My Word For 2017

I like the idea of having a word or short phrase that guides the year. I remember that at the end of 2008 I listened to a song called “Walk by Faith” and thought that 2009 would be guided by that -and it was! Since then though I haven’t really had anything I kept front and center. I chose words such as “glorify” or “strong” but much like my resolutions, nothing has stuck. This year however, I want to be intentional and one word came to my mind: steady.

Next year, I want to build healthy habits. I want to take it slow and see positive changes in the way I do life. I do not want fast answers or miracle solutions in any areas of my life. Well that’s not true. I do want miracles! I do want to lose weight in 3 weeks and get my finances in order before taxes hit. But the reality is: I know myself and what I need most is discipline and perseverance (my secondary words, in a sense). I know how to build a plan. I’m a master planner! But I am not so good at following through. I really suck at it actually. So whether we’re talking about parenting, cooking, health, finances, spirituality or advocacy, I want to be steady in 2017. Steady in my tone and in my attention with the boys and with Joe; in making dinners at home and having people over to build community; in keeping a budget and paying off debt; in spending time in silence and reflection; and in being faithful to my values at work and in my life. Steady. It’s not glamorous but it’s essential if I want these changes to last and become part of my life -part of who I am.

What about you? Do you have resolutions? Do you have one word or phrase that will guide 2017?