Forget New Year’s Resolutions, Just Choose One Word

Last year I participated in One Word 365 for the first time.  One word to focus on for an entire year.  I chose QUIET.

You know what I learned in 2013 about the word quiet?  I am truly horrible at it.  

Quieting my mind and sitting still for more than a few seconds is torture for me.  Torture.  But so important.

I didn’t master the art of being quiet, but I did become more mindful of the noise in my life.  Which leads me to my new word for 2014.

SIMPLIFY.

All the noise, all the racing thoughts and frantic heartbeats, all the “hurry hurry hurry” comes from a lack of simplicity.

One Word 365

And while I have strived towards simplicity in the past, this time I’m actually going to do something about it.

First of all, I am reading Abundant Simplicity by Jan Johnson.  Each chapter has experiments to choose from, thoughts to ponder, and practical tips on practicing simplicity.

Second, I am setting a work schedule for myself and only saying yes to the very best projects.  I am determined to give up the good and go for the great this year.

Third, well, I haven’t gotten that far yet, but I think that’s ok.  I’m taking bite-sized steps toward the road to a simpler life, and I think that will take me farther than some grand set-me-up-for-failure plan.

SIMPLIFY.

I like the sound of that.

Participate in One Word 365 by clicking here.

What is your One Word for 2014?  

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  • Angel Haynes December 31, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Great word, friend! I’m not very good at choosing one word for a whole year, but I’ve been pondering with the next two months should look like. Interestingly enough, SIMPLIFY is what has been ringing through my head. I’m going to be getting rid of lots of stuff, and not just junk, like legitimately getting rid of good stuff we don’t use or need. I’m also going to be participating in Seven Sacred Pauses by Macrina Wiederkehr. It will be hard, but my spirit and thought life definitely need some simplification and focus on just Jesus. I’m looking forward to reading what you learn as you simplify. Happy, happy New Year, dear friend!

  • No New Years resolution for me, just One Word! | twentysevenart January 1, 2014 at 11:28 am

    […] resorting to a New Years resolution this year. Only One Word. I stumbled across One Word 365 via InspiredRD.com […]

  • Mrs BMG January 2, 2014 at 7:49 am

    Hi! I found you through the One Word website. This is my word, too! Love to keep up with you!

  • Joanna Li January 2, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Simplify is a great word!! I picked gratitude this year 🙂 Thanks for sharing about One Word, looking forward to checking it out! happy new year

  • Katy January 7, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Thx for your comment on my blog. Looking forward to our one word. Blessings to simplifying life.

  • Mexican Chicken Soup January 15, 2014 at 10:07 pm

    […] photo turned out kind of meh, but in keeping with my One Word of “simplicity” it will have to do for now.  Try to imagine a scoop of avocado under the rice and a slice […]

  • Danessa Foo January 2, 2015 at 12:10 am

    Hi, I picked ‘grace’ too. Are you interested in a monthly link-up? Basically, write something about Grace, your journey so far with it, or why you’re hating the challenges… Publish it on your blog and then submit the link to the link-up and we can pop around supporting and learning from one another. It’s every first Friday of the month 😉

    Hope to hear from you!

    Prayerfull Mum
    http://prayerfullmum.net/5ive-minutes-friday-linky