A few years ago a friend told me about picking a word for the year or rather a theme instead of doing a New Years resolution. Last year was my first year doing this and I loved it! I picked Intentional and you can read that post. Overall, I think I did well. Everyday I thought about being intentional with what I would do and thought about the person I wanted to be. I wasn’t always who I wanted to be (calm, kind, present), but I did try and continued to give myself grace in the moments it just was not going to happen. Most important to me when picking that word, was being intentional about my time. I wanted to be present with my kids. Last year was overwhelming with being a mom, working and running my own practice. With my word in the back of my head and the support of my husband, I left my job to focus on my therapy practice. I honestly thought I would have more time to blog but that did not happen. I immediately started a health education program. So this extra time I thought I would have, has been used for school work. Leaving little time for this blog. That is not what I want, but if something was going to give, it was had to be this blog. I know that I will eventually get regular at blogging here and hopefully encouraging moms to take time for self-care. Even though I do not blog often, I do post frequently on my facebook page and try to use instagram (Jessica Lynn) so make sure you are following me there.
This brings me to my 2016 word for the year. My husband and I talked about this last night. I feel intentional is still very important word for me. What I need to focus on though is what I am doing with my time and following through with my dreams. Not only am I back in school, I am taking another several month online program and have attended a few other training’s. I need to focus my time and be purposeful. But that sounds like intentional. Honestly, I need to “just do it” and follow through with my goals. The thing is, that both my programs will be done (hopefully) by this summer and implementing them into my business will occur around that time. So I decided to go with the word Flourish. This word is not me. I can’t even tell you how much this word is not me. Even typing that word makes me anxious. But, I want my business to grow and I do want it to flourish. If I want that to happen though, I need to work on myself. I need to let go of my fears, be vulnerable and take risks. What is the point of having goals and ways to help people if you keep it to yourself? I have to put myself out there. That is not me. I am the person who likes to one on one conversations and can’t stand crowds. I am the person who will not talk to you if you tell the waiter it is my birthday. I pretty much dislike attention. I know that. But see, with taking the time for self-care and trying to grow spiritually, I am realizing how much more there is in this world and for my own life. Honestly, I love it. I love knowing that my life does not have to be what I thought it was going to be. I do not have to settle. I am learning that I can’t change all my situations and problems, but I can look at them differently, I just need to be open to doing that. The two best ways I have found to do this is through creativity and mindfulness. Both have given me the desire to want to change things, ability to see things differently and it is fun!
According to the merriam-webster dictionary the definition of flourish is to grow well: to be healthy. I like that definition. I want to grow. I want to grow as a person emotionally, spirituality, and in my relationships. To flourish you have to invest in yourself. For me, that means focusing on joy, gratitude, presence, releasing fears and being vulnerable. This helps me to focus and hopefully flourish. It sounds nice that way. Do you think you are flourishing? What would that look like for you?
Full disclosure, I am cheating a little with this word. The MOPS theme this year is fierce flourishing. As a member, I got a bracelete with the word flourish on it. So now, I can wear my bracelet with the reminder that this is my word for the year.
Did you pick a 2016 word for the year? If so, I would love to hear it!
Choose Happiness,
Jessica Lynn
