I’ve seen a lot of tweets lately (mainly via my work Twitter account) about people choosing one word to define their 2013. I haven’t clicked on any of the posts and read what it’s all about or seen who is hosting this chain of posts. I thought it was an okay concept but really, how can you define or anticipate an entire year by one word?
On my drive home last night, someone on the radio was talking about it as well. Her and her husband decided to choose a word for 2013. Basically at the end of the year, you can look back and say, “I was more _____ this year” or “I sure felt _____ this year” or I’m so glad I had more _____ in my year.”
The idea is that you don’t make a million resolutions, you choose one goal and do things in your life to help you attain that goal.
Some people may choose the word “healthy” and they may eat better or work out. They may get more sleep or quit smoking. Whatever they do throughout the year should help them stay on track to be healthy.
I like that way of thinking. And then I realized that I had already chosen my word. On NYE at my hot date with my hot husband, he asked, “So what do you want for 2013?” I had a one word answer. Happiness.
I want my world to be covered in happiness. Obviously some things are completely out of my control, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t hope for happiness.
What will bring me happiness in 2013? I’m not entirely sure (how can you possibly know what cards will be dealt?) but here is what I think it will look like.
More time with my little family, less time fulfilling obligations that seem so darn important.
More time with my little family, less time watching television.
A cleaner and more organized house.
Another baby, or at least the start of that. In other words, get pregnant in 2013.
Less money stress. (Not quite sure how to achieve that just yet, but God will provide.)
More quality time with Stephen. Dates, quiet times, more sharing and “meaningless” discussion.
More time in the kitchen making quality food for my family.
A vacation with Stephen.
Involvement in our church, when the time is right.
There are also some specific things like getting Jansen’s big boy room set up, hanging more things on my walls, cleaning out our office, seeing Lauren and Molly a few times, reading more, writing more, and figuring out what to do with all of our photos.
These may look like resolutions, but they aren’t. If none of those things happen but I can still say that I was covered in happiness, then the year was a success. If all of those things happen but there was no happiness, then it wasn’t.
I’m not saying that every minute of every day needs to be happy. I’m not delusional. Just like I wasn’t unhappy all of 2012. I had some incredible times last year. I have an incredible child, I went to Disney, I had a million laughs and smiles, and I have an amazing job. But when I look back on my 2012, I see a lot of sadness, stress, and wasted time. I want more for me and my little family next year.
So raise your glass… to happiness!
A good word. Mine is JOY.
(Speaking of Joy, my friend’s family had a necklace made with Joy’s handwriting and gave it to her mother. Thanks for that idea.)
Excellent post! Food for thought for all of us.
Yea! How is it going on day 3??? I like this idea. I kind of started this idea after our women’s retreat. It is “balance”…. Need to make time for personal devotion time with the Lord and it SHOULD “balance” the rest of the day!
I do hope your year is filled with happiness, Chelsea.
I love this (especially the seeing Molly and I a few times) and I love you!
Uh, that would be Molly and me. I promise I have a degree in English.