Last year was my first year ever to choose a word for the year and really live by it. In previous years, I had chosen words, but they had never truly stuck or made a lasting impact.
2016 was entirely different.
My Year of Rest changed my life in very powerful and profound ways. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever be the same as a result of making the commitment to a year of rest. (You can read more about how this simple word radically changed my life in 2016 here.)
As the end of 2016 began to near, I started really thinking through what my dreams and hopes and goals for 2017 would be, as well as what I wanted to invest my life in during this next year.
I learned so much from streamlining my life and paring down so I had breathing room this past year. I learned that when I stepped back from all of the crazy and gave myself space to breathe and laugh and LIVE more, there were parts of me I didn't know existed. Sadly, I'd been too busy and too focused on productivity to recognize them.
A few things I've discovered in 2016: I'm actually not as ultra minimalist as I thought I was, I actually like wearing bright colors and new styles, I actually am less of an introvert and more of a people person than I realized, and I thrive and enjoy life more when I'm a little more spontaneous. (If you missed it, be sure to read yesterday’s post on 10 Surprising Things I Learned About Myself in 2016.)
I realized that saying “no” over and over and over again to the things that weren’t priorities in this season of life and/or didn’t bring me joy, gave me the space to really invest deeply in the people in my home, a few real-life relationships, and a few projects that really mattered to me.
So my Year of Rest is turning into a Year of Yes!
Now that I've pared down my life, cut back on the calendar clutter, and made space to live and breathe, 2017 is the year I'm committed (and able!) to say yes to more spontaneity and joy and color and laughter and fun and trying new things.
What I’m Saying Yes To:
- My marriage
- My health
- My kids
- Real-life relationships
- Investing in a few extra things in my week that spark joy
- Being more adventurous & spontaneous in a way that will bless my family
- Trying at least a few things I’ve never tried before
Now, in case you get the idea that a Year of Yes means I'm just going to fill up my schedule again with a bunch of crazy, I'm not. This is about being intentional to continue to say no to those things that aren't the best things in order to say "Yes" to the best — memory-making and being more present with the people nearest and dearest to me!
What I’m Not Saying Yes To:
- Chaos
- Crazy
- Calendar clutter
- Meaningless to do’s
- Guilt
- Comparison
- Trying to be someone who is not true to who God has made me to be
I’ve spent too much of my life playing it safe and saying “no” to adventures and spontaneity. This is the year I’m giving myself permission to be a Yes Mom, a Yes Wife, and a Yes Friend to those in my local community. I can't wait to see what lessons I learn and how this changes me in the months to come!
Do you need some motivation to make your health a priority in 2017? I have a passion to help you become your best self. I don't want you to go through life feeling exhausted and burnt out. I don't want you to have to rely upon coffee or coping mechanisms to make it through the day!
I want to help you prioritize your health, boost your energy, and set realistic goals for self-care. Join me for the 15 Days to a Healthier You Program — registration ends in just a few days! Sign up here.
Coming in the next few days: My goals for 2017, My top 10 reads from 2016, and some big changes that are coming here on the blog!
What’s YOUR word for the year? Share in the comments!
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