So I don’t know about you, but when it comes to New Years resolutions, I rarely even make it to day two.
I can’t quite explain why, but I have never been able to hold down a resolution for the life of me. Maybe it is because I never grew up knowing and understanding the meaning of resolutions. Maybe it is because I never found a way to encourage myself to stick to my resolutions. A way that worked anyways.
Nonetheless, as I got older and the New Year would begin approaching, I would begin pressuring myself into writing lists and organizing inspirational quotes around what I felt I wanted to accomplish in the year to come. And like always, the deadline came and went and I went on not taking any steps in order to accomplish my goals.
So as 2017 was a very big year for me, I tried to take a look at what I wanted for 2018. And I realized that I was setting myself up for failure by creating a To-Do list. I am not nor have I ever been a “To-Do List” kind of girl.
What I was good at was trying to remind myself of small things daily, and having simple mantras. Nothing crazy, just reminding myself throughout the day of simple things like “Always do your best” and “I am beautiful, cellulite and all!” With all of that in mind I decided to have one goal for the year of 2018. Find a word and stick by it. In everything I do, the way I treat others, the way I treat myself, remember my word. As I go about my days, the good, the bad and the ugly, follow my word. And as I entered the New Year, I found that this simple little goal has kept me going, and kept me along a path that I am proud of. Sure sometimes, like anything else, it gets a little foggy and I lose sight of my word. But I am thankful that I have reminders in my life (specifically my loving husband and little Sophie girl) to keep me on course and remind me why I chose my word in the first place.
So for the year of 2018, I chose the word Intentional. I strive to live intentionally. I want to lead a life making purposeful and intended decisions that lead me right where God needs me. And I must say that picking a word of the year has really kept me grounded in my “resolution”. By trying to remind myself daily that I want to live an Intentional life, I have found that I make more decisions that make me feel happier, and healthier (in mind, body, and spirit.) I feel more excited to start my day. I have been laughing and smiling more, and just really enjoying little things in life that I have always overlooked.
I feel as if I try to intentionally make the decision every day to be the best I can be and do the best I can, then I will begin to live the happiest and most positive life that I am able. And by doing that I can in turn be completely thankful for all of the blessings that God has bestowed on me!
So I encourage you, even though it is not the beginning of the year, find a word that prompts you to take the necessary steps into leading the life you want to be leading! And once you do, hold tight to that word. Remind yourself of it. Write it on your mirror or in your planner. Carry it with you and let it inspire you to be the best you that you can be!
quirky & caffeinated 