New year, new word

Last year, I did a one word theme for the year. I loved having just one word as my resolution. It really helped me to focus inward and see what changes I need to make.

It's taken me a much longer time to pick out a word for this year. Logan had his word picked out a few weeks before mine (his is habit - developing habits). I kept going back and forth with a lot of different words; mainly because I wanted to focus on them all. But that's not the way it works. So I just let the word come to me, not rushing it.

2012 came to an end, and I still had not bought a new 2013 calender. I freaked out and told Logan that we needed one ASAP because my calendar is always full, and if it isn't - I fill it in with all sorts of things. I wanted to start planning our weeks - what we were doing, where we were going, etc. But we went without a calender for a few days. Time stood still for a second and I was able to just embrace the days instead of looking at the next thing I needed (or in most cases, what I wanted to do).

Some (including my husband) would say I take on too much, that I can't say no to others, to my body that needs rest, or to my mind that says to read one more blog, write more e-mail, or pin one more thing on Pinterest. I keep going, pushing through because I know I can do it. And I am very good at doing everything I want to do (not necessarily things I need to do). While it is good to stay busy and active, I realized that I need to slow down and relax a little bit.

That's when it hit me. My word. I am dedicating this year to being still.

Every ounce of me wants time to stand still, so I can take it all in at once. But I've realized that I need to be the one to stand still. I need to be the one to recognize the moments - big or small. I've been so busy with creating moments (i.e. planning my calendar) or capturing moments (i.e. documenting every single thing on my blog, on Instagram, FB, etc) that I have forgotten what it is like to be still, to actually enjoy the moments as I am in them.

So it is my hope that I can learn to be more still and calm this year - to recognize the moments with my family and friends. And, more importantly to recognize the Lord's hand in my life. I know He is there. I just have to be still to really see, feel, and embrace His presence.

What is your word for the year?

New Year, New Start

I typically always welcome a new year, but 2012 has been hard to welcome because I feel like 2011 was quite possibly my best year yet - filled with milestones, lots of changes, and so much love. I remember one year my dad grew a beard for the last few months of the year (my siblings and I hated it) and then miraculously he woke each of us kids up on New Years Day with a clean shaven look. I looked at him a little startled and asked, "why did you shave?" Dad answered with "It is a new year. Time for a new start." And, that has always stuck with me. 

So, here is to a new year and a new start even though I am trying to hold onto 2011 with all my might. I am letting go in the hopes that 2012 will be just as good. My mother-in-law has this thing where she chooses one word to live by for the entire year. I've never been really good at sticking to my resolutions, even though I make them every year so I decided to simplify a bit and pick just one word to be my motto for the year. You ready?

My 2012 word is:

FOCUS

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

In all the chaos, events, trials, and daily life that surround me I've realized that I need to slow down and really "focus" on what is most important - of things that matter most to me:

-My relationship with God

-My family

-My education/career

-My health

I know that seems like a lot of things to "focus" on, but part of my goal is to really "focus" and be in tune with each one. I've realized that I can't divide my attention to different things at a time (no matter how hard I try to fold laundry and play with Hudson at the same time - it can't happen). And, because multi-tasking doesn't really work for me or for anyone else (see here).

Each thing I do requires my full, focused attention. I hope that as I focus my life on the things that do matter the most, I will be able to focus inward and really get to know who I am - my strengths, my capabilities, and the type of person God wants me to be.