I've been searching for my, "one word," after receiving a copy of the book, One Word that will change your life, by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton and Jimmy Page. As the book suggests, I'm looking for that one word that will guide my ship, and keep me on my center mark during the upcoming year. I'm sure many people begin their "one word" search in late November or December as a new calendar year is set to begin. I have lived most of my life by the school year calendar. In just 6 1/2 short days, one more school year will be a part of my history. I will spend a few days reflecting...tucking the memories neatly away before jumping head long into plans for next fall. June is an ending and a beginning for me, so I feel it's appropriate for me to begin my "one word" journey now.
Choosing a word is not easy. My first inclination was to pick something impressive. Something that would sound fancy when I told other people or wrote about it on my blog. Fancy is fine, but maybe not what I need at this point in my life's journey. So then, I began to think about ways I would like to grow, change, or approach life that is different from how I am right now. As words came to me, I've tried to write them down. I've even prayed, though probably not thoroughly enough, for God to send me my word. The words have not come fluidly. I've really only got a few contenders which makes the brainstorming writing teacher in me feel a little lackadaisical. Perhaps I need to give this one word business a little more attention. After all, I only have 5 days left in the month.
One word that has come to mind is the word, "Faith/faith/believe". Belief in myself, in others, in God. Letting go of the need to be in control and trusting that God has prepared me (and those in my life) to weather life's rough seas and come through the storm. Believing that whatever is happening now, is serving a higher purpose that I may not even understand right now and being comfortable with the mystery of not always knowing or understanding the WHY? Faith in others is a big challenge for me. I'm more comfortable relying solely on myself, putting little confidence in others to carry weight or help me through life's trials. Cultivating relationships is hard, and faith (or lack thereof) plays a huge role in this area. Faith is a front runner on my "one word" short list.
"Joy" is also on my list. Though it seems almost too frivolous. It's one of the fancy words that sounds more like something I would choose to impress others, than to really grow myself. However, joy is very hard for me. It feels too carefree and unsafe. Like I'm not doing enough to insulate myself from the bad things that may come my way. But, I know that God wants us to find the joy in the ordinary, the mundane, the basic ins and outs of life, and I think we could all do with a little more joy. I think it would help me to be more of a model for others and to keep me focused on spreading positive energy, rather than being negative and cynical.
"Simplify"~ I've felt a yearning in my heart to simplify anything and everything. From giving away/selling unused possessions, to downsizing my house...throwing away clutter and giving up on fancy sophisticated organization strategies. I'm at a point in my life where I want simple to be the best way to tackle anything. We are blessed with so much and have so many opportunities to do meaningful things, but we get so crazy busy and bogged down that we are often ineffective. I wonder how many times I've failed to see the obvious because I'm over-thinking the situation or have too many tools in my tool belt to choose from.
"Do" is a word I'm drawn to. I've spent so much of my life afraid to make a move, to take control, to do things that are out of my comfort zone. I was the consummate planner, never actually accomplishing much of anything. I've overcome some of my stuckedness over the past few years, but I think having "do" as a word would push me to apply that mantra to my list of wishes and "shoulds." This word is actually closely connected to "faith" because in order to have the confidence to "do" one has to have faith in oneself and her ability to deal with the outcome of choices. It's about letting go of perfection and expectation to just experience what there is to see and do and accomplish. I like the idea of this very simple word. It's like the opposite of procrastination. And would also force me to consider my priorities and one cannot simply "do" everything.
I have a few days left to meditate on my word. I'm certain it will become clear. I have faith, that if I simplify and rest in quiet prayer and mediation my acts of doing and being will send me my word.
