Word for 2013

For a few years now, I've picked out a "Word of the year". This is a word that I want to represent my ultimate goal for the year. This year while I was seeking out ideas for my word, I found this great post about picking your word and she describes it so well: One Powerful Word: A Simple Approach to New Year’s Resolutions


Making resolutions for the year can be very helpful. Some are very competitive and so they get excited and invigorated during the new year because so many other people are setting their goals. For me, adding pressure to the mix just makes me want to retreat. I have to make my goals a little more flexible so as to not make my inner 3 year old decide she doesn't want to do them.

The last couple weeks I've been thinking about what I'd like my word to be. I'd written them down on scrap paper at work and send myself emails with potential words, my list was pretty good.

Divine
Now
Discover
Grace
Shine
Grow
Content
Aware

I ended up choosing Mindful.

Once I connected the dots from Aware to Mindful, it clicked. It is exactly what I need and want. Mindfulness is about being in the moment. It is about being attentive and listening to yourself without judging the thought or letting worries about the future or memories of the past get in the way.


A interesting and not-too-new-age article on how to Be Mindful: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Buddhism/2000/12/What-Does-It-Mean-To-Be-Mindful.aspx?p=1 

I don't belong to any religion or set of beliefs, I'm generally fine with being agnostic and don't see that changing. I do, however, really appreciate the things buddism teaches--but please don't be scared that the above article has buddism in the link. ;)


I've said it many times; I have a hard time letting go of things. I tend to dwell in the past or get bombarded with anxiety about the future I cannot control. I really hope that being mindful of the present and of who I am now will bring about a lot more contentment and peace in 2013.

Source: google.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Now, I do have some concrete goals in mind for 2013. I realized a couple months ago that I had barely read any books this year! I'm a reader and a writer, it was amazing to me how little I read that wasn't on a web page. I would like to read 2 books a month this year (One year I gave a goal to read 12 books, one a month, and was able to do 14 books..so I think I can do 24).

I would also like to focus on home organization and decorating -- I got new bedding for Christmas and I'd love to keep the ball rolling and get some art on the walls and get a routine going for dishes, laundry and all of that. I've come a long way from the chaos I used to have in my home but it still has room for improvement.

I also want to be good to my body. I've spent far too long wishing it was different. I'm going to love it and take care of it.

Hope you all have a lovely 2013.