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. 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! 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.