Last year, I chose a word for the year.
That word served me well. So well, in fact, that I’m keeping it. I’ll continue on my steady way in 2016.
But this year, I’m combining it with another word.
Determined.
Image source (used with permission)
Determined. Last year I was steady. I worked hard, and I have a lot to show for it.
This year, I’m determined to make it pay off.
I will show determination in:
- setting my goals (far enough to stretch; not so far I won’t bother trying)
- achieving those goals
- sticking to my priorities (and reprioritising when necessary)
- saying YES to what inspires
- saying NO to what doesn’t.
That all sounds very work-oriented. But it’s not. For me, part of being determined is actually being determined to enjoy life. It sounds like an oxymoron – shouldn’t enjoying life be something that just happens, rather than something you’re determined to do? – but it needn’t be. I am determined to live my life for me and my family.
MY life for ME and MY family. Not someone else’s life. Not someone else’s comparison. No filling my life with stuff for the sake of filling it with stuff; no being busy for the sake of being busy; no doing things I’m not interested in just so I can talk about it and feel important later.
And no saying YES to doing things for others because they make me feel uncomfortable about saying NO.
I am determined.
I like the other meanings of determine as well. I will not always accept things at face value; I will determine the truth. I will not accept facts and figures thrown at me on the internet; I will determine their source.
I will give my time and self to worthwhile causes, but will determine boundaries. I will limit what I commit to so that my family always gets my best self.
I am determined to prioritise my health, my family, my writing and my sanity. And not always in that order.
I am determined to have a successful 2016. And I will go about it steadily.
Determined. I like it.
Determined to the power of steady. I like it even more.
2016, let’s get cracking.
What is your word for 2016?
Nice choice! I agree that enjoying life can be a choice because you choose to let go of unimportant mental clutter to make room for the better stuff. Happy new year!
YES. Very well said. Happy new year to you, too!
I love this word. I love how firm and unwavering it is and it’s something I think we could all use more of because we can be way too quick to let our sense of guilt or obligation to others move us from our rightful course. Best of liuck with your commitment to this year x (and PS I HATE that busy for the sake of busyness nonsense. Urgh)
OH GREAT. I make a typo in my first comment of the year on your blog. Can I blame my new migraine glasses? Thanks.
YES. Yes you can. And thank you. I am over busy being seen as aspirational. It’s just busy.
I can feel that determination Em. My motto for this year is Believe in Yourself and I will continue to remind myself until I finally believe with every inch of my body.
That’s beautiful. Chookas with that one. I remember your comment about slowing down and finding the balance. I hope you do. x
Ooh I like it, Em. I don’t choose one word for the year because I can never settle on one. I like to read everyone else’s and pinch ideas from theirs. I think determined is a great word. I especially like your thoughts on saying yes to what inspires and no to what doesn’t. I’m definitely aiming for that this year. I hope 2016 is an amazing year for you xx #teamIBOT
It is hard to choose just one! That’s why I’m keeping ‘steady’. I think it doesn’t count if I’ve already had it. I can totally add to it, right?!
Steady and determined are great words Em. I like how you’ve identified what you’ll say YES to and what you’ll say NO to. I didn’t choose a word this year. Last year choosing a word didn’t work for me. I’m trying a different approach this year. Happy New Year to you! xo
Thanks Min! I find it hard to say no so we’ll see how I go. I’m feeling very strong as I sit here at the keyboard, though!
YES! Love your word and the meaning behind it for you. Go, Emily! I chose ‘trust’ and ‘FEARless’ this year because I need to both trust that life will have a way of working out for me (and hub) in a time of much unknownness (look, a new word) and I need to fear much less as fear played a part in a not so wonderful 2015. Love your work..and take care, lady! You are one awesome blogger/writer/creative person I admire! Denyse xx
Thank you Denyse. What a lovely comment. You have put a smile on my dial and a spring in my step. x
I can hear that steely eyed determination in your words! Perfect choice. Happy 2016!!
Happy 2016 to you too! I am VERY determined. Right now. At my keyboard. Now to maintain that determination …
I love your choice of word, though I love even more the combination of the words. Steady and determined what a strong combination that will be 🙂
Thank you! As soon as I put the two words together, I knew I’d found the right one.
I love it Em! You’ve inspired.. I’ve adopted the word EXPLORE for myself this year. I’ll be exploring new places, new opportunities and new friends. Cheers to a fabulous 2016! 🙂
Ooh, I like explore! So many applications. Bring it on!
Love this as a choice of word – a nice steady path is definitely something I am going for as well.
Oh good! We can buddy up. Good luck on your steady path.
Very nice, good luck! My word is CHANGE. I need to make some changes in my life and step outside my comfort zone.
Good luck with change! It can be daunting but so worthwhile.
Determined. Fantastic word. All the best with fulfilling your goals, but with a word like that to accompany you along the way, how could you not?
I’ve been thinking my word for the year is “Recovery”, I feel like after four years of survival with triplets this is the year we can recover from all the craziness of that time and find our stride while also enjoying the time to bask in the extra beauty and fun they have also brought to our family.
Thank you. And wow. Recovery seems apt! I hope you find your stride.
I was thinking too the other day about being determined to not just agree with everything that pops up on social media. To actually think things through, and find the truth. I think it’s something that we can easily not place enough value on.
Love your word Em, and looking forward to seeing your determination in action.
Thanks Jess! Fingers crossed that determination leads to goal-kicking.
Determined and steady, I love it. I’m pretty happy with the course I chartered late last year. I’ve achieved some pretty significant goals and this year I intend to simply continue with them and enjoy!
Sounds fabulous! Enjoying watching you achieve all those goals. x
I love the word for the year and how you are going to apply it to your life. I think enjoying life the way you want is definitely a choice. We get so caught up sometimes in how things should be — either because we compare ourselves to others or because the media tells us things — that we forget to enjoy it the way we want to.
Hope you have a wonderful 2016!
Very true – thanks for adding to my perspective. Comparison is absolutely a big distractor from happiness and contentment.
Great word and love how you are combining it with steady. Mine is present as in be more – get rid of the busyness!!
Ooh, I LOVE your word! Thanks for sharing.
Loving that fierce determination, Em!
Happy 2016 x
Thank you Lisa. Happy 2016 to you too.
Love your word for the year and your approach to life. I generally pick a theme song for the year but last year opted for one word *enough*. I even found a temporary tattoo. This year it is BE and all will be revealed soon.
CANNOT WAIT to hear more about BE. Very excited for you. And I like the idea of a theme song, too.
Ha determined! That’s my middle name 😉 . Not really although Dawn does start with a D … I haven’t decided on a word for this year yet. But then I only chose my word for last year “change” when I wrote my end of year wrap up blog post. You can’t rush these things!!!
Hindsight words are important. I quite like that approach! I’ll have to reflect on ‘determined’ in December.
Love, love, love this Em. Here’s to 2016 being awesome for you. x
Thank you Jodi! And may it be awesome for you, too!
What a terrific word Em. Hope 2016 is a fantastic one for you.
Thank you, Lisa. You too.
Good for you – sounds like you’ll move mountains this year!
Or be embarrassed if I don’t! Thank you. x
Determined is a great word, very strong, I’m sure you can do it!
My word this year is “Change”
Thanks Michelle! Change can be good, if it’s proactive. Will seek out your post!