a single word
Michelle shared this excerpt from Ali Edwards blog:
"Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life... Last year I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January - a word that I can focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life - something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way... Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?"
I thought this was a wonderful idea and I was even more motivated to find a word after reading Michelle's beautifully written post about the word she chose.
I started a list immediately. Some of the options were pause, quiet, forgive, happy, enjoy, appreciate, try and peace. I loved each of these words but as I thought about them, there was another word that encompassed all of them and that was CHOOSE. I have tried it out for the last few days and I find it really does motivate and influence what I do.
When my children are sent to time out, we talk about why they are there. It always comes down to choice- they chose to hurt someone or disobey. It doesn't matter who started it. It doesn't matter if someone else did it first. They chose to do something wrong and they have to suffer the consequence. I always ask them if sitting in time out is what they WANT and then remind them, if they don't want to sit in time out, they need to make good choices.
At 33, I am realizing how much this applies to me! So, my hope for this year is that
I often say that I am living a life that is not my own- that I am pulled in too many directions by the needs of others. I think this is one of Satan's lies and I fell for it!! This IS MY LIFE and everything I do, I chose! For good or bad, I chose.
One of the most thought provoking statements I have read in a long time was on someone's blog, but came from the book She. It says, she designed a life she loved. That implies that she(me) chose what her life would be like. What her attitude would be. What activities she participated in. How she would respond to challenges. I want to design a life I love and I will do it by making the best choices I know how. When you take responsibility for the choices you make, you can take control of your life and make it something you love! At least, that's my hope!
So- my word for 2007 is CHOOSE- a verb because I want it to suggest action on my part.
"Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life... Last year I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January - a word that I can focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life - something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way... Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?"
I thought this was a wonderful idea and I was even more motivated to find a word after reading Michelle's beautifully written post about the word she chose.
I started a list immediately. Some of the options were pause, quiet, forgive, happy, enjoy, appreciate, try and peace. I loved each of these words but as I thought about them, there was another word that encompassed all of them and that was CHOOSE. I have tried it out for the last few days and I find it really does motivate and influence what I do.
When my children are sent to time out, we talk about why they are there. It always comes down to choice- they chose to hurt someone or disobey. It doesn't matter who started it. It doesn't matter if someone else did it first. They chose to do something wrong and they have to suffer the consequence. I always ask them if sitting in time out is what they WANT and then remind them, if they don't want to sit in time out, they need to make good choices.
At 33, I am realizing how much this applies to me! So, my hope for this year is that
- I will choose to speak kindly to my children.
- I will choose to be happy when I would rather be grumpy.
- I will choose to eat wisely.
- I will choose to do creative things.
- I will choose to greet Kelly with a smile.
- I will choose to be grateful for what I do have.
- I will choose to be active instead of lazy.
- I will choose to enjoy my children.
- I will choose to read the scriptures and pray each day.
- I will choose to not feel guilt, especially when I have tried my best.
- I will choose to accept the Lord's mercy by forgiving myself and others.
- I will choose to listen to the Spirit.
- I will choose to take responsibilty for my choices!
I often say that I am living a life that is not my own- that I am pulled in too many directions by the needs of others. I think this is one of Satan's lies and I fell for it!! This IS MY LIFE and everything I do, I chose! For good or bad, I chose.
One of the most thought provoking statements I have read in a long time was on someone's blog, but came from the book She. It says, she designed a life she loved. That implies that she(me) chose what her life would be like. What her attitude would be. What activities she participated in. How she would respond to challenges. I want to design a life I love and I will do it by making the best choices I know how. When you take responsibility for the choices you make, you can take control of your life and make it something you love! At least, that's my hope!
So- my word for 2007 is CHOOSE- a verb because I want it to suggest action on my part.
It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
-Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
-Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
posted by jenn | 1/23/2007
10 Comments:
Great post. I'm having a hard time chosing my word because you and Michelle have written such good cases for yours! Thanks so much for sharing your word!
I think this word is fabulous and can definitely see why you chose it. I'm still thinking about my word, but you definitely make a great case for the word CHOOSE.
What a great word! I have had a list going but haven't settled on one yet. I love that you encompassed all aspects of your life with this one word.
I love the word you choose and that it is in fact a verb. I was prone to the an action word as well. Like you I want my life to be about something and I can't sit and wait for someone else to make it that way. Thanks for your thoughts.
How fabulous. I didn't think anyone could compete with Michelle's excellent post about her word but you did. I love yours just as much! You are so right - it is our choice and I often think of Satan knowing he has fooled us with some little thing torturing us, like us thinking it there isn't anything we can do but actually we did choose it. I try to point this out the kids too, wouldn't it be nice to practice what we preach?
I once asked an adult class: if they could give their Last Lecture, or choose one message to leave for their posterity and the world, what would it be? When one man said his message would be that our choices really matter, it really rang true. I thought he caught the essence of our purpose on earth: every day to make choices that can lead us to joy or misery, and that it matters on every level and to every one around us.
Really good CHOICE, Jennifer, and beautifully written. Good luck on the journey!
jenn i love this! i'm thinking about a word of my own and your thoughts hnave been very inspiring. with thoughts like these you truly will design i life you love. and i love your quote at the end. awesome!
I LOVE this! Some of the words I was tossing around were: Do, Simplify, Clear, Enough, Renew, Connect, Begin, Heal. I love your choice and your words -- beautiful. I too am so inspired by the quote about designing a life we love.
I really appreciate this post. I really liked the part about discovering Satan's lie that he tells us - that we have no choice. Very thought provoking. It does make me wonder what I will choose for my word.
Guess what? I found time to get on blogs again! And what a treat to come back to this blog. Today seems to be my day for having my eyes opened, and your blog beautifully said what I needed to hear. Choose is such a wonderful word! I think you chose perfectly. :)
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