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My One Word for 2018

My One Word for 2018 & How to Create a Goal-Map in Your Bullet Journal | It's time to employ the power of pen to paper and set ourselves up for our best year yet through do-able, actionable goals. Let's do this!

If we could sit down and have a cup of coffee…

…we’d probably meet up at that darling local spot. That coffee shop on the brick street that serves those yummy acai bowls and always has a killer soundtrack playing.

I’d order my caramel macchiato, half-sweet (because hey…I’m tryin’). And you’d order your go-to drink (you know the one).

We could sit at the little table by the window because…Vitamin D. Then, we’d enjoy a little back-and-forth about how it’s not the cool weather that bugs us so much as the gray days. Golly, we’ve gotta soak up that sun when we can!

If we could sit down and have a cup of coffee today, I’d probably tell you something like this:

“So, as you know, I’ve been choosing a word of the year for the past…{carry the two, plug it into the quadratic formula}…five years.

One word to serve as a springboard for my goals. One word I can return to when I’m getting distracted by all-the-shiny-projects. One word to guide my year, making a bit more clear what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to.

When I choose a word, I like it to be one that is big enough to serve as an umbrella for a variety of goals. And last year’s word was a winning choice in that regard:

n o u r i s h

I sought spiritual nourishment through starting up our weekly Sabbath day of rest again. Oh how I missed it! And I got to lead a Bible Journaling workshop for two groups of women last year. The whole process, from the preparation to finish, was such a blessing to me.

I sought physical nourishment through making more intentional meal choices and vastly cutting down my consumption of “refined carbs” (thanks Google!) A.K.A. those baked goods and heaping bowls of ice cream I love so much. #workinprogress

I also got a FitBit Charge 2, which has really helped motivate me to stay active. Often, I struggle to stick with a workout plan because it takes so many grueling months before I see big results. But with my FitBit, I saw my resting heart rate drop a few beats per minute over the course of just one week of daily workouts. Though that progress may seem small, the fact that it was so immediate was mega-inspiring to me. Now I understand the FitBit craze.

As for my blog, last year, I aimed to create high quality content that would provide nourishment for the creative soul. And I went full throttle after that mission with my reboot of The Gifter’s Holiday Toolkit: 5 Day Challenge this November, filming and editing 10 new videos for 881 participants. It was a ton of work, but the best kind of work because I knew there would be a group of challenge-buddies out there experiencing more joy and less stress this season as a result.” {Big sigh. Big smile.}

Then, you’d probably reach across the table to give me a high five (because you’re awesome like that) and ask me if I have a word yet for 2018.

“I’m so glad you asked, my friend. I sure do! Are you ready for this jelly?

My One Word for 2018 & How to Create a Goal-Map in Your Bullet Journal | It's time to employ the power of pen to paper and set ourselves up for our best year yet through do-able, actionable goals. Let's do this!

r h y t h m

It’s a word that feels like a second cousin to “nourish.” One that will help me build on what I learned in 2017: that I feel healthiest when I have rhythms / routines / rituals for the important practices and life-giving habits in my life. Especially when they are attainable and sustainable rhythms.

As a recovering perfectionist, one of my biggest battles is that all-or-nothing approach to conquering goals. 30 days of eating whole foods? I will do it. And I will wear that imaginary medal proudly while filling up my cart to the brim with the entire produce section of the grocery store…and a pile of Lara Bars for “emergencies.” {Wink.}

But developing eating habits I can sustain after the 30 days are up? Habits that are practical for a person who enjoys eating out and celebrating with sweet foods I love on special occasions? Habits I can return to without shame when I raid the s’mores box for that bar of dark chocolate from two Christmases ago? That is more challenging for me. But that is where I want to go this year. I want healthy rhythms for the long haul.”

And next, because I know there’s great power in sharing our specific goals with others–even if we don’t end up finishing what we started–I’d open up my bullet journal to show you the goal-map I made yesterday. I’d share with you the four areas of my life in which I’m feeling out of step and craving rhythm. And my plans for taking action:

spiritual

  • first thing after breakfast, I want to meet with God in His Word. Even 10 minutes is worthwhile.
  • I want to join a local Moms-in-Prayer group to pray regularly for Juniper just like my mama has for me all these years! (I took the first step and filled out this interest form the other day. Eek!)

physical

  • 30 minutes of exercise 3x / week: dancing, biking, and walking all count!
  • enjoy a family bike or walk every week on our Sabbath day of rest.

reading

  • read 12 books in 2018! My initial idea was to shoot for 52 books…but then I realized I could count on one hand the books I read last year… {Womp womp!} So I planted my feet back on the ground and decided to shoot for a goal I could hit!
  • create a new rhythm of reaching for a book when seeking rest rather than my phone to scroll through Instagram or binge watch Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix. This January, I’m taking a Netflix fast. So far, no regrets. And my brain is already feeling less foggy.

blog

  • develop an ideal rhythm for my work days and map it out in my bullet journal. None of this just-show-up-and-see-where-the-spirit-leads business anymore. I’m craving some structure. Time to awaken my inner girl boss.
  • connect with my Thinking Closet community once a week with awesome emails aimed to inspire action. I want to invite them into the discoveries I make about “rhythm,” as well as the struggles. {Psst! That’s you! You can sign up HERE.}

And so, if we were sitting across from each other, sipping our coffee, I’d thank you for your listening ear. For being such a support on my quest to grow and change. And for not expecting perfection. For being a safe space. For being the kind of friend with whom we can quickly move past talk of the weather to the Important.

And then I would ask you this:

“What about you, friend? Have you chosen a word for this year? The floor is yours.”

My One Word for 2018 & How to Create a Goal-Map in Your Bullet Journal | It's time to employ the power of pen to paper and set ourselves up for our best year yet through do-able, actionable goals. Let's do this!

My One Word for 2018 & How to Create a Goal-Map in Your Bullet Journal | It's time to employ the power of pen to paper and set ourselves up for our best year yet through do-able, actionable goals. Let's do this!

Action Takers:

Jump into the comments section below and tell me:

1) the drink you ordered on our coffee date
2) your “one word” or one goal for 2018
3) one action step you can take this week to go after it

Make it small. Make it do-able. And comment below.

Because there’s great power in that act of writing it out and sharing it with a friend. Even lil’ ole’ me. I did it just now! Now it’s your turn. And I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. For realz.

This is Lauren, signing off.

Where to go next?

If you’re curious to check out my 2017 year in review, bullet journal style, here’s the inside scoop in One Important Thing Before We Take on the New Year.

Curious to read posts I wrote on my past “one words”? Here are a few rabbit trails:

*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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46 Comments

  1. I’m catching up with you, Lauren, and I am so glad I am. I’ve been busy getting healthy in 2017 and had to let some activities fall by the roadside while I focused on my recovery from Breast Cancer, a journey that started in mid 2016. I am happy to announce to the world that I am currently a Survivor and cancer free. I like your 2018 word of the year. Mine is “Self-care” because now that I have let the huge elephant out of my life, I can focus on taking better care of myself and getting back my creativity which I’ve missed since becoming ill. And in self-care, I have rededicated myself to my bible journaling, entered into a discussion with my pastor to form a new prayer group for those of us who work during the day and cannot attend the prayer groups that meet during office hours, I’m hosting my fiber arts retreats twice a year now in the Texas Hill Country, and most importantly, enjoying time with my husband as we reconnect as a couple without that BC Elephant hanging around our necks. In short, 2018 Self-care is all about me taking back control of me and transforming into the person I want to be and taking care of that person, body, mind and spirit. And thank you for the emails, because while I have not had the energy to surf the net and read blogs, I did read your emails and they always life up my spirit.

    1. Wow! Rejoicing with you to hear you are a survivor and cancer-free! Whoo hoo! And what a wonderful word to focus on for 2018. It sounds like you are already well underway to putting that word into action with your activities and groups and commitment to spend QT with your husband. Wish I could enjoy a Bible Journaling sesh alongside you. I’m humbled to know my emails have been a boost to you! Grateful to have you along for the journey, Peg. Thanks for taking the time for this fantastic coffee talk!

  2. I’d have hot chocolate. After a false start I decided on Today. What can I do today, what choices today, get me closer to where I want to be.

  3. Hi Lauren, I too so enjoyed the coffee date and your heart spilled out on the page. I have struggled with the word thing, maybe because I have so many I need to deal with, so it really comes down to “Organize”.
    For many years, more like 50, I have struggled in the pursuit of perfection, only to find myself giving up so often before I even got started. Then dealing with the feeling of not being good enough. Good enough to please my parents, good enough to please my husband and children. Even good enough to please God. Yet in my life time, helped three men successful, raised 3 children, 2 step children and now a grandchild. Became a minister, a genealogist,a poet, and now a student. Yet I continue to feel in inadequate to set a goal and achieve it. Because I have always been the proverbial organizer without ever being organized. Nor was i ever a goal setter, inspite of constantly trying to reach a destination. Most of which I have reached, without a planner! However now in my older age and too much going on, I find myself overwhelmed. So now I am trying to have coffee with more than one and hoping to stay on track. So this year I am planning, journaling, and setting goals. All of which I hope will get me “Organized”
    So thank you for your coffee time with me! It has truly been a blessing.

    1. Debbie, thank you so much for sharing so honestly and transparently here. I was blessed to read you discoveries about yourself and the ways in which you are inspired to grow.

      Perfectionism has plagued me, too…but thank goodness we are never to old to change! I’m reading a book right now that you might be interested in. It’s called FINISH by Jon Acuff. It’s for folk like us who are great at starting new things, but who struggle to finish (mainly because we can’t do them perfectly and give up). I’ve laughed and nodded me head and underlined so many things while reading. You might find it inspiring as I have…especially in your quest to get ORGANIZED in 2018.

      I also love that you’re on board for not only our coffee dates, but others with other friends. Accountability and leaning on our community for support is a big KEY to accomplishing our goals. Here’s to finishing more of we start in 2018! Looking forward to our next coffee date.

  4. My drink order is peppermint tea (i did not realize its curbs hunger, win for me!) With some thought I have decided my word for this year is Love. I have forgotten how to love, mostly myself, which makes it difficult to share and show love to others.
    I am looking forward to the weekly and monthly chats. Cheers

    1. Fun fact about peppermint tea, right?! And I’m proud of you for choosing LOVE for this year and prioritizing self-care. So tough to do, but so important. You’re so right – – that once you love yourself, then you are in a position of health to love others. I trust this will be such a fruitful journey for you, Terry. Thanks so much for sharing! Chat again soon, my dear.

  5. In all the craziness on YouTube and Facebook groups, I somehow found you. And just in time. I’m truly drinking my wonderful Dunkin Donuts coffee with cream as I write this. This is my first year choosing just one word and I love the idea. The word that spoke to my heart was SERENITY. I am turning 60 this year and I have a 23 year old son. Life sometimes feels like a battlefield, constantly running hither and yon. I’m a teacher, and a planner, and a sewer, and a crafter, and of course a Mom. But at this point I get stressed over just about everything. I am truly a terrible housekeeper, and so I hire someone, but sometimes, like right now, the chaos is too much to let her come. But this past fall I learned about bullet journals and TNs and so I made one for my prayer life. And what a difference. But then things got crazy..and it kinda fell to the wayside. So serenity to me is , quiet time with God, every single day. It’s having a tidy house, it’s following through on projects so I don’t always feel like there’s something hanging over my head, and it’s deciding once and for all I am no longer engaging in crazy loud disputes with my son. I started by getting up this morning in time to just sit and drink my coffee and read my devotional. I then found a lovely scripture and beautiful print that I printed off and taped to the bathroom mirror with a note telling my son I had prayed this morning for us to find peace with each other and to stop arguing. Sorry this is so long, and maybe it’s a little TMI , but this feels like a safe place and I’m going to serenely rest here for a while. Thanks for sharing and thanks for letting us share as well. Have a wonderful remainder of your day.

    1. Cindi, oh how happy I am that you landed here and that we got to enjoy a virtual coffee date together. How special! Thank you for sharing from your heart. I resonated with a lot of what you said – – the power of bullet journaling – – how much that quiet time blesses you – – how you crave follow-through on your projects. Yes, yes, yes. And what encouraged me most was hearing how you took a solid, God-inspired step in the right direction on January 18th. How you gave your struggles with your son to God in prayer. And how you shared that with your son on the bathroom mirror. Wow. What a profound example of God’s serenity in your life (and surely in your son’s life when he saw that!). Not at all TMI. I’m so very grateful for your honesty. It blessed me today! And I know it will bless any others who eavesdrop on our coffee date. Here’s to more mornings of serenity with God that trickle down into so many other areas of your life. Sending a virtual hug your way!

  6. Somewhere in your comments, someone mentioned that they didn’t have a word and they don’t do resolutions. I would agree with both. But if I did have a word, for this year, it would be LEARN. I’m launching my blog next month and I’ll be learning about affiliate marketing and Pinterest. I’m also planning on investing in Caitlyn Pyle’s General Proofreading program. So, it’s going to be a year of learning and implementing and working towards my goal of quitting the 8-5 grind by age 50.

    Oh, and I ordered a Breve white coffee. I’ve discovered this recently. That shizz is perfectly sweetened and goes down so smooth.

    1. Sounds like such an exciting year of growth and learning for you, CeCe! Also, I love that you’ve set a deadline for yourself to help motivate you to growing your online biz so you can quit your 8-5. Fist-bump comin’ your way. On that note, Happy Friday! Mmmm…your drink sounds scrumptious!

  7. I have also ordered a tall caramel machiata extra hot. My word for the year is ORDER putting God, family and work in their proper order. I also will work on ordering my household and everything about me. Thank you sharing for your perspective on life with us and providing so many hands on items. I am really enjoying your blog

    1. Aw, thanks, Frances! I loved reading your reply…noting how we’re coffee drink twins…and also feeling inspired by your word of the year. When we re-order our lives to put the most important things first, everything else falls into place, it seems! I trust this will be a year of great growth and progress for you.

  8. Loved this post Lauren! I just recently discovered your blog after listening to your interview with Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog. You are so bright and fun with your writing style, it was so easy to read and enjoy. On our coffee date I would have ordered a venti chai latte, for sure. Also I would have told you that my word for 2018 is “Captivate.” The first action of the year? Starting my blog, Captivate Charm. I’m so looking forward to the year ahead, thanks for the inspiration (and now I’m craving my latte…) Cheers!

    1. Lindsey! Thanks so much for those kind words and for taking the time to stop by The Thinking Closet. My girl Abby is the best, and friends of hers are instant besties of mine. 😉 Especially because you’re a fellow chai latte fan. Woot woot! And what a lovely word you’ve chosen to guide you this year…and to serve as part of your blog title! I love it! Starting a blog can be a huge project, but with Building a Framework to walk you through the process, you are going to crush that goal…and then some. I know it! Thanks so much for joining me for this super fun coffee date. And welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!

  9. It was so enjoyable to hear about how your word “Nourish” played out in 2017 that I could hardly wait to hear your word for 2018. Sipping on my hot chocolate topped with marshmallows made it a LITTLE easier wait. My word for 2018 is “Know.” I desire to Know God through personal study, to make Him Known through opportunities He gives me, to Know myself better through journaling, to Know my husband (of 36 years) deeper through eye to eye conversations and dates, to Know my friends through intentional conversations and to Know my craft (of card making and sending) through practice, training, and sharing with other card crafters. I expect it to be a year of challenges, but expect by big God will make Himself known to me.

    1. Mmmm…I’ve been loving hot chocolate lately, too, myself! It also helps me feel like I’m hanging onto the Christmas spirit just a bit longer. Thanks for sticking with me through our lonnnnng chat to hear about my word for 2018. And for sharing yours! I love your word selection–such a powerful, multi-faceted, inspiring guiding word for your word. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and care to plotting out specific action steps for your year–I know that no matter the challenges, you’ll experience incredible growth going after this word. Here’s to word of knowing and being known! {Hugs.}

  10. Hi Lauren,
    Let’s go out for some Chai Tea Lattes (half the sugar)! I was inspired by this post and am thinking about the word for my year.

    Some general goals for the year are: daily quiet time reading the Bible and prayer, I want to declutter our home and my office at work, to give or throw away possessions more intentionally, to be more like Christ-like to family and friends, to be an engaged part of my faith community, to continue to be hospitable, to challenge more moms to pray for their children and schools/colleges (SO encouraged that you are being intentional about praying for your little one), to travel, keep reading, write a nursing journal article, to include many times of being with family–all generations, to keep reading fiction and non-fiction, eat more nutritiously and swiftly walk every day to be as healthy as I can.

    Yet the word that comes to mind for 2018 is to SERVE. I’m resisting it. It sounds too hard and sacrificial. But it seems to be the word for this year. By God’s grace I will serve my Lord and others more graciously, joyfully, and (as Carol above noted), to keep laughing (not AT anyone but WITH others) as we put life in perspective. Thanks for starting the conversation and then inviting us to take the floor!

    1. So enjoyed our coffee date (and the sweet memory of our Starbucks date when driving over to the harbor during our visit to NY this past fall…when you first realized chai half-sweet was still quite yummy!). We’ll continue to enjoy these virtual dates until our next in-person one. 😉

      Loved hearing your goals for your year and the powerful word that has surfaced! Though I know that feeling of wanting to resist something that seems like it will be hard and painful at times, what a comfort to know our God is with us always. And He will embolden you and strengthen you to SERVE unlike ever before if you put your faith and trust in Him. I can’t wait to see all the ways you grow! You inspire me continually, Mama. Love ya.

      1. Agreed…more virtual coffee dates until we can have one in person…that day was fun when we first had a little time for a manicure (you) and whole foods shopping (me) and then picking up some hot drinks at Starbucks and heading to the Harbor to find our men working hard to keep J. busy and swinging away! Thanks for your always-encouragement! xxoo

  11. Very inspiring Lauren! I love having virtual coffee breaks with far away friends. My go-to order is an unsweetened hazelnut latte. Most delish. This year is my first attempt at having a word to focus on. So “Faith” is my chosen word. There is a lot of change coming for me, and I want to remind myself to have Faith that God has a plan. I want to rely on Faith to face everything with a positive approach. I want to grow in my Faith by spending more time reading the Bible and less time reading Facebook. I want to have Faith in myself to explore opportunities outside of my comfort zone- starting a blog being one of those. Thank you for the encouraging words you share.

    1. Rene, I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed our coffee date as much as I did! And I’m so glad to hear you’re giving the “one word” concept a go this year. It has really been such a great practice for me these past five years. I trust you’ll find it meaningful, as well!

      I also think you’ve chosen your word wisely considering your year ahead, and I love how FAITH is a big enough word to cover so many areas of life. You’ve fleshed out your goals so beautifully, and I’m excited for you and all the ways that God will show up and grow your faith this year. Many blessings on the adventures ahead, especially on starting that blog! Your story matters. Tell it, girl!

  12. Hi Lauren!
    My drink would be the same as yours…except completely sweet 🙂 My word for the year is “Flourish” I chose it because I am at a good place, but I want to make it better. Spiritually I want to spend more time in the word, so I downloaded the First 5 and She reads truth apps on my phone so I can do my devotions first thing in the morning. Physically, I want to continue my workout journey and am getting certified to teach yoga classes at my local YMCA. Personally I want to find a better balance between work/blogging/and family time. I am trying to scale back and only blog when I have a project I am passionate about and spend less time on social media. I am saving your post because it has great ideas and I love how you journaled out your word.

    1. Ha ha. Way to embrace the sweet, Mary! FLOURISH sounds a glorious word for your year. Isn’t that what we all want? To not just survive, but THRIVE? And thanks for reminding me about those two awesome apps. I have them both on my phone and have used them in different seasons, but they fell by the wayside. I’m glad to know they’re a few taps away if I need a jumpstart for my morning quiet time. That’s awesome to hear you’ll soon be yoga certified at your local Y. No better way to stay in shape than to help others in their own journey. And I am cheering you on in your mission to scale back with your blog projects that are the big winners and have a bit more margin for the other priorities in your life. Such fabulous goals right here! Aw, and thanks for the kind words. I’m so glad you found this post inspiring enough to save for later. Happy new year to you! May it be full of flourishing!

  13. Saaame – I tend to be an all-or-nothing kinda girl. It often leads to paralyzation, however. :/ Small steps are always better than nothing at all.

    SO! My drink of choice is hot chocolate, maybe with some peppermint or some other flavor mixed in, OR, a drink that I’ve never tried before, bc I love trying new things!

    I don’t have a word for 2017, and I usually don’t do resolutions, but I decided on the spur of the moment this year, to memorize the whole book of Philippians this year! It’s perfect bc it has four chapters, so I’ll memorize 1/3 of a chapter each month, and further break that down into weeks. So far, I’ve memorized the first six verses. 🙂

    Love that you chose the word ‘rythm,’ btw. At first I thought, “hmm, that’s an interesting word to choose,” but the more I think about it, the more I like it. 🙂

    1. Maggie! It ALWAYS brings me a smile to see you here in the comments or in my inbox. Huzzah! Maybe one day, I’ll be smiling from an in-person meeting. Eek! Fun to think about. And yet again, I’m not surprised we are kindred spirits with our all-or-nothing ways. So glad God doesn’t give up on us and helps us fight that perfectionism so it doesn’t keep us from His best for us. Ha ha, love your bravery with trying new drinks. I’m such a creature of habit, so you impress me! And wow. I’m in love with your memorization goal. What an incredible gift that will be to have that book tucked away in your brain so you can reference it any day, any time, no Bible necessary. You inspire me! And I love how you’re giving yourself mini-goals each quarter to help make it do-able. 6 verses is a great start! Sending an air high five your way.

  14. Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been meaning to come up with a direction for my life this year. So…..

    1. I would have ordered Chai Latte.

    2. Sharpen – as I age, my focus is weak and have let life run me, rather than me embrace life. God has given me a second chance and I want to refocus my life to Him. To better my relationships with others. To be the best of who God made me to be.

    3. Start with making a list of what needs sharpened spiritually, physically, and mentally. Map my goals.​

    1. 1. Mmmm. When I’ve hit my coffee quota for the day, chai is always next on my list!
      2. Wow. I’m so impressed by your self-awareness and also your clear sense of direction of where you want to go this next year. And that you want God to be your guide. I know that will serve you incredibly in your efforts to SHARPEN.
      3. Whoo hoo! I’m all about the map approach, as you know. Hope it proves to be a fruitful first step for you. Thanks so much for sharing here, Bonnie!

  15. Really enjoyed the vanilla latte with you today. My word for the year is Trust from Proverbs 3:5-6. At this time of year, I tend to get too caught up in my plans and often start to freak out. This set of verses remind me of the limits of my understanding and that I can trust God to make my path straight. So for now my goal is daily quiet time and yoga. Quiet time to acknowledge Him and yoga to increase my flexibility which I need both physically and to be able to trust.

    1. ‘Twas a great date, wasn’t it? Great idea to choose a scripture to accompany your word. I need to do the same! You’re so right about God’s Word grounding us and helping us stay focused on His plan and not our own. I need that everyday (and quiet time everyday is definitely the answer for me…as I know you’ve found, too!). Here’s to a year of increasing your TRUST with God as your guide.

  16. Hi Lauren
    You are so creative and inspiring and thank you for sharing that with us!
    I have just ordered a chai latte 🙂
    My word is JOY…. I know its a simple word but boy is it difficult some days. My action plan is to give thanks to Jesus often in the day and to note the good!
    Hugs across the continent 🙂

    1. Aw, shucks. Thanks so much for those encouraging words! Mmmmm…I can smell that yummy chai from here. Sometimes the simplest words can be the most challenging, right? Your plan of action is the best I can think of: giving thanks to Jesus and acknowledging Him throughout our day is our best shot at experience JOY that comes from Him. (The best kind!) You are well on your way, Jenny. Hugs back atcha!

  17. Inspiring read – felt like I could have been there in conversation with you while I enjoyed my latte coffee. My words for this year are Learn, Laugh, Love. Learn – one of my highest values. Laugh – I want to do this more- so am looking for the humor in things and finding ways to laugh – including at myself. Love is about loving what I am doing, where I am, who I am with and who knows maybe even falling in love – but that is not a prime goal at this point in my life. (Am more about loving my grand children and my daughters).
    Thanks for your wonderful words – I look forward to coffee with you again.

    1. What a marvelous trio of words for your year, Carol (and of course, I love the alliteration). You are no doubt an incredible inspiration to your coaching clients. And you’re so right about the value of laughter and finding the humor (even when it’s tough). My first year of marriage was harder than I ever predicted, but laughter really helped get us through it. That’s always the “word of wisdom” I write down at bridal showers, ha ha. Wishing you a year of great growth in all these areas. And I, too, am looking forward to our next coffee talk!

  18. My drink would be peppermint tea
    (Helps fight hunger)
    My one word this year Is “Deny” I
    read this quote the other day
    Deny yourself
    Abandon fixing it
    Follow me ( Jesus says) to the ultimate source
    of healing
    Really touched my heart
    Us women, mothers, grandmothers think we can fix everything We can’t Only Jesus can
    My healing only comes from our dear Lord
    whether it is emotions, physical or spiritual
    One goal= Rest more! I just hurry here hurry there
    Jesus never hurried
    Also discard things that I haven’t used in years
    Bless others with it & even give a real treasure
    away even if I can barely stand to do it
    Do my Bible Journaling after my quiet time for 15
    extra minutes
    Thanks Lauren for ur inspiration to us! You are a pearl of a girl!
    Blessings
    Donna

    1. Yum yum yummy tea choice! (And that’s a great tidbit about peppermint fighting hunger. I know it also can help keep you awake! We would hand out peppermint candies for my students taking standardized tests. Tee hee.)

      Wow. What a powerful quote to accompany your powerful word for 2018. It touched my heart, too! As did your words of truth.

      Cheering you on in your quest for seeking more rest this week. And I love your willingness to be obedient to God and give away to others even a treasured item. Surely in the sacrifice you would find great blessing. And way to go with your specific goal about Bible Journaling. I’m trying to figure out how to make Bible Journaling a part of my routine, as well. 15 minutes sounds so do-able…thanks for reminding me that even that can be such a meaningful time!

      Aw, shucks. Pearly-girly love comin’ back atcha’, Donna. Thanks so much for sharing of your heart here tonight!

  19. Thank you Lauren, I enjoyed reading this! I ordered a medium caramel latte… My word is HOPE. What to do next? Recognize the faithfulness of God and start thanking Him this week! I’m also trying to add physical activity to my way of living. I think I will learn this year more about what hope really means.

    1. Caramel pals! What a wonderful word for your year, Tracy…and action plan. Amazing things can grow in our heart when we pray with gratitude. I’m excited for you!

  20. Really thought-provoking Lauren. Thank you for this. My drink would be a cold brew coffee with ice.
    Haven’t got my one word yet, but my action step will be getting out in the sunshine every day. Here’s to a bright new year for all of us.

    1. Thank you, my love. Excited to enjoy some cold brew together on the sunny days to come. And on days when Mr. Sun is hiding, may we “take our weather with us.”

    2. Can’t wait to try a cold brew coffee with you and Lauren when you come visit this summer. I want to wait until you can help me choose the best blend and share the experience as a family!

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