One word. Since 2011, it’s changed my opinion on making New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t make them anymore. Instead, I narrow my focus on one simple, yet life changing word, or as the folks over at One Word 365 put it,
One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. One word that you can focus on every day, all year long.
Last year my word was radical, inspired by David Platt in his life-changing book, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. (affiliate link) It’s been a word I’ve both loved and hated.
Living that word out has caused me to step outside of my comfort zone, abandon myself, speak the truth of the Gospel, and so much more. It brought pain, tears, laughter, and I know without a doubt that lives were changed, especially mine.
This year my word is intentional. It means to do things on purpose; be deliberate. Sometimes I struggle to be present in an age of urgency, but I’m setting out to change that. Though I want to make plans for my future, I want to live in the moment as well.
Relationships are required.
At times I tend to check out in the middle of a conversation. Not because I’m not interested or want to be rude (okay, sometimes I’m really not interested), but because my mind goes elsewhere.
I’ve always been a daydreamer. From the time I was a little girl I used daydreaming as a way to escape from my reality. Today, however, my reality is great. My past doesn’t define me. God is doing incredible things and I want to savor the moments.
I have amazing people in my life who have invested countless hours into my growth. I want to be intentional and do the same with them. Not only that, but I need to work on being present with those who aren’t my closest friends. I want my reactions, my words, my presence to show others that I care and am invested in them, even if it’s only for a five-minute conversation.
Time is of the essence.
I struggle with impatience. I don’t particularly like to wait or be late for things. Sometimes, though, my lack of patience causes me to be in too big of a hurry.
For instance, I eat fast. I usually have my food done before others have finished half of theirs. This means I don’t take the time to savor and enjoy what’s in front of me. As a person who has struggled with weight all of her life, this isn’t a good habit to have.
I want to be intentional about enjoying my food, soaking in the flavors and the conversation that goes with eating meals around the table with friends and family. This goes back to the being intentional in the relationships part.
I want to be still enough to “smell the roses”. Better yet, I want to be quiet enough to listen when God is trying to speak to me instead of trying to put him on speaker phone while I run errands, then wonder why my mind is tired.
So, today is the beginning of living a new word. 365 days of living intentionally. 8765.81 hours of living on purpose, for a purpose greater than myself.
Feel free to hold me to the agreement. I love accountability. Oh.. and if we’re in a conversation and my eyes glaze over, feel free to kick me under the table and tell me to stop daydreaming, unless of course it’s a really good dream.
What about you? What one word would you like to live out in 2013? Share in the comments below…
The word I want to live out in 2013 is focus!
Great word!
Great word for 2013. My word for last year was transformed. I’m still processing my word for this year. I’ve thought of a few ideas (journey, consistent, grow, and intentional), but I need to narrow it down a bit. Thanks for the encouragement found in this post.
Great words Jon. Praying God provides you with just the right word.
My word is “Copy-cat” Kidding :0) But I also chose “Intentional” for 2013. My word for 2012 was “Joy” but it ended up playing out in “Growth”. My husband literally became the pastor of our church overnight three years ago and we have poured every waking second of our lives and every ounce of our souls into nurturing, encouraging, loving & growing this church family God has entrusted us with. We love where we are but it has taken it’s toll, physically & mentally. I have gained 30 lbs and my house is in chaos! So this year we want to continue taking steps on the path God has laid before us but also to focus on stepping back and being intentional about our marriage relationship, our health and the discipleship of the church. We want to slow down and raise our heads up from the grindstone & enjoy the view!
Love this Jalal – “raise our heads up from the grindstone and enjoy the view!” We all need to do this a little more. Here’s to a new year of being intentional..
Hi Sundi Jo, I’m hopping over from Tribewriters. Looking forward to connecting with you there, also.
My word for 2012 was Focus. Since I did such a stellar job with it (NOT) I’m keeping it for another round. New mercies every morning, and all that… 😉
Blessings to you in 2013!
Thanks for stopping by Susan. Here’s to another year of focusing – something I could always improve on.
I did the one-word thing for about ten years before I did my year long blogging project in 2011. It’s amazing how focusing on one word given to you by God can do great things.
Yes. Love the one word thing.
Very cool – and intentional….it’ll be fun to see how that plays out. My word is BE – we’ll see about that!
That’s a great word Cara. Thanks for stopping by.
My word for 2013 is Freedom! I am under attack. I just don’t have the freedom I see in you and Jennifer. I want it and this year I will read, study, pray and listen till I have it.
Amen Rosella. That Freedom comes from Christ. I’m so excited for you to find it.
I’m so having a hard time for 2013 with a clear word. My last years word STOP rocked my world. I’ll be posting about that on Monday, but for now I listen and pray for a word. Thanks for your inspiration.
It’ll come Alene. 🙂