That zen proverb captures exactly what 2013 is about for me. Let me tell you why…
After having a little internal debate over whether or not to have a One Little Word this year, I finally made up my mind to have one. I thought about this topic back at the beginning of December and sort of shrugged it off thinking, “I don’t have time for another ‘thing to do.’” But this is why I caved in and fell into this long-winded conversation with myself about my word…
It’s pretty simple, really.
Having a sense of focus and direction comforts me.
It unnerves me to think of starting a NEW year without having some reNEWed motivation or approach to my life.
Wanna hear about my word and how I came up with it?…
(Fair warning… this post is long! They won’t always be like this, I pinky promise!)
Here are my ramblings about 2013 (basically notes I typed into my phone, lol):
“I can’t think of a word.
I don’t know if I really need one, but I feel like it helps center me as I take my first steps into the new year. It keeps me on track in a way that I know I’ll need.
This year was a struggle for us in more ways than one. There were new beginnings, and new challenges. There are things that I know I could have handled differently, experiences I wish I had gone through with a different frame of mind, and all too often there were missed opportunities for nurturing and even rekindling relationships.
But it wasn’t for a lack of want or intention. I made lists, calendars, set reminders, prioritized… But too many times when the pressure was on, I chose inaction over action, simply trying to avoid the stress. However, had I not waited, had I been more assertive, procrastinated less, the stress would not have been there to begin with.
Lesson learned.
These words keep coming to mind….
- Action
- Progress
- Improvement
- Change
- Betterment
- Growth
But these are more like results driven words, are they not??? How do I achieve them? I’ve been choosing words like this for years, and I’m always disappointed in the lack of results….
*puts phone down for a while*
That’s it!
I just finished browsing some daily devotionals to see which one I thought would fit me the best for the new year. Well, in the first one I read, it spoke of remaining ROOTED in God.
Of COURSE!!!
For years I have been so consumed with forward progress and upward growth. All along I was failing to recognize that without a strong foothold, without being properly ROOTED, I wouldn’t grow much at all!… I’d sway with even a gentle gust of wind… And any sign of turmoil would be sure to cause me to topple over.
Last year I allowed myself to be controlled by my circumstances all too often. With each gust of wind I swayed from happy to sad, from content to dissatisfied, from energetic to lethargic, or from peaceful to frustrated.
This year, I am making a purposeful effort to remain ROOTED in my faith, my beliefs, my support system, my family, those things that I know will help me through what I need to get through, and to wherever I need to get to.
This is going to require me to remain mindful of my actions and my goals. Like I said, a “purposeful effort.”
I stumbled upon a timely, and beautifully written post about being mindful of your goals at A Bowl Full of Lemons. Bookmark this one for sure!
I’m excited!
And blessed, for despite my struggles, I have made some valuable, meaningful connections with some kind hearted, generous, thoughtful, hilarious, and just plain awesome people along the way this last year. I look forward to establishing myself in the way I need so that I can be a blessing to them in return.
That is one of my biggest desires this year… to make sure those who are near and dear are shown just how much they mean to me…. regularly.
And that’s that.
See, that didn’t take too long. ;)
What are your thoughts? What do you make sure to be ROOTED in to get through life? Your faith? Your family? I’d love to hear.
Ok 2013, I’m ready for ya!
6 Comments
Leave a Reply
Welcome!
Follow Me
Baby Talk
Designing For
Product I Love
You have hit the nail on the head, dear girl! I’ll join you in that resolution… it’s actually very similar to one I made for myself this year. Don’t be too hard on yourself for the mistakes you’ve made…we all make mistakes, no one is perfect. Put the past behind you and grab each day with gusto! I know you will!!! I’ll always be one of your greatest fans and your friend. Thanks so much for sharing!
Love and hugs,
Lisa
I loved your post, Martina. You bring up so many wonderful thought provoking topics which I believe we can all relate to in one way or another. Thanks for being open and sharing, what looks to be, a lot of contemplative thought and soul searching.
What a perfect word: rooted. I like that, and I do try and achieve it,(as in reading my scriptures and saying my prayers first thing each day) but often seem to get sidetracked by “things” in life that take my time but aren’t really important. Thanks for the reminder: It’s 3:30pm and I haven’t read my scriptures. Now I remember what I have to do!! :-) Hugs!! Have a great evening: you are a special daughter of God, and I know that he loves what you are doing in raising children in a sweet, loving household.
Such an inspiring post, Sarah! You make think deep and hard for my own word. Thanks for sharing with us :)
Rooting for you to have success in deeping your roots. Thanks for sharing this. I can tell you are a woman wanting to grow and be better for yourself and your family. The best gift we can give to others is a healthier us. Hang in there!
Sarah, I don’t think there is anything wrong with reaching a little higher or digging a little deeper. Even though I don’t know you personally, I can tell from your blog that you’re a wonderful,caring person and a great mom. But let’s don’t forget that there may have been some post partum in the past year and that it’s completely normal. My daughter who is a new mom has experienced some this past year too and I’m so glad I knew what it was and could be a support system for her. As Women, we take such a load in trying to care for everyone around us. I experienced it with both of my babies, but there was no name for it and we certainly didn’t know what it was, things just seemed harder. I love you and your card art. II don’t know how you do it and juggle it all and I think you are amazing.. Letting Go, should be my words, an old hobby, junk in all of my closets and more.