One Word and Those Pesky Resolutions
Are y’all resolution makers, goal setters? I’m becoming a one word chooser, and I think you should give it a try too! I don’t need a reason to put added pressure on myself, or feel horrible about myself should I not meet my resolutions, but to strive to live up to one word, for a year, we got this!
Are y’all resolution makers? Are you goal setters? Are you one-word-choosers? I can’t even tell you the last time I made a resolution, and failed miserably. Oh wait, yes I can. It was that one year in college, my friends and I were out to breakfast and we decided to make resolutions to lose the extra pounds, quit partying, buckle down and study harder, make new friends, and quit smoking. I kept the resolution of studying harder; not because I resolved to do so. I was on the verge of literal failure, and had no choice but to pull those grades up, or face the wrath. And that was the last set of resolutions I ever made.
For the record, I did eventually quit smoking, lost weight, and ended the partying… but not in college, my friends.
Resolutions aren’t my wheelhouse (clearly). I don’t need a reason to put added pressure on myself, or feel horrible about myself should I not meet my resolutions. There are so many things in the universe that can pull us down, why on God’s green Earth would I want to be one of those forces tearing myself down?
This year, I chose one word instead.
One. Single. Word. Â One word, no resolutions. One word to focus my year on. Just one.
There are so many things about myself I’d like to choose a word for. A good habit I’d like to begin, one I’d like to end, random things I’d like to change, end, improve on, and grow from. It was so flipping hard, you guys, to just pick one word that encompasses all those things. It’s easy to make 10 resolutions with no real plan to intentionally change anything. It’s significantly harder to chose a word with intention and purpose. I spent so much time thinking about what my word should be, and found myself praying for it when at my wits end all too often, that one word obviously means much more to me than 10 empty-ish promises.
My one word is patience.
Of all the words I had written down and marinated on, patience kept nagging at my heart. And I mean, nagging for months. When I felt irritable with my kids, my house, Andrew, life, laundry, and myself… I would find myself trying to find patience. When I couldn’t find any, I’d pray for it.
So many nights I’d spend putting our kids to bed like I was on an episode of Super Nanny, thinking about being patient. So many times I’d be annoyed because something wasn’t done immediately when I needed (read: wanted) it done. All those times the laundry didn’t fold itself. All those times I stumbled on Weight Watchers. The times when I felt (or still do) like I’m not good enough, a good enough mom, wife, or whatever. The times I get down on myself for any great number of things. When I despise winter and can’t wait for spring to arrive (as I sit here now, it’s a crisp -17* outside).
Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace. (Proverbs 15:18)
I want the peace and calm I have (albeit randomly) experienced in this house when I’m doing and giving my best and feel good. I am so ready to do the work and live the year while focusing on my one word, because I know it’s something this house needs, and my kidlets need. I know my kids will appreciate my being more patient with them. Andrew will appreciate the patience and an effort to not let my temper flare as quickly. The hardest part I will have to dig into, is learning to be patient with myself. Patience with learning more about business, finances, losing weight, running, eating better, working toward and reaching my goals in business and personal life, and the laundry-doing.
My friends have also chosen one word this year, I am so excited to see and read and encourage everyone on our words this year! Â If you’re choosing a word this year, I would love to encourage you also! Or encourage you to choose a word if you haven’t yet.
Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. (Ephesians 4:2)
Inspired Maker’s One Word 2018
Focus on What’s Important | Small Home Soul
One word 2018 and the best of 2017 | Honey and Hydrangea
One Word and Those Pesky Resolutions | Farmhouse Made
One Word 2018 – More | The Purple Hydrangea
My One Word for the New Year | SuziGabs
My One Word | 1915 House
Oh, Kim. Yes to this!!! A thousand times, YES!!!! I love the verses you chose, too – I needed the reminders. Know that I’m cheering you on in 2018!! We are going to have a fabulous year!!!!
You are such a wonderful encourager, I know you’re in my corner!
I love the verses you chose, they are on point, my friend. Who among us couldn’t be a little more patient?
I’m excited to watch the year unfold and hear more about your journey.
All the love to you!
I’m hoping my being patient encourages my house to be more patient, and those verses are going to pull me through! I’ll definitely have to keep a few posts on deck for updates this year 🙂
This should have been my one word when my daughter was young. I wasn’t a very patient mommy when she was very young. Meditating on those beautiful versus full of wisdom will help you gain a ton of patience this year. I know you’ll get there and your kiddos will respond as well. I’m praying for your patience 🙂
My mom would say that very same thing about being patient with me – that she wasn’t very! Those verses are gettin’ me through most days, so I’m hopeful it’ll be a more patient year!
You are so cute, I loved reading a little about your heart. This gig we are running is tough stuff. I feel like I could write a novel just listing all the things that I need patience for. I wish you the best with this and hope you find a lot of peace along the way.
Sharing is so hard, and I’m so glad I did! I should do it more often 🙂 It’s really hard, with all the regular stuff we all have happening in our own lives. Patience is so important, I’ll be workin’ hard!
Such a wonderful choice Kim!!! We could all definitely use a lesson in patience. It is my sincere hope that you achieve this not just for your family but more importantly for yourself!! I will be cheering you on..and taking notes!!
Thanks Susanne!!
Couldn’t we all use more patience in our lives, especially when it comes to giving ourselves grace? I think this is an excellent word choice for the year. I hope it brings more peace and joy to you.
Thank you so much! I think we could all use a little more grace for ourselves!
YES! Patience is TRULY such a virtue.
Great choice of word having little kiddos. You are probably more patient than you think 🙂 But rest assured you’ll be much more patient when you have grandbabies!