I shared this recently over at Less Cake More Frosting as part of Lara’s one word series. I thought I would share it here with you in case you missed it or did not click over to her site.
I spent a lot of time thinking about words and their respective meanings. I wanted to find the perfect word that would ring true for me and my thoughts as we transition into a new year.
I am not very good about setting New Years Resolutions because every year I seem to choose similar goals to the year before. Hmm …something about that feels very wrong! Right? Then I realize another year has come and gone without any real resolution. Can anyone relate? (please say yes?!)
But I like the idea of having a word…one word. A word that I can reflect on throughout the year…and word that will help me choose to see things as they really are. A word to help me keep my perspective as to the events and everyday moments in my life. The word is have chosen is…
Clarity. Clearness. Freedom from ambiguity. The older I get the more I realize how important it is to be able to view a situation in life for what it really is.
Most will never be rescued by a handsome prince.
Most of our kids are not going to be perfect.
Sometimes things get broken.
Sometimes things get misunderstood.
Sometimes people are mean.
Sometimes we may lose a loved one.
Some of our dreams may never come true.
Sometimes we get the short end of the stick.
Let’s face it…sometimes life is messy.
But I believe that if we choose to see things as they really are, we can be happy with what really matters.
I have chosen the word Clarity because there are a few areas in my life that are of the upmost of importance to me. I want to be sure that they will not fall to the wayside as I get caught up in all the “other trappings” that compete for my time and attention. What is important is having the…
to determine just exactly what they are!
For me…the list is short…
my Religion
my Marriage
my Children
my Health
my Individuality
my Authenticity
I realize that when I am focusing my energy 100% towards my children…I can’t possibly focus on my other equally important roles…and vice versa. We can’t possibly be 100% in everything all the time. It just isn’t possible…for anyone!
But…when I get a chance to spend some one on one time with my husband…I can focus on him 100%. Or when I have a quiet moment with one of my children, I can choose to be be 100% present in that moment. It may not be possible to have several of these “moments of clarity” in one day. But as long as we are looking and seeking for these moments of clarity and taking advantage of them while we can…I think I will be on the right track to living a life filled with clarity for the things that matter most.
This year I want I to remember to not let my life be muddled with too many extras…extras that can “muddy” up my clarity and ability to determine what is truly important.
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heather bell says
Well said! So true! The balancing act of a mom/woman is too much most days. But there must be a way! My goal this year was to gain a better testimony of motherhood. Baby 4 is due soon. I want to enjoy it, dang it! I wrote about it on my blog if you are interested.=) http://bellesbazaar-heather.blogspot.com/2012/01/year-2012-theme.html
Amy says
So true. You said balance and I believe that is the key. Good luck with baby #4!!
Hi! I’m new to your blog. I actually found you via Pinterest. (My new crack!) lol You’re a gifted blogger. I will return.
Love it. I am a 46 year old grandma and as I get older I want clarity. I want to show my 7 year old granddaughter clarity. I pray everyday for wisdom and clarity. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Cynthia! I am 38 and feel like life is just slipping by too quickly. Time to slow it down and live in the moment. I have changed a lot since I was 20 :) and I imagine I will continue to grow and learn. I love it when grandparents are really involved in their grandchildren’s lives. They can learn so much.
I really like this! I am inspired to come up with my own word. Maybe a monthly word so I keep on the ball with it? It’s like a mission statement rolled up in one word. You should make sure to print it out and put it somewhere you will see it everyday. Bathroom mirror? By your closet?
Also…What other words were competing against clarity (if any)?
The other word I was debating on using this year was INTENTIONAL! It is a good one too!
You are an engaging and talented writer. Your article is inspiring for me to get out of my creative rut!
Wow! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I really appreciate it. Sometimes it feels like I am talking to myself here :)
I love reading these one word resolutions. Yours is perfect. Thanks for your insight.
Thank you so much Kylene! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. And your words made a difference today when I was having one of those days :)
I’m so glad I found your sight today. I love your WORD and your post regarding it. Sounds like to me that you are going to have a very good year!!! Your clarity has filled your list with the most important things in life. It is so true how if we let it happen that other things steal our time away from the important things right in front of us. I will look forward to checking back on your blog for more inspiration from your WORD and blog.
Thanks, it’s nice to meet you!
Lee Ann
Thank you Lee Ann. I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks for following along. I hope you enjoy it. And I truly hope it is a good year…although it is what you make it most of the time…right?!
You are a true inspiration. Love the WORD idea. I love the mixture of ideas and personal stories on your blog. Very authentic. Now there is a word. Love ur blog.
I realize this is an older post, but I’ve been pondering it a lot lately, and considering the word ‘mindful.’ Mindful of what I say, mindful of how I eat, mindful of how I spend my time and mindful of my children and their wonderful ways. It is a good exercise to keep the focus. I also really liked your picture of the strawberry dropping into the water and wondered where you got it. Is it available for purchase somewhere? Enjoying your site!