I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. All too often we make a resolution of kicking our caffeine habit…losing weight…eating less junk food…or whatever. We do alright at first. Maybe even last a few months but by March we fall back into our old habits again. I like the idea instead of picking one little word for the year and allowing that to be my focus.
Resolutions are too vague. I’ve read that one-third of us who make a “resolution” for the new year dump it within 2 weeks and 50% of the rest say “forget about it” within 2 months. Besides, you can start a diet any day of the week, or any time of the year. For 3 years now I have chosen “one word” rather than make a resolution.
The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year…”A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.”
This concept is totally from Ali Edwards. I have found this works much better for me than resolutions.
In 2009 my one word was “be”, as in “just be in the moment.” I struggled with being in the moment at first. It had to be a conscious decision and I still remind myself of it today. It’s not a trait that comes naturally to me.
In 2010 my one word was “faith”. I think I did pretty well with that this year. I renewed my faith and continued reading the Bible. I still have many more Books to read but “it’s the journey, not the destination” or “it’s a long road, but the reward is great.” However you want to look at it, I will still be working on faith throughout my life.
For 2011 my one word is “nourish”. I originally chose “health” as my one word. I had a bit of a health scare this past month and that word is definitely on my mind right now as I go for more follow-up exams at the doctor office. Low Thyroid and “Disordered Prolifertive Endometrium” (or I like to say: a dysfunctional uterus). Both are something that must be dealt with but are manageable.
“Health” became too vague of a word. For me, it’s more than that, it’s being more mindful of what we, as a family, are putting into our bodies, minds and souls. Yes, I am dragging my family into this too. Some of them are kicking and screaming. So, I thought a lot about it and came up with “nourish” as my word. It encompasses my whole feeling of what I want this upcoming year to be. For my mind. For my body. For my soul.
I have been reading more about “whole eating” or natural eating. A blog I really like is 100 Days of Real Food. The challenge is to eat only “real” food. No prepackaged meals. No junk food. No soft drinks. No fast food or take out, unless you know what is in it, which let’s be honest…how can you really know? Fast food restaurants bill their food as “healthy” when it has more fat and calories than their cheeseburger meal. Tough. Anyway, I am not interested in being extreme about eating, I just want to be more mindful. I don’t want to be a dictator about food, especially with my girls. I want to make smarter choices for each meal. And I want my children (and hubby) to grow up to be more mindful of food. Eat to live, ya know. Another part of the goal is to start practicing yoga again. It’s good for the body, as well as the mind. And of course, continue to feed our spiritual souls.
So, what’s your “one little word” for 2011? What do you want to accomplish or focus on in the coming year? I challenge you to create something, anything that will help you focus on your word in the coming year. Maybe I should post my word on the fridge…
Flourishes on the above “nourish” sign from http://www.designsbyanita.blogspot.com
Have Faith Everyday 