One Word 365: A New Word for a New Year

I’ve long given up on New Year’s Resolutions. They were always the same: Stop biting my nails. Drink less Dr. Pepper. Exercise more often (ok, or just exercise period). And I never followed through on them longer than a few weeks.

In 2010 I started participating in the One Word movement instead. I chose one word to live by for the year. That word, fearless, changed my life. That was the year I switched careers and moved. That was the year I ran a half-marathon. That was the year I started letting go of what others expect and starting focusing on what I want.

Last year I chose intentional. I intended (get it?) for that to play out differently. I joined a food co-op, started making my own laundry detergent and toothpaste, and planned to kinda go granola. But I also wanted to be intentional in relationships in 2012. My goal wasn’t to fall in love, but simply to be more open to relationships. I wanted to make new friends and to give guys a real shot instead of always finding flaws. I guess I succeeded, because in 2012 I unexpectedly found myself in love with a small town country guy four years younger than me!

Now it’s 2013. I started thinking about what this year’s word should be back in October. A few words crossed my mind, but one stood out in particular. 

Faith has many meanings. Faith can mean religious beliefs. Faith can mean trust – in God and in others. Faith can mean belief in something for which there is no proof.

Whatever the definition, faith has never been easy for me. I struggle to completely trust others, even God. My faith isn’t unshakable.  And while I’ve made huge strides in believing with no proof (thank you Walking on Water) it’s hard.

This year, I’m focusing on faith. I’m not even going to try to guess what that will look like – things never turn out the way I think they will. Instead, I’m just going to have faith it will work out as it should. See, I’m improving already!