Here we sit again in a brand new year contemplating what we might accomplish over the next 365 days. As I look back on my list of resolutions from last year, I feel defeated.
I set goals in 4 important areas: spiritual growth, family, health, and writing. Even though I promised myself I would accept imperfection, I’m still consumed with thoughts of failure.
Here’s the thing… Resolutions are overwhelming. We plan how we will succeed in every area of our lives for the upcoming year. It’s way too much.
So this year, I’m focusing on one word. Just ONE.
I chose this particular word because I have come to the conclusion there is no moving forward without my health. Everything else is dependent on my mind and body cooperating.
Over Christmas break, I spent a depressing amount of time in bed sick. There were definitely viruses involved, but I know the abuse to this body of mine over the past few years of out of control eating played greatly into my inability to heal.
There are still many areas of my life that need improvement, including all the topics I chose last year. I want to improve my relationships, grow closer to God, and write that book I’ve been planning for far too long. However, I can’t do any of this without proper health.
I can’t agree more with Joyce Meyer’s thoughts on this incredible gift:
During my 31-day food addiction recovery and 21-day detox, I was a different woman. My headaches went away. I enjoyed my family more. My mind cleared. I dropped some of the many unnecessary pounds I painfully carry around.
They were both beautiful periods in my life. When I stopped each of the programs and went back to my addictive, unhealthy eating patterns, I became exhausted and depressed again.
Clearly 21, or even 31 days are not long enough for me to change my ways. A year, 365 days, sounds much more like the possibility of real and lasting habit formation for a woman with my deeply ingrained issues.
I truly believe we can’t lose in focusing on one word for a solid year. When I get to the end of 2015 and have moved forward in any health related issue— more energy, less sugar, consistently cooking meals for my family…, I will count it as a success. I won’t have my usual oversized list of resolutions to bring me down.
With a healthier body and clearer mind, I’ll choose a new word for the next year. This one word concept is brilliant. I wish I knew who started it so I could properly thank them.
What word would you choose for 2015? I’d love to hear from you!
*For my friends following my turning to food series, the monthly update will resume this month. I stepped away for December to spend some extra time with my family. I’m looking forward to catching up on the latest victories and struggles with our food addiction battles.
I love your word because you are going beyond just the health = weight-loss insanity. This is great friend! Thank you!!
Thanks Bethany! I’m trying really hard to not tie it up with pounds lost. That is my usual health indicator, but there are so many better ways to gauge health. I’m excited about reaching important milestones like more energy and being a better influence on my family.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your health journey this year. And I’m so done with resolutions too. 🙂 Thanks for linking up for #ThreeWordWednesday.
Thanks so much for the linkup and visit, Kristin! I’m looking forward to a single focus for awhile. I’m filled with ADD tendencies and can easily get overwhelmed :).
I’m applauding you right about now, Candace. I hope that putting this on the table will encourage you in knowing that other people care and are cheering you on!
And this is something that’s on all of our minds, in all its many facets …
With ya’ on this!
Thanks my sweet friend! Health is definitely something we all worry about, especially as we age. I’ve been in my 40’s for 5 years now. I can’t believe the difference in my energy levels, etc. from 40 to 45. So glad to have you with me, Linda :).
I think this is a great word to focus on Candace. Last year my hubby and I did a 3 month wellness program with a registered dietician that has become a lifestyle now for us. We feel so much better and it has allowed us to have so much more energy for ministry purposes. Blessings to you as you start this journey.
That’s great you both were able to turn your 3 month program into a lifestyle, Nicki. I have really had trouble continuing successful programs I’ve done in the past. I did a 31 and 21-day program that worked great. Both were concepts that could easily be long term lifestyles, but I just go crazy with sugar, etc. at the end of them and have a hard time returning to nutritious choices. I’m feeling good though about this one year focus. It should bring the lifestyle changes and habits I need.
Looking forward to hearing your One Word ;)!
I, too, love the one word concept. Making a bunch of resolutions is just far too overwhelming. I started the one word last year with “trust,” and this year it’s “follow.” My desire is to surrender my own plans and follow Jesus and His will for my life. Too easily I make my own plans and then ask Him to bless it instead of waiting at His feet to hear what He has to say.
I wish you a blessed 2015, Candace!
I love your words, Trudy! You have them in a fantastic order too. Trust is the perfect word to come before Follow :). I’m with you on making my own plans and asking Him to bless them! I definitely need to follow more instead of trying to lead. Many blessings to you as well!
I am sorry to hear you were sick over the holidays! That a terrible time to feel junky.
Your Joyce Meyer quote is fabulous! Our families and ourselves deserve the best and most healthy version of us.
Thanks Jen! It was awful to spend so many days completely out of it, but it was also a huge wake up call. I’m one of those people who has to hit bottom before I can really make substantial, lasting changes.
I love that quote too. So much truth in it! I think I need to print it out and hang it on the fridge :).
Oh, what a good word HEALTH is. Making healthier choices, especially as it relates to food, is one I am continually working on. It’s just such a hard one. And I say that knowing with Him all things are possible.
My word for the year is SELFLESS. It’s one I can tie back to these food issues of mine. There are so many unhealthy and untrue thoughts that fill my head which lead to destructive behaviors. It’s an inward focus I no longer want to have. More of God; less of me.
Always blessed by what you share with us, Candace.
xoxo
What a beautiful word, Beth! Selfless is a wonderful concept to focus on. I completely agree how it can tie into our food issues. Many blessings to you in 2015! XO
Health is an awesome word for the year. I want to get back on track this year. Last year I had so may slip-ups and cheat days. That I really set myself back health wise.
If I had to choose a word for the year it would be Chill. Because I spent a lot of timed stressed last year. I just want to chill more this year.
Good luck on reclaiming your health 🙂
I so need to CHILL too, Sonya! Great word. My stress levels definitely play into my unhealthy habits. I had an obscene amount of “slip-ups” last year, but I’m wiping the slate clean and starting over… again :). Good luck to you on your goals!
Hi friend! I am loving your word and please know I am on this journey with you. God loves us so much and wants to hang out with us. We can do that by focusing on Him and not all of the other struggles that pull us away. I will be praying for you in 2015 and for you to embrace health with God’s help!
Praying for you and your health journey as well, Mary! I’ve tried to do this on my own for too long. I’m definitely embracing God’s help this year. He will bring us through this, my friend! Looking forward to a healthier 2015.
Oh Candice, I so need to work on this word too. Since August I’ve had such terrible, what we thought allergy problems, but now have figured its just sinus problems triggering allergy like symptoms, which turned into walking pneumonia and here it is January and now I have picked up this weird cold my hubby has. I was feeling better in December and started my workout program back up and BAM!!!!! Its like its never going to stop. I hate taking meds and would much rather help my problem with natural ways. But my immune system just doesn’t seem to heal as quickly as before. My body has just not been the same since I went through menopause. Ugh.
Wow! You have been through it lately, Tammy! We have had that weird, unable to get rid of, cold in our house for months now. I’m so tired of hearing me and my people cough and blow our noses. I hate meds too but sometimes there is no other way unfortunately. Praying you will soon find the right treatment. I’m with you on the menopause woes. I’m rapidly approaching it. I’ve been in peri-menopause for years now!
I should have stuck with one word too. I made 3 goals, and did one word. The third goal coincides with my one word, and it is the only one I am keeping so far. But I need to do my sleep goal to as I can tell I am getting a cold. I will pray for your health!
Thanks for the prayers, Tammy! Don’t stress about all 3 goals. Focus on the one you are already finding success with and let the other 2 be extra credit :). I need help in the sleep area as well. I get so tired and then my head starts spinning with crazy thoughts when I lay down in bed. Sleep is so important to our health and is definitely tied into my focus for the year. Many prayers for your word and goals as well, my friend!
I love this. Sometimes we get too focused on losing xx weight or fitting into a certain size, or cutting out sugar. Choosing a “mantra” instead seems to be a better, more moderate and healthy way to make and complete the goals that you want. Thank you for the reminder! Shared.
Thanks, Elizabeth! I have always tied my self esteem to that number on the scale. It is a dreadful way to live. I’m excited about just focusing on the word health. It covers so much that by next year, I’m certain I’ll have succeeded in some area relating to it. That will be enough cause to celebrate for me :).
Way to go! Yes to health and all that God wants to do through you this year! 🙂
I have been far too exhausted this year to live up to what God had in store for me. I’m looking forward to living up to His will much more in 2015. Thanks, Sarah!
Candace, I am cheering you on to great health. It is a smart way to go! You will reap so many spiritual rewards too. Go girl! I am cheering you on!
Thanks for the cheers, Kelly! I can certainly use them. Food is the toughest addiction I have ever faced. I’m feeling good about finally conquering it this year! So good to have you in my corner :).
Candace,
So happy to have stopped over from the #RaRaLinkup. Kudos to you for committing to do your part to ensure you will be in good health and prosper. Honoring the temple is a subject near and dear to my heart so I will be praying for you. Every Wednesday I blog about wellness so stop by and visit. My one word for 2015 is COURAGE. Last year my word was release. I was amazed to see how it manifested last year so I am excited and a little nervous about what I’ll face that will require courage but I eagerly anticipate the journey. Be blessed my sister.
Courage is a wonderful, exciting word, Tyra! I’ll definitely be over to visit for your wellness Wednesdays and to see how your courage is growing this year. So glad you stopped by! Blessings to you as well.
Oh bless your precious heart Candice!! I LOVE your word!! And I never really make resolutions for the very same reason… they are too overwhelming and cause me anxiety- which is BAD for my health!!
If I had to choose a word, it would probably be “perspective”… because every day we can choose to be healthy, full, whole, faithful, strong, compassionate, generous, forgiving… ETC.
If we have the right perspective, everything seems to be easier to attain.
Praying for you to have 365 days of perspective… leading to greater health for you, my dear friend. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!
I love Perspective, Chris! Imagine the difference in our thought processes by focusing on that word for a year. I might have to use that one sometime :). I hope your health is improving every day and you are up and running very soon, my friend!
How’s your resolution-less 2015 looking so far, Candace? I’m not into resolutions either. Have a blessed weekend!
It’s going pretty good, Lux! I’m so relieved to just focus on one word. Usually the overwhelming frustration from my impossible list has already set in by now. Not this year :). I hope you had a blessed weekend as well!