One Word

As the New Year has begun, I have read countless articles about resolutions. People resolve to finally lose weight, get that promotion, save money, go on a trip, etc, but one of the articles I read had a different suggestion. For 2013, pick one word.

I like the idea of a one word resolution. Instead of choosing to lose weight or spend less time in front of screens (both things I'd like to do in 2013), I have chosen one word that encompasses both of those things, but also calls me to a greater ideal. Instead of basing my resolution "on last year's regrets," as fellow blogger Don McAllister writes here, I have a word that will challenge me and uplift me, and (hopefully) bring things in my life together. I like to feel in control of things, though I know that I'm actually never really in control of anything but my own reaction to any given event. So here's my feeble attempt at controlling this new year, that will certainly be filled with a lot of amazing things, and a lot of change, something I know is good but I'm still grappling with.

Oh, you want to know my word?

Simplify.

Yes, as a JV, simplicity is an ideal that I'm supposed to be striving toward every day, but sometimes it's just a lot easier to take a disposable plastic spoon for my yogurt in the morning that I won't have to think about when my breakfast is finished instead of a silverware one. It's small things like that, and big things like spending less time in front of my computer/iPhone/iPad/TV and instead in prayer, conversation, or activity.

I have big plans for 2013- Mardi Gras in New Orleans, moving home, and finding a new job and starting my "big girl life," possibly traveling to visit friends living abroad (after I find that new job...), and a lot that I have yet to discover. While I will be busy, I hope to have a simple spirit, and simple possessions. I'm planning to cut down on the things that I own, and while the move back from Texas will certainly help with that, I need to spend several hours in the basement and attic of my parents' house, as well as find a way to curb my shopping. Earning $100 a week was one way to do it, but when I returned home, out of the JV world, it was like I'd never left.

I also plan to simplify what I eat- something that is hard since I usually only cook one night per week, and people bring food for us all the time, but I'm going to be disciplined about how much processed food I'm taking in and taking care of my body.

My spirit, possessions, and appearance are all going to simplify in 2013, in hopes that my mind and faith will grow.

What's your word?