A Word About 2013.

Literally -- I like to assign a word or theme to the new year instead of making resolutions. (Or I think in my case, I bundle my resolutions like an internet/cable package and just choose a nice topic to keep them all in line.)

It so happens that SoulPancake, one of my very favorite new-ish website /apps /innovations (by none other than The Office's Rainn Wilson), asked their version of the concept today: Basically, what if we assigned a word to our ideas for this year instead of making resolutions? What would your word be?

I told SoulPancake as I told friends last night while discussing resolutions and as I'm telling you gentle readers now: my word this year is:

con·sist·en·cy 
/kənˈsistənsē/
(noun)

1. Conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness. 

2. The achievement of a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time.
(Source: google)

Photo Source: Tumblr

I like the second definition best, and obviously, this is for what I consider "mundane" tasks -- finances, chores, health situations -- you know, those essentials that pretty much keep you running properly and sane on a regular basis. Last year's word was Maintenance, and score!, because I was able to maintain some health elements that have turned out to benefit me in more ways than just aesthetically. The year before, I think my word was Balance or Chilling or something equally soothing.

So, Consistency. Something I must apply this to so many areas of my life, including those I should've achieved well before my mid- to late 30s. 

Hmmm. After rereading that last bit, maybe next year's word should be Guiltlessness? Is that a word? 

What about you? Do you choose a word, topic, general ideal, goal, or resolution?

Or do you prefer to set goals throughout the year and stay away from the new year situation?

Either way, happy 2013. May the best and brightest of this new page on the calendar be yours. 

Momentum.

I realized a while back that I work better in less confined spaces, at least where words are concerned.

So rather than making actual new year's resolutions, I started going with a broader term to encompass what I wanted to achieve that year: Explore. Remove the excess. Embrace.

You get the picture.

The goals I've had in mind lately were clear, but I hadn't found The Word yet. Then Keri Grayson Horn, a Mississippi friend, posted a Facebook status about momentum. And graciously let me piggyback.

So there we are! All set. Momentum. Take some goals, get moving, keep momentum. Keep doing what's working, with momentum. Delete what's holding me back, and press on with...momentum!

While, like everything, I'm sure it sounds a lot easier than it is, I'm looking forward to this newness.

So. Watch this space. It'll be interesting to see how much momentum I pick up in 2012.

And, of course, happy new year. :-)

New week, new year, new decade, new...

...resolutions? Thoughts? RJ?

Not so much.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm happy it's a new year! There's something about the calendar showing you a guaranteed fresh start that's just, well, refreshing. But here are my takes on all of the above:

New resolutions: I don't keep them. I try, then I fail, and then I feel like a failure, not even 1/3 of the way into the new year. Could anything stink more? I try to identify bad habits as I notice them, and I try to do something about them, but trust me, anyone with my guilt complex needs to stay away from resolutions.

New thoughts: I always have new thoughts. Who doesn't? I mean, every day, they pop up. If they're good, and I'm listening with both ears, I'll write them down where I know I'll see them again, or I'll put them in my handy dandy notes section of my phone. But why hold 'em for a whole year?! I like to get it out when I'm thinking and feeling it. And that's what blogs are for, IMHO. :-)

New rebekah: Sure, I could use an overhaul. No female I know would turn one down, and several males I know would at least look into the option. But isn't it better to take the best of me, and merge it with the rest of me, and work on what needs to go? That's the goal. Not that I always reach it, but, you know. An effort, at least.

So that's my new year's ideal: Keep doing what works, and work on what doesn't. And for the love of Pete, in this century, when technology and people and life are so demanding anyway, don't beat yourself up for not meeting some list you scratched out just because the rest of the world does it.

I realize that may seem slightly pessimistic, but hey. That's what I've got.

And happy oh-ten! I feel we can be healthy, wealthy, and wise, especially if we listen to ourselves, our God, our consciences, and the people who love us most.