My One Word
As some of you know, I choose a word for each new year. I’ve been doing this for many years now, influenced by a book called My One Word by Mike Ashcroft and Rachel Olsen. Over the years my words have included: kindness, focus, peace, listen…
I’m always amazed by the end of the year what the word taught me. It’s often not what I thought it was going to be, but sometimes it is! And even more.
2018
The year had its challenges, as I’m sure it did for everybody. My word was remember. I had a clue what it was going to mean: remember God’s promises, remember your blessings. And it sure did mean that. But I have also been observing the great chasm when it comes to memories between two people. My 89-year-old mother’s memories have been slipping away at an alarming rate. My 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter’s are zooming in the opposite direction. I have pondered that many times. Memories are delicate, fragile, and precious. One of my author friends, Jim Rubart, wrote a novel influenced by the lost memories of his aging father. Look it up if you’re curious.
It was a good word. I learned a lot. I will keep it close as I’ve tried to do with all my past words. No, not out with the old, not completely because I need the past’s lessons.
2019
I only started thinking about it last week! Anyone else have the new year creep up on them? Sheesh! A word popped into my head at that point, but I wasn’t sure it was the right one. But after reading some and reflecting a lot, I realized it is my word for 2109:
I just ordered two of these little metal tags. One for me and one for a drawing for my newsletter subscribers, which reminds me, I need to get working on that newsletter! Are you signed up? If not, go here.
I expect 2019 to be a year that, if I am intentional about it, will be full of discoveries. About myself, about others, about God.
What’s Your Word?
Have you chosen a word? Did you have one in 2018? Let me know what it meant or means to you. Happy New Year, everyone!
P.S. : not published by Tom. I haven’t fixed that yet.
Cindy, I do this for myself as well…and encourage my team members to do the same. My word for this year is Acknowledge-frim Proverbs 3:3-7. I desire all that those verses teach, but think acknowledge encompasses them all. So for 2019- let’s be our best selves!
That’s great, Kathy! Praying for you and your word!
My word for the year is “Breathe” , take time to smell the roses. 🙂
Judy I’m going to join with you & do the same.
You have no idea how this is something I need, for myself, for my family & friends.
Bless you & you Cindy for starting this conversation by sharing your idea.
So important!
I haven’t picked a word for the year, but I love your word! Maybe I should try doing it this year.
Give it a try!
Cindy, thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway. What a beautiful charm with such an exciting word too! Speaking of words, you asked us about our word for 2019. Mine is “trust and obey” because I need to allow room for God’s way and will in my life as His is the better means of experiencing life in its’ fullest. So, I guess my word for 2019 is about surrender as well.
Thanks, Diane. I think we all struggle with trust to some degree. Great reminders.
I love your word choice for this year. I think this new year will hold a lot of discovery for myself as well! If i had to choose a word for myself for this year, I’d chose “growth.” I believe it will be a year of growth and discovery for myself as a person, for my son to obviously grow, a chance for my relationship with my husband, and marriage, to grow and lastly my relationship with God.
Yes, Jenn! Great things to look forward to and focus on!
My 2019 word is self-care. A #charm is a nice way to remind us to be aware of mindfulness
That’s wonderful, Andrea!
Happy New Year Cindy! I’m so glad our paths crossed.
Hi Jane! Thanks for coming by. Hope you have a great 2019!
My word is Renewals. Spring is a promise of renewals from God. Even though we are still in the Winter season,it won’t be long before we see the beautiful flowers of Spring. Thank you for the contest and have a blessed night.
Great word, Kathleen! Winter can also be a time of renewal as we rest along with the landscape.
I have never done this before, but I have friends who have. I will have to think about it. I do like your choice!
Thanks, Michelle. Thinking, pondering, reflecting…all important practices!
I don’t have a one word for 2019. I need to grow in the areas of trust and surrender.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Caryl! Don’t we all!
My word for 2018 and continuing is grateful. I’ve come to appreciate everything. No matter how big or small or good or bad, we all need to be grateful what we have and what we experience.
Amen to that, Katrina! Wishing you many blessings with your word!
Grateful. Always be grateful
Love the word you chose! So many things to discover and the journey to those discoveries will provide information for your readers I’m sure.
I don’t have a word for each year, although I think that’s really special. I do have a scripture I choose that is a special one for the year.
Happy New Year friend
I think it chose me, but yeah, you’re right, Sandy. Praying your piece of scripture continues to speak to you!
My word last year was Blessed. Around every corner I found I was truly blessed. Even in the not-so-good times I felt blessed. My word this year is Delight. Reading the Bible through as I do each year I know I will Delight in His Word and I Delight in His presence. It will be interesting to see how delight-ful this year will be! Blessings, Linda
How wonderful, Linda!
My word for 2018 was persevere as long as I persevered at gaining back the strength of my legs I would be able to walk better after my accident. My word for this year is Grateful I’m going to be grateful to be alive and to be able to walk and work as well as I can for the rest of my life.
Hi Elizabeth!
(This is Cindy, not Tom)
Praying that you continue to recover. Grateful is such a powerful word. May God bless you always!
Hello Cindy, I am new to your newsletter and love your ‘word’ idea. Am into my second year of widowhood and having to learn and discover new things daily. God is faithful, (probably my most used words during this difficult time) and He continues to be so!
Blessings, Mandy (from Australia).
Hi Mandy,
(This is Cindy, not Tom)
I’m so sorry to hear that, but happy to hear that you know God is walking beside you. May he continue to bless you. Thanks so much for signing up and for stopping by.
I like the idea of the “Word” for the year. You are the 2nd person I have this from. The other person is Author Debbie Macomber. I do not have 1 word yet. I think it would be Hope or Happiness as last yr was AWFUL! I lost 2 pugs in Jan & Feb, my mom in Feb, childhood friend in March & A cousin over the summer.
Hi Michele, so sorry to hear that 2018 was filled with so much sorrow. But what a blessing that you feel hope for the new year. Wishing you many blessings. Thanks for stopping by.
My word for this year is “Survive”, nothing in particular, just Do It, survive whatever life throws at you and smile while you are doing it!
We do, don’t we? Survive more than we thought we could.
Hi Cindy,
I have never thought of having a goal word for the new year but I love the concept!
I think my word for 2019 will be Trust….
Great word, Kathy!
the word is peace and kindness in the world
Yes. 🙂
peace and kindness in the world
🙂
Mine for 2019 is two words – KEEP BELIEVING. Not just in a spiritual way but it all manners: people, personal challenges (just finished 3 years cancer-free!) and in my many volunteer activities.
So much meaning in that, Linda. Congrats on the good health report.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions but this sounds like something I could try. It is definitely something I will think about. I could certainly use some inspiration
Hope you find some inspiration for 2019, Sandy!