Do you pick a word for the new year?
17 years ago, I started praying and asking God to give me a theme for the new year. I found the theme helped me learn a little faster, keep my focus a little sharper...(letting go was a theme one year and most of my decisions were filtered through the lessons I was learning about letting go-)
When I started blogging 8 years ago, Ali Edwards was doing One Little Word workshops & helping people choose one-little-word for the new year. Inspired by Ali’s One-Little-Word, I decided to replace my theme-for-the-year and boil it down to a single word.
I’ve been picking one-little-word ever since.
The word that’s on my heart for 2016 is :
Moment
Ann Voskamp says:
“… this is the only way to slow down time:
When I fully enter into the current moment …”
Think about it. A moment is an instant. It’s here. It’s gone. Just like that.
This moment, the one I’m in …the one you’re in right now…those moments will never come again.
I don’t want to miss my moments by being preoccupied or absent.
When I’m with family and friends, I don’t want to ignore them by staring into the phone or computer or TV.
I don’t want to waste my moments by spending them doing useless things…like worrying or spending hours online.
I want to choose well the way I spend my moments.
Hopefully my one-word will remind me to fully enter the current moment.
Do you pick one-word for the new year? If you do, would you take a second and share it?
xo Sending love my friends…
(And since my job (and my calling) involve this blog and social media, I’m going to make every effort in the coming year NOT to waste your moments my friends. I’m praying that you and I will be able to help each other find inspiration for what matters most.)
ps…
Last year my word was Love-
And honestly, although the word is overused and under appreciated, I learned a lot about love in 2015.
How difficult it is to love someone who was not entirely lovable…but with God’s help, it’s not only possible, it’s a joy.
When Mike was so sick last spring, I found myself astounded at how deeply rooted our love for each other was.
And if I live to be 100, I’ll ever be surprised by the love of God.
julie says
December 31, 2015 at 4:07 amHow very true, Robin. We should all be so wise to learn to appreciate the moment we’re in because we are not entitled to the next moment. I’m still praying on my word, but I’ll let you know! Happy New yYear, friend!
Robin says
December 31, 2015 at 4:05 pmJulie, looking forward to hearing what word you pick- Happy New Year my friend xo
melinda says
December 31, 2015 at 8:27 amthank you for bringing to my attention the need to be intentional,if that makes sense,I too need to find a word to cling to I hope this year will be better than what ours was last year. I know it will because Christ is work.
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:38 pmMelinda…I pray for you to have a better year in 2016 my friend- sending love xo
Tawn says
December 31, 2015 at 9:15 amRobin,
I feel like my word for 2016 is “See”. I need to always look and be aware of where God is and what He is doing in my life. God is at work, and many times, I go about my day, not even seeing His hands.
Love bunches,
Tawn
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:38 pmTawn, I love it!!!!! See…the distractions of the world blind me – so often I go through my days not really seeing or hearing Him…what a beautiful word for the year my friend – love you bunches too xo
Julie Garmon says
December 31, 2015 at 9:30 amWhat a wonderful word choice–MOMENT. So unique. So valuable. So many times, I overlook my moments, stacking them up and brushing them away like crumbs.
Can’t wait to see where MOMENT takes you and where DANCE takes me!
Martha Franks says
December 31, 2015 at 11:29 amI have been given a “word” every year for about 9 years. Last year the Lord gave me “trust”. I journal thoughts, scriptures and thoughts that I find in my reading. This year is “wisdom”, however another word is coming on strong and that is “centering”. Thank you for sharing your word with us.
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:36 pmMartha…Centering…whew. This is something we all need isn’t it? I pray this year would be full of those moments of centering for you my friend xo
Ilene says
December 31, 2015 at 2:41 pmI love this Robin; it is so true. . I moved my 91 year old father in with me after his grave illness last April. He requires assistance with everything, but I cherish every “moment” regardless of what we are I am so thankful that I have been given these moments.
Happy New Year!
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:35 pmLove this Ilene…and I’m falling in love with the word cherish (like others have mentioned) xo
Noreen says
December 31, 2015 at 4:51 pmDear Robin, I too try to feel led by the Lord in choosing a word for the New Year; last year was trust-which I learned on a deeper level before having major surgery(the Dr.’s feared I had cancer-but Praise His name, I didn’t). Hope I don’t have to repeat that lesson. This year, my word is Anticipation-I haven’t gotten the exact meaning from Websters, but for me I am anticipating seeing dreams, hopes, prayers and visions fulfilled.
Sending love your way and wishes for a blessed New Year!
Noreen
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:34 pmNoreen, oh I got chills when I read your word! Anticipation!!! Please keep me updated on what you learn this year- and praise God that you don’t have cancer! 🙂 Sending love my friend xo
Cindy says
December 31, 2015 at 11:47 pmJust a BEAUTIFUL and SPECIAL post! I love the word Moment!! I may have to use this one too! Soooo very true how we get soo wrapped up and preoccupied !!! Let’s all take big !deep!breaths! I too have a husband who has had many health issues! Another heart procedure coming in February! Take each moment that God gives us and let’s run with it! Happy New Year!
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:32 pmCindy, praying for your dear husband – for healing and guidance for the doctors…and that his recovery would be easy and quick…sending love my friend xo
Joanne Clark says
January 3, 2016 at 9:02 pmI have had the same word for the last several years — Cherish. In fact, “Cherish Every Moment” is a stencil I had made years ago and is proudly written in my kitchen. But my word for 2016 is BELIEVE…!! My precious 66 year old brother was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive and terminal brain tumor. I am praying for a miracle for him! And I BELIEVE God can do it! Until then, I do cherish every moment I have with him! Happy New Year to you. I love that you share your joy, passion and talents with the rest of us!
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:29 pmJoanne, oh honey, I’m so sorry about your brother but I join you in prayer for his healing and I’m asking God to give him lots of good times with friends and family in the coming year…Love your word my friend. Several years ago Believe was my one little word…I truly learned a lot about letting go of worry and believing – sending love xo
Ilene says
January 4, 2016 at 9:14 amUnderstanding is my choice of one little word. It is, what I want to both, give and receive. In this hustle and bustle world, it seems people are too focused on themselves to take time to understand others.
Robin says
January 4, 2016 at 4:23 pmIlene…I love that word…understanding. Sending love my friend xo