I’m not a resolution girl, but I do love the idea of setting a one-word resolution for the year. For me, setting a word of the year really helps me focus and set my priorities for the year. It’s like making a promise to yourself or giving yourself a gift.
As I set my word of the year for 2016, I felt certain it would be the year of joy. From my dad’s motorcycle accident last January and 40+ day stay in the hospital to losing my grandmother and ending the year with pneumonia, 2016 was so not the word of the year. The word that I settled on, nourish, was the perfect word for the year.
Every time I felt like I was off track, I came back to my word and identified something in my life that needed to be nourished. It was a constant reminder to take care of the people and things in my life that are important to me. I absolutely loved having that as my word.
So when sitting down to think about a word for 2017, there were high expectations. I spent most of the week before Christmas in bed recovering from pneumonia, so I had plenty of time to think about what this year’s word should be. I had a general idea, but nothing seemed quite right. And then the whirl of Christmas and family and celebrations began and then – poof – it was 2017.
I started the year with that same general idea, but then, driving home from work, it came to me. Just like last year, the word just popped into my head and soothed my soul.
2017 word of the year
This year’s word encompasses all the words I considered: devoted, loyal, faithful, steady, dedicated, reliable, dependable, trustworthy, unfaltering, determined, enthusiastic, passionate and consistent. All were strong contenders, but not quite right.
This year’s word is steadfast.
Steadfast is beautifully simple and stunningly complex.
I absolutely adore that steadfast means to be firm in one’s allegiance to someone or something. While I am firm in my commitment to my family, my friends and my work, my actions don’t always show it.
Goals
I want to be more intentional about showing my family that I love and appreciate them in ways that are meaningful to them. I want to be better about creating special one-on-one moments with my kids (Target runs count if they include popcorn!) and connecting with them individually. Setting time aside for friends and time with family is important to me and I want to be more consistent about time with loved ones.
2016 taught me the importance of nourishing relationships and your health. I want to take the habits and practices I began last year and be steadfast in those commitments this year. I have a workout program that is helping heal my body from birthing those sweet babies and am rededicating my efforts to getting enough water and rest in my days.
On the blog front, I spent much of the fall making decisions about this space and researching best practices. I’m fantastic about researching things to a depth that isn’t needing and not actually starting and applying things as I go along. This ends with 2016. I’ve developed a rhythm for the blog to keep things trucking along and have committed to dedicating time each day to this space and each of you.
More than anything, steadfast reminds me not only who I want to be, but whose I am. My Grace Notes subscription came this month and the scripture for the month is Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Getting this verse in the mail as I was pondering and praying over my word of the year was the confirmation that I needed that steadfast was my word. Not only do I need to be steadfast, I need to remember that God is steadfast in His love for us and great is His faithfulness.
So, 2017, here we go. I’m excited about this fresh start and thrilled about my new word – steadfast.
Let’s do this.
How about you?
Do you choose a word of the year? If so, what is your word and how did you choose it? Or how did it choose you? Share it below.
If you are more of a resolutions person, next week’s guest post will be right up your alley. I can’t wait to share it with you.
January 6, 2017 at 1:25 pm
I do this, too. Last year’s word was Relax. The year before that, Create. This year I have four them — Love, Read, Write, Save (as in money). It’s already helping, having those four priorities to remind myself of anytime I’m feeling doubtful or overwhelmed. If all I focus on are these four things this year, I should be in good shape.
January 6, 2017 at 1:35 pm
I love those words! Finding focus words has made such a difference to me and I love hearing other success stories. You are sure to have a great year with those words!