Word of the Year – one word to focus on during 2016

Do you set New Year’s resolutions?  When the new year comes around I’m usually consumed with family time, Christmas presents chaos and trying to squeeze in as many fun activities as I can before the school break ends.  Instead of setting strict resolutions that I will only fail at before the second day of the new year, I decided to choose one word to focus on all year.  There are so many wonderful words that reflect my focus for 2016, that I had a hard time deciding on my word of the year.

First, I thought of the word inspire.  This year I want to be inspired by the world around me.  Inspired to write more and share stories.  Inspired by nature and my faith.  I also want to inspire others in the stories I share.  So inspiration seemed key for me.

Then, I thought about discipline.  I want to be more disciplined this year to focus on the things I need and want.  I want to be more disciplined in my bible reading and faith.  I need to be more disciplined in my memoir writing.  There are also several areas in my life that I want to make changes and those changes require discipline.

Discipline sounds so negative, doesn’t it?  Like a bad resolution just waiting to be broken.  Restrained and tied down.  The opposite of fun.  I want 2016 to be wonderful and filled with joy.

I almost gave up.

I stayed busy the entire school break with my children.  Our family played countless hours of board games.  We spent several days riding our bikes around the neighborhood.  I realized it was a couple of days into the new year and I hadn’t taken a moment to choose my word of the year or write down my goals.  And that was okay.  I forgave myself.

Two days of bike riding with the family. Hours of exercise that's actually enjoyable. Great start to a new year.

A photo posted by Dwan Perrin (@mommadjane) on Jan 3, 2016 at 4:06pm PST

I felt so blessed to be spending time with my family and living life that I did not mind that I may be breaking some arbitrary resolutions…because I was happy.

That’s when I realized what my one word of the year is.  ME.

Word of the Year ~ me

All of my goals for 2016 circle back around with the focus on myself.  In years past I have dedicated most of my time to my children, my family, and my career.  This year I need to focus on areas in my personal life.  That does not mean I will be less of a mom or less of a wife.  My family means the world to me.  This year I want the constant reminder to take care of myself.

I have several goals that I am focusing on in 2016 such as finishing my memoir, creating more videos, putting a larger focus on my blog and websites and mentoring more.  I also have other not-so-fun things to take care of including a dental surgery that I have been avoiding. I want to ride my new bike that my husband bought me for Christmas more often.  I want more exercise, outdoor activities, road-trips and healthy eating.

I also want to visit nice restaurants, lounge on the couch and watch movies while eating snacks, and bake cupcakes with my kids.  Because life is about finding balance, treating yourself to pleasures and living each day to the fullest.

What is your one word of the year?  Do you set resolutions or goals?  Share with me in the comments below!