My One Word Resolution

Life is about the journey, not the destination.Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you’ve been following Family Matters with Amber for a few years you probably know that I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I do however set some goals for myself and encourage my kids to do so as well and I have since they were little. But I don’t do it that way anymore. I left that annual to-do sheet behind seven years ago, because Lord only knows, I have plenty of lists already! But we all know that if we’re going to make a change or do something new, this is typically the time to do it, so today let me help you feel less overwhelmed and keep your own New Year’s Resolutions simple!

Once again, I’m asking my readers to do their New Year the My One Word way (actual directions and suggested words can be found on MyOneWord.com). One word throughout the year is easier than a list because after we pick a word we use it to help focus on all areas of our life. Say I’d like to be more fit or healthy. Either one of those words could help me do that. If I’m at the grocery store, either word could also help me choose healthy foods to buy. If I’m at home and I’m not motivated to exercise, either of those words could help me get off my butt. If I wanted to save money I could choose the word ‘save’ and I’d probably take more money from my paycheck and put it in the savings, or I might resist buying something we don’t need at the store. A lot can be accomplished with just one word. My One Word might not only improve me as a person, but also help me achieve things I need or want to do.

I admit I’ve had my fair share of epic fails on the My One Word track. Honestly, it’s only as successful as you are persistent. There was that one year when I failed a few months into the new year, but got back up and finished off strong. Then there was that year I didn’t even do it (uh, yeah, that was probably last year, when I had so much going on I hadn’t even thought about it; well I did, I just didn’t act on it). And now, here we are. It’s 2018. I’m going to do it again. I liked it (no- I loved it). I missed it, and I think it’s the easiest way to get a New Year’s Resolution accomplished (and then some) and I believe it’s never too late! Any goal just takes one step in the right direction.

How does it work? Well, there are several ways. You can make signs, post the word on mirrors and in the car, put your one word on your screensaver, tell people your One Word. That last one is the smartest and most effective sometimes. Write down a few areas in your life where you want help, change or progress, then go to the thesaurus and begin perusing the words that represent some of those goals (or would make you think of them and help you make choices to get to them). Then, find the synonyms to those words and find one which reaches out and touches you! It might ignite you, it might move you, it might make you smile or get goose bumps. It might just make you shake or nod your head. The word will do something inside you. Now, practice using it in the scenarios when you need a word to motivate you to do something (or not do something).

So, what is My One Word for 2018? I’m choosing ‘patience’. It’s actually something I feel I’ve already learned, but also