At the top righthand corner of my giant to-do list is a smaller list of “Goals” I jotted down since before Christmas. Things I’ve been thinking about for quite some time.
Goals:
De-clutter.
Simplify.
Be all there.
Write.
Live.
Love.
Get outside.
Fear less.
As I’ve tried to come up with a “word” or theme for the year, I keep coming back to what sums up all the rest: live. As in, live this life.
I’ve been thinking about it often since writing that post about John Evans.
I’ve looked up definitions (because that’s just what this word nerd does), and a few I like are:
to enjoy being alive;
to exhibit vigor, gusto, enthusiasm;
to be thoroughly absorbed by or involved with;
to experience firsthand; to have a rich live experience.
And a few synonyms: delight, abide, flourish (bear fruit), bloom (opposite of wither), revel (celebrate).
I’m an observer. An introvert. And that’s okay. But sometimes I forget to live. I worry, I fear, I plan, but I don’t live.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve stifled emotions entirely too much. I don’t even know how to stop stifling them. I hold back part of myself, even from Ken. Maybe it’s some sort of self-protection mechanism, but I’m tired of it.
It’s been worse lately because of some things that are breaking my heart. My kids have noticed it, although I haven’t talked to them much about it. Ken knows and I have talked to him about it. Most of it, anyway. Some things I can’t quite put into words yet.
But I don’t want to keep holding back.
This year, 2012, I want to start living.
I want to participate more than I observe.
I want to be mentally “all there” when I’m with family or friends or in quiet time with God.
I want to love more, and better.
I want to get outside, enjoy creation, and get fit.
I want to overcome fears that hold me back from living.
I want to live this life for all it’s worth, for all the days I have.
I want to live for Jesus who saved me from myself and redeemed this life of mine.
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
Came by from the 5 minutes for mom linky; this is a great post. I’m a nerd and looked up definitions too, but didn’t use them in my post, Ended up keeping it super short since I was already almost a week late. amber 🙂
Yes. Ohhh, yes. I want this too…thank you for the encouragement, the reminder. This is such a great theme for this year. Way to go, Jamie! 🙂
It’s funny because I consider myself an extrovert but after reading your post, I think that I truly may be more of an introvert and need to work on the same things 🙂
LOVE this post – xoxo THanks for linking it up!
Meghan
http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com
Such heartfelt, honest words! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Blessings to you in the new year…a year of living!!!!
Thoughtful post, Jamie. It seems to be that we sometimes count as living that which is actually busy-ness. I find myself spinning round and round with the demands of the day — some get accompished, some get a lick and a promise, some fall by the wayside — and at the end of the day, I fall into bed. But was I living (as defined in your post)? The short answer: no.
This post fits right in with one of my main goals for this year: to be more intentional.
Thanks!
Live is a great word for 2012! I love it because it’s so tempting to get wrapped up in everything that’s happening and forget to simply live. Live makes me think of the present moment, and making the most of right now.
Chrysta
Wonderful Word for 2012!
Looking forward to your posts about your word thru-out the year. That’s the best part– seeing the word you chose play out in your year.
God bless you as you LIVE! this year!
Great post! And great goals!
God has given us this gift of life we should LIVE it and enjoy it!
I hope this year brings all that you hope for!
ps: my house could use some decluttering, wanna help? :-}
I love how you have all those words to describe one word – LIVE. It encompasses so much! Great goals, thanks for sharing them!
Love that last bit…
Your goals.
And who you want to live for.
Always encouraged when I stop in here for a visit.
Blessings,
K
Great word!
You sound like my kind of girl. Glad to have found your blog!
I just foung your blog/site. I do love it. I’m retired, my daughter and her husband have recently moved in with us and all I’ve read so far ~ really has spoken to me. (Wish I’d found you earlier – but now is a good time). Thanks.