As I mentioned a few days ago, we're getting hardwood floors put in and have had to move lots of furniture and belongings in preparation. Now more than ever, I can see how my way of doing (or not doing) things affects my life and the lives of my family members. (One example: I found an unopened Mother's Day card from my dad and his wife. I must have put it on the counter then piled things on top. Soon the pile needed to be moved for company coming over and then I never got back to it. You don't know how bad I felt when I saw that.)
Today's post over at This Guy Falls Down was just what I needed to read. In 2006, he chose a word to live by for the year. He's doing the same thing again this year and asked his readers what their words are. I've decided my word is ACTION.
I've chosen this word because inaction is really the root of most of my self-inflicted problems. You don't know how many times I've meant to call someone, send a card, or do something and haven't acted on it. Then later I regret it. You haven't seen the stacks of lesson plan papers that need to be filed because "I'll do it later." And so on...
So, ten minutes ago I decided that I will act in 2007. It has already made a difference, believe it or not. I made myself grade papers right away. The grades are recorded, the papers are filed in students' folders, and I can move on to the next thing instead of having a pile of papers hanging over my head. What a relief. Now, if I can keep this up, I may have extra time to work on those knitting goals for 2007!
What's your word for the year? I invite all of you to share here or on your blog. And if you've never left a comment, please delurk and share your word! :)
I think my word needs to be, "risk." I have this tendency to take the safe route whenever possible or find the easiest, least painful way to resolve things. Makes life quite smooth, but rather boring. And I don't feel like I've grown as much as I could have given some of the opportunities that have come my way.
Or I could just say, "chocolate" and vow to eat more of it. That could work too... ;)
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | January 15, 2007 at 03:40 PM
I think that's great- I have found myself doing things right away instead of waiting (I put it away now instead of thinking "I'll do it later") and I have noticed a difference.
I think if I had to pick a word- introspection? I want to think more about things instead of knee jerk reactions. Really concentrate on what Needs to be done, what WANTS to be done, etc....
Posted by: patti | January 15, 2007 at 03:49 PM
I am a lurker on your site for several month's now. Love it!
My word for the year is Create. This is wonderfully interpreted in the book "Living Artfully: Creating the Life You Imagine". It is one of my new year resolutions - to live my life more creatively - not just to make things - but to dress differently - with more color - with fun jewelry and accessories; to make my home more cozy and comfortable; to not wait for a special occassion to use the good dishes; to CREATE a more special life on a daily basis.
Posted by: Karen | January 15, 2007 at 06:57 PM
I think my word for 2007 will be move! As in "move my butt so I stay heart healthy." I agree with you, if we just did what we thought about doing all the time life would be so much easier. So, I'm moving, around the block atleast 3 times a day.
Sheri in GA
Posted by: Sheri | January 15, 2007 at 07:11 PM
My word is "Appreciate"
Appreciate that I have a nice house to live in
Appreciate that I have a caring husband
Appreciate that I have a spunky, fun daughter
Appreciate that I have wonderful friends
Just appreciate every day.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 15, 2007 at 08:13 PM
Hmmm as I sat here thinking about what my word might be, one JUMPED right at me and almost knocked me over...BALANCE.
Aside from maybe trying to be more graceful (just call me Damage Girl!), I think I have to learn equillibrium (sp?) in all the aspects of my life. Hmm, must ponder more...maybe I'll even, gasp (!) post on my blog about it! :)
Posted by: Mary | January 15, 2007 at 08:33 PM
Great thoughts, Beth! I like Action, myself. I have a huge wire basket full of at least six months' worth of papers to be filed. And of course I'll have to do it now, since taxes are right around the corner. But it would be nicer if I did things when they come up instead of waiting for later.
Posted by: katie | January 16, 2007 at 01:38 PM
What a great post and idea Beth!!! I like your choice of words. I think Ill pick, 'opportunities', that's how Im seeing this upcoming year, new opportunities and making sure to make the most of all that come my way.
Hugggs...
Posted by: Geraldine | January 16, 2007 at 06:44 PM
Hardwood floors! How exciting.
My word of the year? Yikes! One word? How bout a few...
Plan
Act
Achieve
I have alot of goals for 2007 rather than resolutions...
Posted by: Dana | January 17, 2007 at 07:10 AM
What a great post! There were several commenters who had wonderful words I totally relate to -- I like create and balance and opportunities, as they all represent some of my New Year's Goals. Perhaps I will pick "dream" -- sometimes I'm so focused on these goals that I forget to daydream about the end result and where I hope to be when I've achieved them. I think the daydreams do motivate us to action, to get where we want to go.
Posted by: Debby | January 17, 2007 at 05:11 PM
My word? DISCIPLINE!
Posted by: Lynne | January 19, 2007 at 01:06 PM