A New Year's Resolution in One Little Word

In years past I've been very good at making new year's resolutions and promptly forgetting them by January 15th. That consistent promise-breaking is tiresome (and disappointing.) I can't resist a little friendly competition with myself so, of course, I made a couple very specific goals for this year, but they aren't meant to last until December. Instead, I am going to spend 2014 getting to know myself through one. single. word. I have signed up for Ali Edward's One Little Word 2014. The idea is to spend 12 months focusing, meditating, thinking, writing, photographing, and reflecting on one word through writing prompts, thought provoking exercises, and creative exploration.

I first read about this project on a blog and I knew it was perfect for me. Once I enrolled and was tasked with choosing my word it was way more complicated than I imagined. I could take this exercise in many directions: contentment, forward, discover, truth, acceptance, kindness, connect, or be. There were many good options and I had a hard time making a decision. While I am grateful for much, there are still things I want in this world: a child, adventure, peace, to complete a sprint triathlon (for the record, I can't run a 5K today!), and the list goes on. After vacillating over my words for a couple of days, I stumbled on an article about the importance of spirituality in new years resolutions. I found my word. Or maybe my word found me, but FAITH is the one thing I need to make my dreams a reality.....

I love shiny and new. I love words. I love self exploration. I love writing. I love photography. Those concepts I can commit to and I look forward to seeing where they take me. I may not end 2014 pounds lighter or dollars richer, but I do hope to end the year with faith stronger and a guiding principle to take with me for many years to come. Have you picked a word for 2014?

XOXO