{{Our team was inspired by one of our fellow contributor’s posts, “No More New Year’s Resolutions – Just Choose One Word”, so we decided to share our selected words and the reasoning behind them in a series called “My Word Is…”. Follow along as we share our stories, and then update on where our words have taken us at the end of the year.}}
Deciding on just one word as my guide post for the year, verses a new year’s resolution, started 2 years ago. It is something small that creates a huge change, provides relief, and keeps me focused daily.
My word for 2016 – Pursue: (verb) to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish. This verb implies action and taking on. As a mom, when I had younger children this word would have caused a panic attack. I did not need another thing to chase, seek, or accomplish – other than quiet time alone and sleep.
My babies are 17, 17, & 14 (twins and my unexpected added wonderful surprise). Looking back over those years, some I can’t remember except for photos to prove they happen, I had just survived it. I was a circus Plate Spinner keeping everything moving forward.
Spinning those plates, required me to be selfless and dedicated to what I loved being – a mother, a homemaker, and educator. I set up boundaries so I would not take on any unnecessary “plates”. Which meant saying “not now” to opportunities I really wanted, knowing that I would pursue those desires later.
I am entering into a different stage of motherhood, where the children I have trained, educated, prayed for and cried over are starting to spread their wings of independence. I look upon this year as an opportunity to pursue those things I put on the back-burner, areas I need to grow, and relationships I have let fade. Each day I ask myself “what am I going to pursue today?”
I have decided on four areas. To pursue personal growth in my Christian walk. To take that quite time. I want to pursue knowledge in areas of my passions by making time to read, to engage in the industry, and meet with other professionals. To pursue adventure by doing something out of my comfort level and taking on challenges. I will be training to hike this summer in Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Most importantly, is to be pursuing my husband. It is so easy to loose your marriage focus within the daily life demands of children and work. Soon it will be just us again and we have made “us” a priority.
Make 2016 yours, with just one word.
