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My One Word for 2017

My One Word for 2017 & A Busy Gal's Strategy for Taking Action! | Here's the word that chose me (better late than never), the goal-setting it inspired, and how I plan to tackle those goals despite having less margin than ever before.... Let's do this!

I finally found it.

My “one word” for 2017.

It eluded me for nearly all of January.  While everyone and their mom posted their “one words” on social media, skipping on to new year organization projects and Valentine’s decor, I was left in the dust, surrounded by a heap of burned out strands of Christmas lights (quite literally).

You see, I’ve adopted this practice of choosing a word of the year for the past 4 years.  Actually, I don’t really choose the word at all.  It chooses me.  It makes itself known.  Loud ‘n clear.  Like a glowing billboard in Times Square.

And from that one word grows my dreams and goals for the 365 days ahead.

So it’s no wonder I felt so unsettled without my “one word” for 2017.

365…364…363…the days were counting down…

…359…358…357…and I had the almost right word…

…354…353…352…wellness…sharpen….they were close, but not quite it…

…350…349…348…until, eureka!  It came to me.  Like a stray cat on your doorstep, with that look that says, “We’re going to be friends for a lonnnng time.”

Nourish.

That’s my word.

And here’s how I’m craving nourishment in my life:

Physical nourishment through healthier eating.  2016 was a year of incredible joy being pregnant with Juniper and then giving birth to her in June.  But it turns out growing a human and sustaining her through nursing makes a person ravenous.  And when you’re ravenous all the time, it’s all too easy to develop poor eating habits.  By the fall, I was eating whatever my body craved.  And by December, I was really feeling the effects of that lifestyle.  I felt lethargic, lumpy, and not myself.  So, I’m taking steps toward healthier eating through portion control, cleaner eating, and a low carb, low sugar, high protein diet.  Also, we’re in the process of introducing our eight month old daughter Juniper to solid foods, and I’m amazed at how much she wants to eat what we are eating.  So, I want to model for her the enjoyment of whole foods like a ripe peach or steamed broccoli.

Physical nourishment through exercise.  My body has not “bounced back” as quickly as I had hoped it would after having Juniper.  And rather than simply avoiding scales and mirrors, I’m ready to do something about it.  And in addition to nourishing my body with healthy foods, I know I need to nourish my body with regular exercise.  To jumpstart things, Mark and I are exercising together every day for 30 minutes.  Not gonna lie, some of the workout videos we do kick my butt.  But I can tell I’m getting stronger and have more energy than I have had in a long time.  It’s so encouraging to see results, even just after a few weeks.

Mental nourishment through more books, less screen-time.  With all the exhaustion that came with being a new mom in 2016, I’d often resort to mindless browsing on my phone or a Netflix binge simply because it was all I felt I could handle mentally.  But rather than veg out during my leisure time, I want to dive into some of the many books on my “must read” list.  Even if it’s listening to audio books, I’m committing to spending less time looking at screens and more time stimulating my mind with good literature.  (Psst!  Any “must-reads,” I should know about?  Shoot me a comment below!)

Spiritual nourishment through regular time in the Word.  This is perhaps what I am craving most of all.  I hunger to know God more and hear His voice, not only through Bible Journaling, but through in-depth personal Bible study.  So, I recently started a second Journaling Bible (*this one in particular) that will be solely devoted to messy note-taking and highlighting and non-Instagram-worthy doodles.  The book Brighten Your Bible Study by Jordan Lee from Soul Scripts helped get me started on this style of Bible study…and I’m eating it up!

What is the ONE thing you can do such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary? -Gary Keller
Inspirational image by Michelle Hickey Design

Micro-Movements

Looking back over my list of dreams and goals for a year of nourishment, I can feel a pit in my stomach starting to form, and my inner critic returns with her well-timed jabs.

“You can barely keep the house tidy or get a shower…how do you expect to conquer any of these goals?”

But then, I remember a magical concept known as micro-movements.  It was one of my biggest takeaways from the colorful pages of the SARK books I devoured during my college years.  SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is a procrastinator-perfectionist, just like me.  People like us put things off until we can do them perfectly…which is like…um…never.  Anyone else relate?

Well, SARK came up with micro-movements as a method for tackling those goals that can feel intimidating.  The emphasis is on the “micro.”  Micro-movements take anywhere from five seconds up to five minutes, but no more.

The example she uses is cleaning out the closet.  One day, you commit to opening the closet door.  The next, you take out five pairs of shoes and look at them.  And bit by bit, inch by inch, 5 second increment to 5 minute increment, you can do big things.  Like publish a book.  Like run a marathon.  Or by golly, clean out a closet (which is, as we all know, no small feat).

And though I don’t feel like I have time right now for big projects, I do have 5 minutes to spare here and there.  And those 5 minute segments will add up.  But better yet, they’ll help me develop habits of marching toward my goals.  Which will send happy vibes to my brain—fueling my creative tank, silencing that pesky inner critic, and motivating me to keep after my goals.

Pretty magical, huh?

Micro-movements will be my strategy for taking action on my goals this year.  And if you’re excited to learn more about it, I recommend checking out SARK’s book, Make Your Creative Dreams Real.

My One Word for 2017 & A Busy Gal's Strategy for Taking Action! | Here's the word that chose me (better late than never), the goal-setting it inspired, and how I plan to tackle those goals despite having less margin than ever before.... Let's do this!

My Blogging Goal

And you didn’t think I’d forget about my blogging goal for 2017, would ya?

I want to offer nourishment for my readers.  I know now more than ever how precious time is.  And for those of you who take the time to read my blog posts or newsletters or mini-novellas I post on Instagram, I want my content to be nourishment for you: feeding you creatively, uplifting your spirits, tickling your thinker, or even giving you a smile.  Because I’m now a work-at-home mom, I may not be sharing as much as I have in the past quantity-wise, but when I do, I want it to be quality.  I want it to be something you will be bettered by.  I want it to be food for your soul.

Final Thoughts

With the word nourish at the forefront of my mind this year, I am excited to be on a path toward healthier, more enriched living.  Because it turns out that when we nourish our body, mind, and soul, we are in a position to offer more nourishment to others.  And that, my friends, sounds like an aim worth dedicating a year to.

My One Word for 2017 & A Busy Gal's Strategy for Taking Action! | Here's the word that chose me (better late than never), the goal-setting it inspired, and how I plan to tackle those goals despite having less margin than ever before.... Let's do this!

My “One Words” of Years Past

A few rabbit trails for the curious ones:

Call to Action

Do you choose “one word” for your year?  What is your word or primary goal for 2017?  I’d love to know!  And I’m also curious if you think micro-movements will be a helpful strategy for you in achieving your dreams and goals!

Let’s do this.  {Fist-bump.}

*Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping to support this site!

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27 Comments

  1. This post is so encouraging! God’s story being told through you! I’m reading a book given me by our Moms in Prayer State Coordinator, Jill, and the title is UNHINDERED! UNSHAKEN is another Moms in Prayer word for this year. Both powerful words connected to His Word. Personally, it was doing your 5 Day Challenge on holiday gift-giving that helped me with my mission statement for giving at Christmas. Your work sheet helped me come up with the focus: Christ-centered gift and/or something the receiver could use in a practical way, wherever possible. I am thinking of taking that focus into this new year in my choices and decisions but adding art, beauty and joy to the mix! Still working on my one word. Mulling it over. I recommend Silence by S. Endo for reading.

    1. Wow! I’m so humbled to hear how the Gifter’s Holiday Toolkit 5 Day Challenge was such a meaningful exercise for you…and that your Christmas mission has inspired an entire year of pursuing Christ, art, beauty, and joy in your giving and choices. I feel like I have a word for you on the tip of my tongue, but can’t quite find it yet. At least your vision is clear and you need not wait to discover your “word” before beginning. You’ve already started! And thanks for the book recommendation! Is the the one you learned about through Wheaton? Adding it to my list.

  2. Just started receiving your blog posts and wanted to share my word for 2017…TRANSFORMATION. God is transforming us from the inside out. Our bible study group is working on complete transformation following Rick Warren’s campaign. We are all loving it and watching even the small changes that he is producing in us.
    Looking forward to more of your inspiration.

    1. So happy to have you along for the ride, Maureen. Thanks for subscribing and for taking the time to share your powerful word. Wow. I got chills reading about how God is already at work in your life, transforming you and your Bible study group. What a gift to witness the changes He is orchestrating among a community of believers. Blessings on your journey!

  3. Hi Lauren,
    Great post! I always look forward to them.
    My word is ‘value’ learning to value myself as i care alot for others but never spend time doing nice things for myself.

    On a self worth journey doing things for myself similar to you like eating better and trying to get into a routine where i am looking after myself so can look after others better.

    Most importantly learning more deeply how God ‘values’ me.

    I am excited about your bible journalling and got a lovely bible that you can colour in for christmas.

    You wanted suggestions so wanted to recommend a book to you called ‘look no hands’ funny and inspiring book. ( joni tada ericson helped support the writing for this book)

    Sammie

    1. Aw, Sammie, you’re too kind! And what a wonderful word for your year: “value.” It’s like a second cousin to “nourish” isn’t it? And I love how you’re learning more about God’s precious value of you. I was just listening to this worship song this morning performed by Steffany Gretzinger. I think it might speak to your heart! And hooray for Bible Journaling. I hope it helps inspire some really meaningful times in the Word with God. And I have added “Look, No Hands” to my book list. Thanks for the rec! Love Joni Ericson Tada. She spoke at my graduation from Wheaton College many years ago!

  4. Lauren, Your blog posts are always a bright spot in my day. I love your word of the year focus and understand it completely. For me, it is usually a verse, sometimes a song lyric, and I don’t choose it either. It chooses me. Or rather, God puts it in my way so that I trip over it and will gently blindside me with it if I am not paying attention. For me this year, the verse is Colossians 3:15. I will be learning to LET the peace of Christ RULE in my heart. Much to learn about the letting and what it looks like and feels like for Christ’s peace to rule my emotions (especially as I face some major surgery with hard rehab after.) And I will be prayer journaling as I study through the book of Colossians with a friend. Thanks for being an encourager who speaks Truth!

    1. Aw, Dottie, I’m humbled to hear that! Ha ha, and I loved your description of God speaks to you (or shouts if needed). What a powerful verse for your year, especially in light of your upcoming medical journey. I think it’s marvelous that you’re going to dig into the entire book alongside a friend. What a great way to truly immerse yourself in these truths God has for you explore. Thank YOU for sharing your story and encouraging me in return. What a gift.

  5. I don’t know if I’ve ever recommended Beach Music by Pat Conroy to you, but it is one of my most cherished books ever & I think you would really enjoy it. A book that I think would be SO fitting for your word of the year is Jonathan Livingstons Seagull (the original, I don’t know about the 2014 re-issue with an extra part added).

    My word of the year (which I have also been stuck on for all of January – I think we might really be soul sisters 😉 ) was going to be self-love, but honestly? I feel like nourish sums it up even better! I will now have to do some more thinking. Would you mind terribly if we end up being word-of-the-year buddies??

    1. Ummm…word-of-the-year-buddies? Are you kidding? That would be AMAZING! And the ultimate soul sister connection. If you end up deciding it’s the right word for your 2017, please know you not only have my blessing, but my cheers from across the pond!

      Also, I’m so excited to add your book recommendations to my list! I haven’t read either of those. Thanks for thinking of books you know I’d really enjoy. *Hugs*

      1. Lauren, Jonathan Livingston Seagull was the inspiration for the name for one of the kittens belonging to MM and PP. All those kittens had at least two names. Christopher Columbus was Jonathan Livingston Seagull’s brother! Can’t remember much about the book but it was popular back in 1972!

        1. Yes, I thought of that immediately! Those kitties had the most creative names! Will definitely be checking out this book to learn more about this notorious name….

  6. Hi Lauren, I can really appreciate choosing a word for the year. This year, the word for my hubby and I is INTENTIONAL. Rather than drifting through life, taking it as it comes, we want to be intentional about our walk with Christ, our marriage, our finances, taking care of the house, etc. I also chose a word for my blog – INSPIRE. I’m new to blogging, and still working out all of the kinks, but I want to inspire women to live for Christ, to be the best they can be. Even doing little things can improve their life. Thanks so much for your encouragement! Keep it up!

    1. Oooo! Great word! And I love that your hubby chose one with you. How wonderful to get to journey toward your goals side-by-side. I’m excited for you both!

      And INSPIRE is such a great word to focus on in your beginning season of blogging. It can be all to easy to get hung up on the numbers (pageviews, followers, posts published). But I truly believe that if you write from a place of passion and your aim is to inspire, you can’t go wrong. If you build it, they will come!

  7. My 2017 “One Word” is Peace. As i continue through the retirement phase of life, I am seeking ways to fill my soul with peace. I continue to search for God’s purpose for this stage by Bible study and a prayer journal. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Motherhood is such an important time; the rewards greatly exceed the labor. Enjoy!

    1. Chrystel, I think you have chosen so well. I trust that God will grant your desire for His peace, especially as you seek Him out in prayer and Bible study. Aw, and thanks for the kind congrats! You’re so right – – though motherhood has been the toughest job I have ever had, it’s also been the BEST and the most rewarding! “How can someone so small hold my heart so tightly?” -J.J.

  8. Congratulations, Lauren! Sometimes the hardest part is planning and writing out your goals. Then you see them for real, and you know that with prayer, these goals can happen 🙂 So, congratulations on all your thorough planning! I’m so very happy for you 😀

    As for myself, I don’t choose words, yet I keep striving for being content every year. It’s a fun process! It’s also fun to hear about someone else’s year, too, so thanks much for sharing!

    1. You’re so right, Rini. Even though I knew this post was “late” by blogging standards, I was committed to publishing it because I knew that it would help keep me accountable. And you’re right! With God’s help, anything is possible. And I’ll be laying these before the Lord in prayer for sure! Thank you for your warm words and congrats.

      Your pursuit of contentment is such an admirable one. Have you ever heard of Kay Arthur? She wrote a personal Bible study called, “God, Only You Can Change Me,” that taught me so much about contentment. You might check it out if you are hungry for a resource like that! Thanks to YOU for sharing, too!

  9. Hello,
    I enjoyed your blog today. So real and gave me something really positive to think about. This is my third year for OLW and my word is ‘Focus’. I chose ‘Balance’ last year and found that I don’t do well without really working on the things I want most – Balance and I didn’t enjoy the process last year.

    This year I feel very connected with “Focus” and like you have picked categories for focus. One of mine is to focus on my relationship with God. Through Him all things are possible.

    I appreciate the links to the bible journaling ebook. Shockingly link many crafters – I have all the stuff to begin bible journaling but have yet to start…

    1. Huzzah! So very glad to hear that you enjoyed the post, TK, and that it got you thinkin’ positively. Glad to hear you haven’t given up on the OLW practice even though last year felt like a wash. I’ve definitely had better years than others in terms of staying on track. But I do find that by having one word as my umbrella under which my goals can live, it really helps ground me. It gives me something strong and assured to return to.

      And these lines of yours made me shout a big, “Amen!” — “One of mine is to focus on my relationship with God. Through Him all things are possible.”

      Yes, the hardest part is getting started with Bible Journaling. Perhaps micro-movements will be your friend there? “Day 1: open up your Bible to a meaningful passage. Day 2: read the passage and meditate on it for 5 minutes. Day 3: rifle through your craft supplies and pull out 3 items that inspire you. Day 4: choose one of those inspirational items and play around with it on the page….” Ya know? Just a thought!

      Also, I’m not sure if you read my post on Permission Pages or not, but that really helped me overcome the initial hurdle of diving in. Blessings on your journey!

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