Friday, January 2, 2009

One Little Word...

I don't normally make New Year's resolutions. When I was a teenager, I enjoyed sitting down with a pen and paper and scribbling out things I'd like to accomplish in the new year. However, over the years I found that I wasn't too good at keeping those resolutions, so I just gave up. No need to go to the trouble when I know I won't follow through.
The other day, I read about a twist on the resolution idea. Instead of a list of things you hope to do, you pick a word for the year, something to focus on (check out Ali Edwards' blog for more about this). I've been trying to think of what it is that I really need to work on this year, and I think I've found one little word that really sums up what I need more of in my life: discipline. I wouldn't say that my life is out of control, but there are definitely areas that I need to rein in:
  • my eating and excersise habits
  • my lackidaisical money-management methods (that's saying it gently!)
  • my daily quiet time with God (which seems to have been put on the back burner lately)
We can definitely say that I've been a bit on the lazy side in these areas. Maybe by instilling a little (maybe a lot) of discipline, I can grow closer to God, be a better steward of his financial blessings, and stop treating my body so badly. I've even found a Bible verse to go along with it:
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)

Do you have "One Little Word" for 2009?

Stephanie over at Homegrown Hospitality is even offering hand-drawn, framed doodles of your "One Little Word" for 2009. Go check her out!

3 comments:

Sarah said...

I'm not good at making resolutions either, but this is a great way to start the new year off right. Thanks for sharing the idea--I've got to get to thinking what my word should be!

Unknown said...

I am horrible at keeping resoultions! Which is why this year I am not "dieting" or "eating healthier" I am trying hard to retrain myself to eat in better porportions. Life is too short to never eat cake -- but a small piece is every bit as good as half of the cake. It is working well so far!

I am also trying to let go of all the clutter in our home. Life is much easier to maintain if you have less stuff!

Good luck on your "Little Word".

Nicole said...

My new years resolution list should say the exact same thing!