I have never participated in the one little word movement. You know what I’m talking about, right? Rather than making a whole list of resolutions, you pick one word that you want to focus on for the year. One little word.
The thing is, I can never choose just one word. If you’ve never noticed, I am not known for my brevity, so choosing just one word? Out of the millions available to me? That will shape and define an entire year? Paralyzing. Well, until this year, that is. As I was reading someone else’s post about their word, suddenly it came to me. Out of nowhere. One word. I heard it deep in my heart, and the instant stream of tears from my eyes seared my soul with confirmation. This was my word.
Listen.
No, really. That’s it.
Listen.
Listen to your heart. Listen to yourself. Listen to your body. Listen to your husband, children, customers, mother. Listen to God.
Just listen.
I can’t count how many times in one day I plead with my boys to do the same. will you pleaaaaassseeee just listen?!???!! yet I am so slow to hear. Distracted. Stubborn. Proud.
Ouch.
This year, I must listen.
Will you help me remember? When I get caught up in orders and shows and blogging, will you help me remember to listen to the needs of my family? When I get wrapped up in eating what tastes good instead of what feels good, and not sleeping and skipping my workouts, will you remind me to listen to my body? And when I feel like I can do it all and I know what’s best, please, oh please remind me to listen to The One who knows much better than I? To search for His voice? To be still so I can hear?
Because I’m tired of these deaf ears. They do me no good.
Oh yes, 2012. I’m listening.
Hmmmmmm. I had forgotten about the one word. I grabbed that idea from BLOOM and did a word for the year in Jan 2010 and Jan 2011, but I hadn’t picked a word yet. What’s funny is that the idea spoke to me when, now I know, I was going through some depression from the Vit. D deficiency I had. I liked the one word because it was simple and I had little energy for action. I wanted to improve myself, and the words I chose were mindful and focus. The first year I paid attention to what was going on around me, and the second year, I tried to focus on one thing at a time to improve. The best thing that came out of it was that I was aware that something was wrong because I was “mindful” of what was going on in my life, and the “focus” led me to getting help for myself in the spring of 2011. I hadn’t picked a word this year because I feel like I need to catch up from all the thinking and learning and lack of energy from the last two years. I don’t know if that makes sense, but I picked about 5 things that need my attention this year and made those my focus. I guess what I am saying is that when you pick a word, it’s helpful! The word is a simple reminder of a profound exercise. I think we learn best when we are still and in tune. Sorry I’m babbling. i am kind of thinking out loud. Thanks for letting me chat. I am so glad to be reminded of the last couple of years and how the “one word” each year helped me find myself again. :)
This was beautiful. Now what word shall I pick???? Oh dear, what have you gotten me into???
Love it Jessica. That’s something I need to do more of as well. My word this year is ACT. I do a lot of talking but this year I plan to put legs on my words!
My word is similar…quiet.
Quiet my spirit, my appitites and my mouth.
:)
Your post gave me chills – thank you. I need to take your words to heart. My word that I chose is …. becoming. I have so many things I want to work on this year so I thought it was fitting,
My word is “truth” and I blogged about it today! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Jess ~ what a powerful word! Love it!
xo
What a perfect word. It really encompasses so many aspects of life. I’ve been following you on Instagram recently and love seeing your pics. I am planning on going to Snap so hopefully I’ll get to meet you there as I noticed you are speaking. I can’t wait! – Victoria
yay for instagram! i love, love, love it (as i’m sure you’ve noticed!) so excited you’ll be at snap! please pretty please be sure to say hi!