 |
| Image credit: Photo by The Gifted Photographer on Flickr Licensed under Creative Commons |
Two years ago, I gave up on New Year's resolutions. What do those ever lead to but disappointment anyway? Maybe I keep them, but mostly I don't. And when I don't, I feel like a failure. So, I picked a single word as my intention for the year instead. Since I was feeling down at the time, the word I picked for 2008 was "happy." And what do you know, 2008 was happy!
As 2008 drew to a close, I picked another word. The word for 2009 was "God." And I'm pleased to report that this really was a year of growing spirituality:
- I started attending 12 Step meetings again and reworking the Steps with a Step group of wonderful women.
- I meditated and prayed more this year than any other in my life, which included spending time on a short spiritual retreat.
- I instituted my own Sabbath, a day each week focused on rest and spirituality.
- I even, although I didn't write about it here for anonymity reasons, celebrated my birthday with a special dedication to God.
Wow. Since this whole word thing has been working out pretty well, it's time to pick a focus for 2010. And this year's word is (drum roll, please):
HEALTH
Yep, this year I will be focusing on my health. I plan to continue working on my mental, emotional and spiritual health as always, but I'm hoping to concentrate especially on my much neglected physical health. I am not setting any specific goal. No "I'm going to lose 10 pounds" or "I'm going to stop drinking soda." I'm just going to see where the word "health" takes me. Hopefully to more exercise, eating better and regular doctor's visits, but we'll see. I'm open and ready.
Hope you all have a wonderful, happy, healthy New Year! Do you have an intention — or any good old fashioned resolutions? Leave a comment. I'd love to hear about them.
I hope 2010 is happy, healthy and spiritual for you!
I love your word-of-the-year tradition. I might have to borrow that from you.
I don't really do resolutions either, except when I do. I refuse to think of it as a resolution and call it by some other tricky name instead, but along those lines... This year I'm going to be working on connecting with my family more, my mom in particular.
I wish you good health - physically, spiritually, mentally, growth..ally. Much love to you and your family for 2010!
As most special-needs parents do, I tend to neglect my own needs to the point of being ill. With that in mind, my resolutions are focused on self-care this year, including health. Many blessings to you in 2010!
Happy New Year dear MPJ...thank you for being here and for all the love, the honesty, the health you share...thank you!
I hope 2010 is the year of Health, building on your happy, your journey with God and your health...
xo Gabi
Happy New Year MPJ!
A blogging friend (who like me, doesn't like "doing" resolutions) posted that this year she is trying to embrace happiness, which I love. I've found this past year as I've posted to my blog, that I often start off a post very negatively but then put the tag "gratitude" on it. So I think that's my word for 2010, if I have one at all.
Happy New Year.
I'm loving this tradition. Wishing you health in 2010. I'm off to share my word. Muah!!!!
My word for the year will be DECLUTTER!
I'm getting rid of things AND people in my life. Less clutter in my home and in my mind will mean less stress.
Happy New Year Mary!
Like you, I gave up resolutions quite some time ago in favor of setting 'intentions' but perhaps choosing a single word to help me focus would be a good idea. I'll give it some thought. I like Sunny's word of 'declutter' and your choice of 'health' ... but perhaps FOCUS is a word I might choose since it keeps popping into mind and might help me stay on track with my intentions
May the new decade bring you and yours joyful opportunities and experiences!
Hugs and blessings,
I'm thinking if I picked a word for the year I'd like it to be "growth". Perhaps I'll implement your idea in my life this year, that would be growth, wouldn't it?
Oh MPJ, I wish you lots of health! I love this idea and am so glad to hear that picking a word is working for you.
I have lots of intentions that basically focus on what I want in my life. So joy, laughter, spontaneity, a career I love, love, self-respect... and leave the low self-esteem, pain, addict husband stuff in 2009. As much as I can.
Happy New Year to you.
I think that health is a good thing. It can be mental or physical. I'll have to consider a one word description too.
[...] yesterday, I had that experience at last. In honor of my Year of Health, I decided it was finally time to go to an Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meeting and deal with my [...]