2018 - The Beginning of a New Year

I look forward to the first of January every year. There's just something fresh and intriguing about a new year. I love planning - I set goals every year - and I am anxious to see how that all unfolds as the year goes on. For the past few years I've also chosen a word of the year. It gives me some direction; something I focus on.

This year I've chosen the word

Did I hear you gasp? Perhaps a snicker? I will admit, it isn't the kind of word that naturally comes to mind.... and it might even have some less than stellar connotations. But that's okay. It is my word and I love it.

By dictionary definition, grit means courage and resolve; strength of character. That sounds pretty good, right? (Granted, that is the second definition... #1 is small, loose particles of stone or sand.) But it isn't the definition of Grit that drew me to that word. It is actually a video I watched a few months ago. One that has caused me to ponder this word for weeks until I finally decided it was "my word" for 2018.

The video is actually from an educator's point of view for the most part. It's Angela Lee Duckworth's "The Power of Passion and Perseverance" video. If you've not seen it, you can watch it HERE.

Here are a few quotes (or paraphrases) that grabbed my attention and made me ponder this word Grit...

Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.

Grit is having stamina and sticking with your future.

Grit is working really hard to reach goals;

living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Grit is Living Life!

I want Grit in my life. I don't want to just exist, I want to strive toward success. I want to be stronger, more satisfied, and so much more when December 31, 2018 arrives than I am today. I want to live my life like it's a marathon... reaching toward goals with stamina, passion and yes, perseverance.

I'm not 100% certain where this word will take me this year, but for now, I'm establishing a few goals...

1. I'm going to use Grit to get my home in order (especially the storage closets/bins/areas). Sheesh! Where did all of this stuff come from anyway? I'm going to go through boxes, purge, and restore order! I am also determined that I am going to finish putting all of my stamps in my Evernote inventory. I started a couple of years ago and was well on the way to completion... then I switched to a Mac computer with a huge learning curve and never got back to finishing my inventory.

2. Speaking of my Mac computer, I'm going to exercise some Grit and get the picture/uploads/downloads figured out on it so that I can completely get rid of my dysfunctional PC laptop!

3. I'm going to use Grit to get my body in shape. A number of years ago I lost a lot of weight. As years have gone by, I've regained some of what I've lost (fortunately not all of it by any means - because that would be way too discouraging). But I need to get back to it and lose some weight. My knees will thank me!

And... just for fun... for this year - 2018 - I want to have a blog post EVERY SINGLE DAY! Call me silly, if you want... but that is a Grit-sized goal that I am going to attempt. Wish me luck!

I chose to do a very simple Bible Journaling page complete with a verse that will remind me that I need to use GRIT this year, never tiring, but persevering instead.

I used designer paper with compasses on it as a reminder to keep things in focus and know the direction I'm heading.

Never get tired of doing good.

II Thessalonians 3:13b

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! 
Please come back soon - I'll be posting daily (insert grin) and most days  I'll even show you a card I've made or some Bible journaling I've worked on.



Supplies Used

Illustrated Faith Number Stickers
Imaginisce Perfect Perfect Vacation DP
Karen Foster Letter Stickers
Washi Tape from an unknown vendor