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I’m one of those nerdy people who pick a word for the year. It really does help me focus.
This year, I want to Thrive.
Thrive : to grow or develop vigorously; flourish: -dictionary.com
Honestly, I’m tired of living in survival mode. Last year we seemed to go from one minor crisis to another: tummy bugs, flu, seizures, work deadlines, ear infections, fevers and more seizures, RSV, pneumonia, family members surgeries, maternity leave budget fiasco, and other things.
“God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7 MSG
I felt like I was the one always asking for help, and not able to give it. And maybe that’s just the season I’m in, but it hasn’t made me happy.
I asked a friend what my WORD should be. She said… Present. She knows me. She knows the struggle. And while I may want a year to thrive, a year with big lofty goals, just being present would be the best place to start.
Present in my children’s lives.
Present in my friends lives.
Present for my family.
Fully present… phone down, mind focused on the here and now, releasing anxiety, not worried about the future, living in the moment, and savoring the good.
Present at work.
Present at home.
Present over perfect.
“This is actually my life, and it doesn’t matter a bit bit if it would be lovely for someone else to live. What does matter: does it feel congruent with how God made me and called me?” -Shauna Niequist in Present over Perfect
I want to flourish in this season of little ones, work hard both at home and work, and find balance in between.
When I work toward being present, it will make it easier to thrive.
What word or words do you need spoken into your life this year?
How do these two words translate into actual goals?
- Clean after the kids go to bed or before they wake up. (At least during the week)
- Set aside 15 minutes for myself in the morning. (Which means waking up a bit earlier.)
- Plan weekly date nights with my husband. (Even if it’s staying up late after the kids go to bed.)
- Reserve social media for set times. Not to check it all day. (Last year I turned off push notifications… best idea ever)
- Do things that restore my soul: read, write, rest.
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