Posts Tagged ‘word of the year’

Slamming the Door to 2016

Friday, December 30th, 2016

It’s not been my year.

Or well, maybe it has.

It’s been the year I struggled through a debilitating and ridiculous diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and then found out I had carpal tunnel in both hands. It’s been the year I blessedly walked through menopause (ain’t that a piece of cake? Fruitcake maybe. But, not wedding cake). It’s been the year that my lifestyle took a major hit when my hubby lost his job and the year that humbled me beyond an nth of my pride.

Maybe it’s been my year, afterall. I mean, at least it picked on me and not someone that I dearly love, right?

All I know, is 2016 can get lost and stay lost!

blo 2016

I read a sweet and heartfelt post this week after the loss of another celebrity that challenged fans to stop cursing 2016 for taking people of fame. The writer certainly didn’t mean for anyone to not feel sad at the loss of someone dear…she simply pointed out that as humans, we have a great tendency to focus on the most negative of moments and make them bigger than they deserve.

Note: A death is huge. Really. But losing your dang mind over a super star passing away is a bit much.

I loved the advice the writer gave and I especially loved her sharing how wonderful 2016 had been to her personally. The year brought a beautiful baby into her life and a new job for her hubby….and lots more special moments that SHOULD BE CELEBRATED. I realized while reading that a lot of the ugly stuff that life slams on a person hadn’t really had it’s chance yet to punch her in the face. Sadly, it will inevitably come her way and I pray that she has the tenacity to hang in there and take it. Still praising God in spite of the trouble.

My year, the ironic and hilarious year I chose MOVE as my Word of the Year, year… has been harsh and challenging! It’s tried to do me completely in. But, I’m still here. Perhaps a little more cynical….definitely a little less trusting and certainly different than I was last year.

seek

I won’t be picking a WORD of the Year this year. The last one nearly killed me and it hasn’t actually quite finished with me yet even though I cleared it from my cache. I’m staying as far away from cutesy ideas as I possibly can because real life don’t play! And while the idea of choosing a word can be to challenge yourself….I feel like I have done my part in playing along in the UFC fight of life this year.

Instead, I’ll just do my best to keep my head above water and to live in the moment of my life. If I’ve learned anything through this struggle it’s that I don’t control anything..so stop trying. Be still and let God.

I’m looking ahead – but, I’m not assuming.

I’m trusting God – but, I’m not expecting.

I’m giving God control – really, have you been listening to my life?

I’m dying to self – again, have you heard anything I’ve said here?

I’m not giving up – God hasn’t called me to heaven yet.

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Here’s to 2017!

2017

E N O U G H

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014

e nuff

 

I knew the year was coming to an end but there was nothing I could do about it.  I had to keep going and doing ( a house doesn't pack up and move itself ).  Picking out a new word for the upcoming year was way low on my to-do list.  Lucky for me, God had a word in mind that He was preparing to show me throughout 2013 that would fit perfectly for the year 2014.

ENOUGH

I've come a long way this past year.  I've had to let go of people I loved, give up control over most of my circumstances and clean out my mom's life, my kids lives and my own.  Nothing will prepare your life for change more than that.  One of the most painful lessons that packed the most punch for me was the amount of excess we each held onto in our lives.  Stuff seemed to rule all of us.  Stuff that didn't mean nearly as much as we thought it did.  It bombarded our lives, robbing each of us of true peace & joy. 

As I boxed up, gave away and sold most of my mom's life….I realized something very important — she never really enjoyed any of it!  Just about everything (and a lot of it was very valuable) that she had hoarded and held onto sat, unused!  That impacted me in a way I could not ignore.  Never again will I buy something that I will not use or enjoy.  Having "things" just to fill up my want tank will never be a part of my life again.  Stuff is just stuff!  It takes up your home & your peace.  It robs you of real joy and opens your heart for wanting more more more.  It can even send you into a cycle of depression.

The night I drove away from my mother's house (that still held a ton of valuable stuff)….I left with a hard life lesson – I have enough!

God has provided me with everything I need; a loving family, a nice home & cars, happiness and plenty of stuff!  I don't have to chase anything else down for joy.  I have it all!  How I decide to use it is up to me.  It's my job to love what I have and to recognize when I need TO GIVE IT AWAY!  When I look at other's lives and my own, I can easily see the difference between needs & wants.  I want to be more in tune with the people around me and how I can help them with what they need (not want).  Including my own kids.  I'm grateful that my hubby has a wonderful job that provides more than we need but I don't want to squander what God has blessed us with on getting more.

I have enough.

I have enough wonderful stuff in my house.

I have enough clothes & shoes (yes….even boots)!

I have enough food.

I have enough time to share.

I have enough patience to wait for the "special" items that I really wish for in my life.

I have enough love to give plenty away.

I have enough creativity that I can make great things to keep & share.

I have enough to hold me over and not rush out to get something new.

I have enough because God has provided me with everything I need.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!!   May 2014 be the year God changes you & me into the people He wants us to be!