My One Word for 2019

You may have heard of it... the "one word" movement.  I have seen it around and I liked the idea.  Then, I learnt that this was established by a book that was written by a Christian.  The concept springs from one of simplicity, a "less is more" approach to goal setting.  Instead of making a long list of 'resolutions' or goals for the New Year (which we all know are rarely successful) you choose a single word.  This ONE word guides everything you do for that year.  It brings you clarity and focus. At least, that's the idea. 

According to the book, there is a process which needs to be followed.  

1. Look In: examine yourself, your life, your choices, decide what you need to change, improve, eliminate or maintain. 

2. Look Up: pray.  Ask God to reveal whatever it is you need to work on.  Ask God to reveal the right word for you. Spend some real time meditating on God's word and allow Him to speak to you.  Listen, Watch, Wait for His answer. 

3. Look Out: Write down the word God has revealed to you and Live it out. Focus on your word.  Write it on your mirror, on your fridge, in your Bible, on post-its, in your car, at your work.  Put it where you will see it.  Keep it fresh in your mind.  Tell a friend or family member your word and talk about it regularly.  Pray about how God wants you to Live your "Word".  

I went through my own process, but it did include the steps above as well. 

1. I reflected on 2018 and what I achieved, I thought about the frustrations and difficulties that I faced too.  I tried to work out what I could or should have done differently or what I wanted to do differently.  I thought the word "LESS" would be a good word for 2019.  

2. I found a four-day reading plan in the You Bible App, and read it. 

3. During my reading of the plan, I wrote down the Scripture references  and as I read each one from my Bible, I wrote down key words.  I wrote words like, focus, generosity, sacrifice, simple, forward and trust. 

3. Using some of the key words and more words that came to mind, I wrote a list of words.  It included words like; less, rest, smile, kindness, better, quiet.   

4. I prayed and put a star beside the words that were standing out to me and aligned with scripture. 

5. I slept. 

6. While reading some quotes on Pinterest I came across one that said, "Practice the pause...when you pause; pray." It became clear.  

My word this year, is PAUSE! 

There are some other goals that I have.  I want to lose some more weight.  I want to exercise regularly.  I want to be grateful.  I want to speak with positivity and encouragement instead of irritation and criticism.  Losing weight is a result of  self-control (for me anyway).  Choosing to exercise instead of flopping on the couch in front of the TV, means thinking about long term goals instead of short term feelings.  Being grateful, often involves seeing the big picture and knowing that even in the worst moment of your life, you have a great deal of wonderfulness in your life (I know it's not a real word).  Speaking positively and encouraging instead of criticising requires self control and sometimes means 'biting one's tongue.' All those things require an ability to step outside of the situation you are in, recognising your feelings, being rational and making a choice.  I don't know about you, but I can't do all that quickly.  I need a minute.  This year, I want to take the time to pause before I eat, before I yell or snap, or even speak.  Sometimes, pausing will mean, praying, being silent, exercising, napping (I love napping), moving away from someone or something, moving towards the right people.  Pausing, means getting out of the situation (if only for a second) to handle it better.  

I am excited!  

You will hear more about this over 2019.  

What would your 'one word' be? Let me know in the comments! :)