What Is Your Word for 2020?

Posted December 31, 2019 by Prairie Wife - 2 comments

Tomorrow will be the first day of 2020.

Several years ago I decided that rather than come up with a list of New Year’s Resolutions, I would focus on a theme for the year.

In 2018 my theme was “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Last year my theme was the word PAUSE.

As the end of 2019 approached I found myself taking some time to reflect on my year, and how well I did focusing on my word, PAUSE.

I have without a doubt seen how that single word has made me a better person.

I am yelling at my children less and enjoying the pure fun and chaos of our life more.

I am making choices that align with what I truly want to do and who I truly want to be.

I am learning to say no.

I have faced my fears and said yes to new adventures.

I have stepped back from opportunities and people and I have grown.

In learning to PAUSE, I have seen so much that I have missed in the past.

As I thought about what I wanted for 2020 the perfect word came to me, HEAL.

To me, there are three parts to this word.

First, I have learned that I need to HEAL emotionally and spiritually from things that have happened to me in the past. I need to truly HEAL from past pain that continues to impact my relationships with others.

I already know that diving into this is going to be uncomfortable. That it is going to take a lot of work on my end and I will need to rely on my ability to pause before I react to truly HEAL.

I have hope that healing this emotional and spiritual hurt will allow me to have more honest relationships with family and friends.

Secondly, I want to help others to HEAL.

Over this last year of blogging and traveling across the state of Wyoming to share our message of grit and grace, I have seen so much pain.

As I have learned to PAUSE and truly listen to what others are saying I have seen anger, disappointment, and deep hurt.

Some of that pain I have caused, and some of it is just what happens as we live this life.

I want to find a way to help people to HEAL.

I want to offer strength and hope, compassion and joy.

Lastly, I want to HEAL physically.

Over two months ago I injured my ankle. 

Not a big deal right?

Except it has been.

I have an amazing Physical Therapist (and his team) and as of last week, I was cleared to run one mile, on a treadmill.

Do you hear angels singing?!

But, before I can move on to two miles, and then three and so on. I have to run one mile a few more times.

I have to consistently get to the gym 3 or more times a week (we don’t have a treadmill at our home).

And I am struggling.

I have become so used to being able to hit the dirt road outside the house for a quick run or go on a long snowshoe or take a long walk on the sidewalk at work…impromptu workouts if you will…that I am utterly overwhelmed with this new task.

In the last week, I have packed my gym bag twice with every intention of hitting the treadmill, only to end up skipping my run to take care of other responsibilities.

In 2020 I will stick to my scheduled workouts and renew my dedication to HEAL my body.

HEAL.

I can’t wait to see what this word brings to my life!

What will your word for 2020 be?

Need some help picking a word or theme?

Here are some things to consider.

• Write down things that you struggle with and see if there is an underlying theme.
• Is there a certain song, poem or book that has meaning for you? Is there a theme for you there?
• Is there a bible verse that has touched your heart this year?
• Chat with your friends and family, see what they think.
• Remember, you can pick positive words like JOY and HOPE and THANKFUL
• Don’t pick something that you are already good at, this is supposed to be a challenge!

Ways to stay focused on your word.

• Create a fun screen saver for your computer or wallpaper for your phone featuring your word.
• Find wall art at a local store or Etsy with your bible verse, word or theme and hang it up.
• Invest in a custom shirt, jewelry or hat with your word.
• Stick post-it notes with your word, theme or verse on your mirror to see as you begin each day.
• Purchase a journal and spend a little time each day or week reflecting on your theme.
• Create a 2020 playlist that has songs that help inspire you to focus on your theme, word, or bible verse.

Categories: Health and Wellness, Life As It Happens, Prairie Life

Tags: