A fresh beginning.
A chance to change.
An opportunity to renew.
About this time of year is when many people feel.....
...anticipation for what is to come and the dreams still need to be reached.
...regret for things that weren't accomplished or fulfilled the way they were imagined.
...pressure to make resolutions as the turn of the New Year appears to be a point for starting over.
Recently I've read many posts on Twitter with the #oneword or #oneword2015 hashtags with tweets about leaving New Year's resolutions behind in favor of choosing a word to focus on for the year.
It's a new encounter.
A word to guide.
A word to ponder.
An inspiring phrase.
Why one word?
This tweet from Jon Gordon sums it up for me:
9 of 10 people will fail with their resolutions. 1/2 will fail by end of January. Pick #oneword instead and let it inspire you all year.
— Jon Gordon (@JonGordon11) December 28, 2014
I did not pick a word for 2014, but if I had, it would have been "inspire." In fact, it was a word I was considering for my #oneword for 2015. The word, "inspire" was even the topic of my very first blog post last May. It was also the words engraved on my new necklace and the metal wall hanging my husband bought me for Christmas. It sums up the mission I had in 2014 ~ to inspire my students and be inspired by others to be the best I could be.
So now as I wake up to a new year and a new outlook, I can carefully consider a word to guide me and inspire me through what will be, hopefully, an amazing 2015 year.
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I can with all honesty say that I thought this one through for many days. And I acknowledge that without God, the ultimate Creator, I cannot create anything to happen that is not meant to be. But I do believe this word was placed on my heart because of these things I know that He can create in my life~
...balance
...in my career, family, relationships, use of time, and focus of energy.
...opportunities
...for my students, myself, and my family.
...inspiration
...to draw from many sources and to radiate to others.
...time
...to devote to my faith, family, and friends.
...change
...for better health and mindset.
...friendships
...to hold me accountable and to connect me to those that will help me grow.
...solutions
...to both the little things and the big things that are obstacles every day.
As I make my way through the next year, my hope is to focus on how new ideas, opportunities, and changes can create the best of myself to shine through.
What is your #oneword to guide you this year? How will you keep that in focus? How will you let that inspire you instead of overpower you?
For me, it starts with visibility ~
~ finding verses, quotes, and images to keep the word in my mind and heart.
~ putting this word where I will see it often (my phone, mirror, desk, car, profile, blog...)
Here's to celebrating a New Year that will be created one moment at a time.
Create. What an excellent choice. Both as a child of the creator, and as a guide to children to explore their creative talents. I love your post, and look forward to following your journey to learn from you, encourage you, and be inspired by you. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Greg. I really like your "DIVE" metaphor and being a mother of 2 swimmers, it's definitely something we can remember around this house as well. I appreciate your thoughtful, creative ideas as well!
DeleteJennifer this is inspiring. I keep reading about the one word and you have finally convinced me to do this. I did it two years ago and my word was service. I am not sure what I will pick this year. Your enthusiasm for life and for the upcoming year are awesome! I love that you have a necklace with your one word. You have always been so supportive of my writing and that means a lot. When others find meaning in what I write it "inspires" me to continue. So there you go. You have already inspired one person. I'm sure I am only one of many. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jon. I always learn something from your posts and can tell they are from the heart. I'm sure whatever you pick as your word will be one that will allow your sincerity to show through.
DeleteGreat post Jen! I, too, have been thinking about my one word since reading Jon's tweet. It's a difficult thing to do but you seemed to capture it with "create". Looking forward to seeing everything you create.
ReplyDeleteWishing you great things in 2015...
Thank you, Ryan. I've tried New Year's resolutions before and always feel like I fall short. I know I'm not perfect but I can make it my mission to focus on a word that can drive me in my professional and personal life. I look forward to seeing what your year will bring you as well!
DeleteCreate is a wonderful choice - I love how you shared your path in choosing it. Grateful to know you, and I look forward to seeing where your word takes you this year. Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy. I really went back & forth before finally making my choice last evening. Honestly I didn't see other posts or blogs that had "create" as a choice, so I almost didn't pick it. But I think, with the right mindset and humbleness, it makes sense. :)
DeleteGreat post Jen. I too struggle with "one word" as I have so much I want to accomplish at any given moment in time. By following the #oneword mindset though it helps me stay focused and keeps me on track for a successful year. I find it amazing how one simple piece of vocabulary can make such a difference in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Craig
Thank you. Having a word to focus on hopefully will allow me to keep everything in perspective!
DeleteCreate -- great #OneWord. I especially like your plan to put your One Word in place where it is a constant reminder to you. Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteThanks - I think seeing it will help remind me. I've already placed it on my desk, phone, Twitter acct, blog, and will probably laminate one to put on my mirror (so I don't ruin it when I clean it)!
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