Monday's Musings: One Word Instead of New Year's Resolutions

by Mary Denman      @MaryDenman

Flowers growing in a wall by Mary Denman Photography

A new year has begun. 2015 is here to stay.

Many people make New Year's Resolutions. Maybe you have. I stopped even trying a few years ago because I failed so miserably at them.

Then, I heard of a very different approach. 

Instead of making lists, you choose one word.

One word for your whole year.

One word to challenge you. To help you focus.

Sometime in December, my word popped into my head. Along with a Bible verse to accompany it. 

I'm simultaneously excited and scared. 


Why? Because it'll be a challenge. Because it's an active word. Not physically, but emotionally and mentally. 

There will probably be days I want to chuck it out the window.

Yet, it's my one word. 

Growing out of a wall by Mary Denman

Overcome.

You see, I have much to overcome. We all do. 

But I need to focus on overcoming the trials and troubles and physical pain in my life instead of giving up, or shutting down. 

I'm still grieving for my mom and father-in-law. I'm dealing with all kinds of chronic physical pain which includes migraines, fibromyalgia, a slightly bulging disc, etc. etc. It's very taxing. 

But I need to shift my focus from "I can't do ___(fill in the blank)___because of how bad I feel today" to "How can I live well in this pain? How can I overcome these trials?"

When I'm feeling stronger, I'm sure I'll have better resolve than on the down days. But since I feel that God has inspired me to take this word on, I will ask him to help see it to completion. 

Will I overcome everything this coming year? NO!

This isn't about perfection. 

It's about process. 

Flowers overcoming waves to hold firm by Mary Denman 

Learning to see opportunities in my weakness instead of being overwhelmed. 

Learning to look up to God instead of focusing on the difficulties. 

No perfection required. 

Just taking the next step. 

And the next one. 

And the next one. 

Starting anew, every day. 

Overcoming bit by bit. 

Even with trains barreling down, this plant prospers by Mary

So I'm excited to share my one word. Yet scared because I know it won't be easy.

Because greatness is born out of overcoming deep struggle, not ease. 

What's my verse? 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  ~John 16:33

CHALLENGE:  Go check out some of these websites about ONE WORD. See if any of them resonate with you. Find your one word. Share it with me. 

Get One Word (Bible app)
One Word 365
My One Word

I pray that God meets you with a word. 



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