Despite the sniffles, dizziness and overall lethargy I've got going on, I'm feeling inspired and motivated today. I may have resolved not to make any new-year's resolutions this year, but I'm still a goal-oriented, driven person. (I have to tell myself that after seeing the many meaningful, challenging, and thoughtful lists of resolutions on friends blogs. But I'm not into comparing myself to others and measuring my growth by other people's accomplishments, so I'm good with me.)
I've decided to accept a friend's challenge to create a MY WORD for myself this year (thanks for the challenge Natalie). She did it and then she wrote a beautiful post about how her MY WORD motivated her to overcome a period of burnout. A "my word" is similar to a theme--something to keep our focus going, to challenge us, and to remind us of what we want our lives to be about. It can be one word, a quote, a scripture, a phrase...anything goes. I didn't want to just jump in and choose a word for the sake of having a word. If I was going to actually accept her challenge and do this, I wanted to make sure I was thoughtful and sure about it first. So after thinking about it for a couple weeks, I've decided to jump in with both feet.
embrace
There it is. It's MY WORD.
Why?
Half of this year will be about change and growth for me and my family. The other half of this year is going to be about preparing for a new life, for new experiences, and for new growth.
Change is on the horizon. But there is still half a year until we reach that point of change. I don't want to lose the next five months just looking forward to the changes. I want to embrace the life we have here while it's still available. Much of my energy will be spent in preparation for the change, but my girls still have friends here, they still have spelling tests to celebrate, and they still want to have fun (they are girls after all!). I still have friends here, I still have opportunities to serve, and I want to enjoy the time I have left in Texas.
And when I look into my rear-view mirror and see my Texas life, I want to know that I embraced that phase of my life and to know that I lived deliberately while I was there.
Then I want to look through my windshield in anticipation of the future and be grateful for a new phase. I want to be excited about the differences, the newness, the unknown. I want to embrace the changes, remembering in the moments of discomfort, insecurity, and anxiety, that LIFE is happening, character is being developed, something is being learned.
Regardless of my physical location, I have a life. I have a family. I am a wife. I am a mom. I have friends. I have responsibilities. I want to embrace my roles and responsibilities with gratitude, even when I'm busy and when life seems like it may never settle down.
I've got so much to be excited about. I've got so much to be grateful for. I've got so many things, moments, and experiences to embrace.
embrace. It's my word.
What's yours?
7 comments:
that is a wonderful word. I should steal it until the match. You know to embrace whatever happen. I'm in bed and can't do much. So I decided to spend the rest of the day on the computer (sorry can't embrace that idea) Anyway I was reading your blog and I had no idea YOU ARE MOVING!! Rachell we really are going to miss you and your family. Oh girl you are wonderful. What are we going to do with out you? Temple won't be the same:(.
Rachelle--I LOVE it! Great word and great attitude. I'm gonna borrow it, ok?
"Scream" That will be my word. Since I feel like it EVERY DAY. (Maybe having this baby will cure how I feel tonight....)
Loved your word. It is perfect for where you are now and where you are going.
Claudia - I can't believe you didn't know we are moving. I guess it has been a while since we've talked though--I've got to get out more. I hope you're feeling better.
Amber - yay! I'm so glad to finally SEE you on my blog! I love that you're "borrowing" a word.
Jody - Good job on sporting a sense of humor with everything that's going on right now. Good luck on getting that baby out soon.
Love the post. My SIL posted this and I chose "Authentic." I know it's not a verb, but I'm trying to live authentically and have the courage to listen to my own voice instead of letting others write my story . . .
I'm so glad to hear you took the challenge!! I think it will be interesting in years to come to look back on all of our words we've come up with. I think each word/each year gives a little glimpse of us. For example, I don't have the energy this year to use the fabulous word "embrace." I'm more on survival mode this year, so to "create" whatever happiness I can, will be good enough. To create smiles, good night sleep, and healthy kids will suffice for 2009.
I love your word! I am excited to see your experiences posted throughout the year on your word. That's the only way we'll grow and learn from this word, is to write it down and remember our journey.
Lots of love-Nat
I like that word. I think it's brilliant. I think I want my word to be: BE. That's all. I just want to live what I am doing at the moment. So hard to do with all the craziness running around in my head. When you "embrace" this year, there definitely will be no room for regret. Go for it!
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