grumbling, less scrolling, less negativity, and more gratefulness, grace, and goodness. You get the idea.
My word for 2023 is “determination.” What is it that I want to achieve? What do I want my year to look like? There are areas of my life where change is needed, as well as hopes and dreams that I’d like to accomplish. As I move through the year I will continue to focus on my word. It will be the catalyst for my desires and goals.
Choosing my word involved prayer, reflection, and God’s Word. A quote from the Canadian hockey goaltender, Maxime Legace’ helped too: “If you’re truly determined, every obstacle becomes a steppingstone.”
Couple an encouraging quote with God’s truth and what do you have? The perfect inspiration for your year of “One Word” living.
My text: Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Pretty good, eh?
Now it’s your turn.
Here’s a list to get your thinker thinking:
By tying your goals and dreams to an overarching word, it is easy to keep them front-of-mind. Put the word in a prominent place – your lock screen, refrigerator, mirror, steering wheel! I don’t care, just give it a whirl.
Ready?
Reply to me with your “one word.” Let’s do this not-so-silly thing together. Come this December we will chat and assess how we did.
I’m “determined” to have your back! 😉
Big hugs,
Dawn
