I’m excited to jump back in after hosting, visiting, and lounging with family the past two weeks! It has been busy yet restful, and I’m already looking forward to next December. I have lost track of the days, but I suppose watching 10 Star Wars movies in 3 days will do that to you. I typically get the post-holiday blues, but this year, I have reveled in the excitement that comes with the New Year. Instead of resolutions, we like to pick a word for the year. I love having a clear beginning that represents hope and renewal. I find that a word helps me get to the root of which habits I want to cultivate and why. When I start to lose sight of my resolutions (and I ALWAYS do), I hope that this word will remind me of my why. With that being said, my word for 2020 is build.
Build: Financially
We were told by a friend that “there are building years, and there are living years.” 2019 was a living year, and it was one of my favorites to-date! We traveled to Cincinnati, Charlotte, Asheville, Charleston, Kansas City, Denver, Granby, Fort Collins, Omaha, Chicago, Grenada, NYC, Durham, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Milan. With our honeymoon, my parents living in North Carolina, CJ visiting grad schools, and a last minute work trip, it made for a year full of adventure. We are so thankful for the opportunities that the Lord provided, and for all of the reward points that made most of these trips financially possible.
However, as we look forward to 2020, we are switching gears to be dilligent and creative to get all of our loans paid off. This is such an important part of building our future. While we know that tomorrow is not promised, we believe it is biblical and wise to be debt-free. We’re excited to hit this goal and to start saving for our dream home (which we would also love to build!)
Build: Wellness
“Wellness” has always been a trendy word that I have steered clear from. I’ve always enjoyed dancing and being active in a multitude of ways, but have mistaken wanting the perfect body for pursuing wellness. Since mid-college, I have tried different fad diets and workout plans, all ending in failure. When we were in Switzerland, my eyes were opened to what changing our lifestyle could look like. Three weeks of eating fresh, unprocessed food, and living an active lifestyle like the locals do, was incredibly refreshing. Seeing a healthy lifestyle modeled by most people around us has motivated me to take wellness more seriously. It will only get more challenging as we start a family one day and get busier. I know that wellness looks different for everyone, but for me, it means:
- Meditating on God’s word first thing in the morning.
- Limiting going out to eat and alcohol to special occasions (date night, birthdays, anniversary, weddings, etc.) This helps with our financial goals too!
- Training for the Indy Mini.
- Leaving my phone outside of the bedroom on the charger at night.
- Stretching daily.
- Taking more dance classes. This is something that brings me so much joy, and doesn’t feel like a workout!
- Filling up and drinking my water bottle 3 times each day. (I love this thing!
- Keep a log of the things I’m grateful for each day. I love that my Panda planner includes this section.
Build: Knowledge of God’s Word
Last but not least, I’m excited to continue building a solid foundation based on God’s word. This is not only my word for 2020, but for every year. However, this year I’m excited to dive into the books and topics that I am completely unfamiliar with. The past couple of years, I’ve focused on group studies and devotionals, which were perfect for that season. Now I feel hungry to learn what God has for me in the Old Testament and Systematic Theology. I’m excited to watch the Lord help me to build an even stronger foundation for my faith and connect knowledge to the affections of my heart. As we dream of leading and discipling our kids one day, I want to take advantage of all of the free time to learn and grow as much as possible.
“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; -Colossians 1:10 ESV
“The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.”
― Jen Wilkin, Women of the Word
What is your word?
So, what is your word for 2020? It’s rewarding to look back and see how one word can lead to many different types of growth. Maybe your word will even change mid-year. I challenge you to pick one, and reflect on the ways you want to grow this year!
Thanks for reading about my word for 2020. Do you have a word or theme for the year? If so, I’d love for you to share in the comments!