Forget New Yearโs resolutions. You heard me. Forget those “new year, new me” goals. Yep, you read that right. You and I both know you’re going to break those resolutions come February. It’s why I stopped making resolutions and started picking one word for the year.
Iโm all aboard the My One Word train. Not sure what Iโm talking about? Let me explain. I’m not sure when it started or how it gained the popularity it has today, but My One Word is a movement to ditch the long list of changes we won’t follow through with anyway and instead focus on a guiding word for all your new year intentions.
As I sit and reflect on all that 2020 was (and all that it wasn’t), I am reminded of my yearly tradition with a smile. My one word for 2020 was GRACE, and y’all.. what a word! Little did I know back in December 2019 how much grace I would need for myself and also would need to dish out for others. Wowzers. 2020 was the year that revealed the best and the worst in humanity, in our government, in our own lives, and, most days, it was GRACE that carried us through!
Looking ahead to the new year that will be here next weekend (!!!), I’ve been searching for weeks for what my 2021 word would be. I’ve done a lot of research, scripture study, reflection, and even took an online quiz to help narrow it down. What kind of person do I want to be in this new year? What do I hope and dream to accomplish? Where do I see myself at the end of December 2021?
I’ve decided on the word JOY. After a dark year, I think we all need to be reminded of good cheer! 2020 wasn’t necessarily the year we wanted, but I believe it’s the year we/I needed to live 2021 intentionally. I have been meditating heavily on Psalm 30 (NLT), particularly verses 4-5:
4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
In 2021, I am focused on living for JOY: Jesus first and foremost, serving Others second, and Yourself last. 2020 taught me how to prioritize what matters most. Now that I’ve chosen my one word, I can decorate my Passion Planner to remind me!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Do you do resolutions? Do you actually keep them? If not, try My One Word. What’s your word for the year? Let me know in the comments! Need help getting started? I’ve got a freebie with guiding questions to help you set your intentions! Click the graphic below to download today.
