I have had the practice of choosing a word of the year for the last handful of years. It’s a grounding practice for me, that allows me to focus on an intention for my life rather than a general goal. I also set goals, because that fits my personality, but the word of the year is something that continues to center me through the year and gives me direction. I don’t just randomly pick a word, it is something I pray about for a few weeks. There isn’t an exact science, I can just tell you that the word finds me and I receive a peace about it.
My past words have been Love (2017), Surrender (2018), Present (2019) and Gentle (2020). Some years have been more impactful than others and 2020 was one of those years. I started the year by reading Try Softer by Aundi Kolber through which I learned more about being gentle with myself. This really set the tone for the year and wow, did we need gentleness more than ever in 2020. Gentleness with others, and gentleness with ourselves. When times got hard, as they often did in 2020, I was also able to lean into the gentleness that the Spirit offers us.
So that brings me to my word for 2021, and my word is…
GROWTH
This word means a lot to me, but it starts with growing in my relationship with my God, my creator, my Savior. 2020 felt more like surviving, and I know I want more thriving in 2021. In order to do that, I have to start at the foundation of my life…I have to connect to my creator, the One who gives me my identity. If I am not in step with who God is and who He says I am, I can’t fully live.
Growth also means growing in all of the roles God has called me to: wife, mother, discipler, mentor, friend, business owner, leader and human. I am not sure exactly what that all will look like, but I know if I focus on the first area, growing in my role as a child of God, He will show me how to grow in the other areas.
I am claiming two verses this year that speak to my word.
Colossians 1:9-10…”We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work…”
Colossians 2:6-7…”So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
About the author
Nicole Fryling, MA, LLPC counsels women who feel anxious, overwhelmed and stuck, and want to be empowered to create peace, joy and fulfillment in their lives. She does this by blending together proven psychological tools and techniques with the therapeutic framework Scripture provides. Of all of the hats Nicole wears (wife, mother, counselor, business owner), Nicole’s favorite is her beach hat!
If you’re ready to learn to thrive rather than just survive, contact Nicole today for support at nicole@restorativecc.com
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