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New Year, One Word

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Happy New Year! You’ve had a few days to settle into 2014, so how is it going? Focused on this year’s goals? I’ve been away for nearly 2 weeks, spending that time with my husband’s family. The first week was at our house, where I find it hard to blog when my “office” is in the middle of the house, where everyone hangs out. The second week, we were away in Mexico, where I thought I’d give my self a “real break”.  Funny thing is…..it rained. Every. Day. The photo below was taken by my husband and we have laughed that it kind of sums up our trip. Mr. Rubber Ducky floating in the pool with unnecessary sunglasses on. When it rains on vacation, you have no choice to laugh. And to read.

I picked up The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin in the airport gift shop before we took off. I had seen it before and dismissed it because I thought, “well, I’m happy enough”. But, for some reason, it seemed to grab me. Have you read it? The author takes a year long journey, beginning in January, focusing on one area a month…to see if she can change things in her life to make her happier. I found quite a few little gems inside.

As a precursor to a new year, I liked seeing how someone else approached their goals and what those goals were. Many fell into the category of typical resolutions. Clear the clutter, make healthier food choices, act the way you want to feel and exercise. But, there were deeper conclusions, too.
I also began hearing about a one word resolution. Some good examples were “Present”, as in to be more present each day. Or “Gratitude”, meaning the person would like to focus each day on all that they already had. I began to think that a one word resolution might be a great way for me to go this year. Like a personal mantra. And this is what I chose.
 LIGHT

Lighten up: don’t take things too seriously
Be a light: be the kind of person people are drawn toward
Feel lighter: make those better food choices & exercise most days
Light hearted: have a full and grateful heart
Tread lightly: everyone’s dealing with something, go easy on them
Go toward light: focus on what fills you up, not what brings you down

Speaking of light….the sun finally came out on the day we came home. 

What are you focusing on in 2014? In just one word? The year is full of possibilities, so let’s take this journey together. I’ll help light the way!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth,
    Happy New Year! Good luck with your word for this year. My word is Discipline -I shared this with my children and while sitting in church yesterday something was said to cause my son to turn to me and remind me of my word! Perhaps this will catch on with them too! Enjoy the week.
    LB

  2. Hi Elizabeth,

    I was so happy to hear from you this morning! That picture of the little duck made me smile. We've taken those vacations .. we expect gorgeous sunny weather and it's grey and cloudy (like Seattle!). Sounds like you enjoyed your vacation despite the weather and are feeling ready to start a new year. Light is a wonderful mantra!

    Enjoy your day:)

  3. Happy New Year, Elizabeth! I've missed your cheerful posts! I'm so sorry that your vacation wasn't all you had hoped. But I think you made the best of it by picking up a book, and I also really enjoyed the Happiness Project and found it very inspiring.

    I love the idea of a one word resolution – light seems perfect for you. The first word that felt right for me was "radiate." Radiating love, strength and positivity to everyone I come in contact with.

    Here's to a light-filled 2014! Looking forward to all the pretty, happy things I'm sure you will bring our way! XOXO

  5. Elizabeth, I can't believe it rained every day – what a bummer!!! But it sounds like you all had a great attitude about it. I LOVE your one word resolution and the way you articulated it in all of those iterations. I am going to glom onto that. My one-word resolution is authenticity! To a light and authentic 2014!! xoxo

  6. Elizabeth,
    Oh that photo says it all. I have had vacations like that where the weather sort of changed our plans but in the end, we found the sunshine within!

    My word for the new year is "design with intention" which will serve as a reminder for me to have "good intentions" in everything and I design. Good intentions for my life, my work and to my family and friends. It's easy to think back to my marriage and how good intentions can drive one's purpose in life no matter what challenge comes along.

    Loved The Happiness Project too. Thanks for making me want to re-read it again…..Happy 2014! Full of LIGHT and sunshine! Well today, I think I have every light and candle lit….so dark and dreary.
    pve

  7. I actually chose BALANCE. Keeping balance, spiritually, mentally and physically. Trying to not let one thing take over my life but to feed all sides equally or as equally as possible. An unbalanced life can become stagnant so I am going to work n Balance.
    I love your word! Great thoughts in this post, thanks for sharing,
    kathysuse

  11. I absolutely love this post Elizabeth. Yes, lots of posts are inspiring, but this one is inspiring in a different, more important way. When I pause and take a look at my life and am compelled to make some changes, I'd say that's an impressive response to a blog post! Of course different posts reach different readers depending on what they are searching for at that particular time, but oh, thank you for this one!
    PS it rained just about every day of our Thanksgiving vacation in the Bahamas, so I know the feeling..
    XOXO
    Jan

  12. Oh, Elizabeth, you were in the same rainy spot of beach as we in Mexico! We had one day of sun and then it broke through the clouds yesterday when we left… We didn't let that hamper our adventures and it helped that we were reading Gretchen's other book, Happier at Home. In any event, our word for 2014 is Create – love, memories, connections, pretty things, etc. Happy New Year to you!!
    xxoo
    C + C

  13. I'm working towards balance in 2014, it's time for me to work on this. I love your word and hope you find it all. Sorry about the rain but hope you had a great trip inspire of it.

  15. I've been feeling much the same about people having different layers to their lives and you just never know what someone is carrying around (emotionally) on a daily basis. Treading lightly is a nice way of putting it. Being a more positive person in daily living – being kinder to yourself as well as others.

  16. Oh, Elizabeth, so sorry that it rained on your vacation, but at least you were able to see the "light…loving your word!! Wishing you all the best in the new year ~

  17. Happy New Year and Welcome Home!!! So sorry you had rainy weather in Mexico. I love the idea of a one word resolution…and your choice of "light" is so perfect and your perspective is spot on. Thank you for adding light to my day today, Elizabeth! xoxo

  19. Elizbeth, I loved this. I think Light is the perfect goal for any of us to live by! I think mine for the year is Seek. I am looking for new inspiration, creativity and motivation, and would love to devote myself to learning something new this year. Not to say I won't also try to be as lovely as you and to radiate love and light to those around me as well. 🙂

  20. My word is " faithful" . God is faithful. I determine to be a faithful daughter, wife, mother,grandmother and friend. I desire to be faith 'full', as I exercise my faith. Great is His faithfulness unto me! Tee

  21. Elizabeth, I am going to use your word. "Light" is not something I had thought of; however your phrases are perfection! Thank you my friend!

    Wishing you all the best in the year ahead!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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