Reflections and a New Word for 2008

Last January, Michelle inspired me to find a single word that could be a personal motivator through the year. I loved the idea and picked as my word: CHOOSE. I recently reread my post and found myself thinking- maybe I should use the word 'choose' again. It worked well for me

{self portrait on New Year's Eve}

because I strongly believe in the idea that we have choice in everything we do. And although I had some successes, I could definitely improve too.

But my thoughts have been guided in another direction.

I actually started a list of possible words at the beginning of December: joy, live, do, simplify or present all came to mind. None of them were on last year's list- funny. And all of them (from both lists!) have meaning for me. But as I thought about what word would be best, several things came to my mind:

1. Self-Realization #1: I have good intentions (initial aim but intermittent resolution, from thesaurus.com). I rarely follow-through.
2. This Day by Henry B. Eyring. I heard this talk when it was given in April 2007. It has stuck with me. "There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is 'not this day'... The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought 'Someday I will' can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity."
3. I wrote, "my word for 2007 is choose- a verb because I want it to suggest action on my part." When I think about where I can still improve, it is not in my belief that we can choose or in my intention to choose well, but in my promptness to choose the better way.
4. The scriptures teach us that the things our spirits learn here on the earth will go with us into the eternities. We do not get a different spirit, an improved or upgraded one. Which means I need to learn now to

ACT.

f I want to have good relationships with my husband and my children- I need to ACT by showing kindness and giving them my time and attention.
If I want to develop strong friendships- I need to ACT by actually writing and sending thank you cards.
If I want to lose weight and feel better- I need to ACT, literally!
If I want to continue to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost- I need to ACT on the promptings I receive now.
If I want to teach my children truth- I need to ACT and plan family home evening and family council.
If I want to return to live with my Father in Heaven- I need to ACT and do now the things He would have me do.

I feel it necessary to ACT. I feel committed to ACT.
I think many of my other words will be a product of my ACTion.

I am ready to make this year great!!
Welcome 2008!