You know what? There might be no one word for my 2016.
Past Words
Yep! But, before I explain why…
Here’s a brief “history” of my words for the past three years.
In 2013, I started with the word Shine. I wanted to shine for Jesus.
Then, I moved on to Freedom the year after that. I wanted to be free from clutter and negativity.
Last year, my word became words and they were: Own less, create more. I did get to purge toys and baby paraphernalia, but last Christmas we received more toys. I did create more; or so I thought. I shared some on my Instagram with the hashtag #Cymplifiedillustration.
Blast from the past:
Shine
Freedom
Own less, create more.
Falling Short
But, I realize that I am still a work in progress. Who isn’t?
I still frown, lose my temper and fail to read God’s Word every day. Our house is still very much cluttered. I still feel anxious about many things. It’s like I’m surrounded by a haze, unsure of myself, hesitant to create watercolor art if it won’t result in perfection. Will people like it? Is it artsy enough?
I think I fell into the trap social media has unknowingly set. It’s the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) trap and secretly checking for new post ‘likes’ and followers. It’s as if I’m living and creating not for myself but for the approval of others.
This led me to pen my new year’s eve recollection, 30 minutes before the clock struck midnight.
In the quiet corner of my mind, sorting through my unruly thoughts like combing my wild hair, I try to make sense of my reflections.
What have I achieved in the year 2015? What did I bring to the table? Are any of my deeds worth anything?
I think that one’s living conditions dictate the conditions of living. Not everyone could fulfill her dreams, unless she has financial means or unless she’s really, REALLY good. How about those who are in-between or average?
I don’t think that one could be fully herself or fully happy. There are a lot of things or people to consider, and it’s not just some random people’s opinions. It’s of one’s family’s and of the responsibilities to them. There is no ultimate freedom.
Gazing up at the night sky on New Year’s eve, I imagine people’s lives are like fireworks. Lighting up the dark for just a short time, one needs to make it the brightest, the most colorful. She must make it count.
I know my entry sounded less hopeful than it should. That’s why I do not have my ‘one word’, because I have a low expectation that another word could help, even change, me.
Introspection
I am not exactly planless. I have decided to continue with shining, with journeying to freedom from clutter which means owning less, and with creating for God and myself, not for ‘likes’ or ‘hearts’ or ‘retweets’. And maybe, this year will be the year I finally can drive.
Creating for myself means I will get to know myself again. What do I desire, deep, deep down? What will make my heart dance and my soul sing? What motivates me? I will find out my weaknesses and strengths. I will introspect more, along with what I call “theospection”, which is to look into God, through His Word.
Last January 4, I started a reading plan on the YouVersion app called the Bible In One Year 2016. Yes, I will read the whole Bible again. I think it’s good to do so because I get to discover God’s truths that are applicable to the season of my life right now. I pray that I will make it a habit. “On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact.” I’m on day 15!
How about you? Have you started a new habit this year? What is it and how are you going to sustain it? 🙂
Don’t be too hard on yourself Cym, we are all works in progress. I think your Word should be Continue. or Follow through. Because you’re in the stage where you don’t need a new word, but you need to follow thru on your previous commitments for yourself.
Me? Not really a habit but a goal to “be present” and live meaningfully. I am a constant work in progress and I think all of us are. Cheers to a better year ahead!
I am with you about being present and living meaningfully. Cheers!
Amen, shine for Jesus. Being a Christian we are the light of this world and we need to share our light to shine to others. The word “shine” is very encouraging and go lang ng go, hehehe
I have no one word for this year, either. For some reason I feel like it could be restricting, and for me, this year is all about being more open-minded, adaptable, and adventurous. One thing that I’m learning to do this year is to let go of inhibitions and just do it. Lol. I feel I might be too old to be YOLO-ing, but what the heck, diba? Hahaha!
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Haha! Sabi nga nila, “Go lang nang go!” I want to also just go with life’s flow.
Not sure if it is a new habit or refining old habits that were brought over from 2015 . However this year I chose the word Wisdom as I know that there are many life changing decisions which I need to make for myself and family this 2016.
Reading a bible that’s a good idea. Hmmm habit of saving money. Hehehe ill try to spend less and save more 🙂
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I don’t have concrete plan for 2016, but I think its about time to set 1-2 goals this year and have fun with it. Your entry is beautiful Sis, 🙂 Goodluck!
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I also make up words to guide me in welcoming every new year, like for 2014 it was MakingThingsHappen, Blessed2015 and now BringitOn2016. ???? I make up words just to guide me in what I wish to accomplish. Don’t pressure yourself too much! ????
Whatever could motivate us, right? Thanks, Lia!
I think it’s the journey, not so much the result, that matters more in the end. Don’t be too hard on yourself. As long as you’re self-aware and know where you need to go, you’re already ahead of everyone else who are just plodding along, right?! 🙂
I can’t wait to read about your journey towards greater introspection.
That’s true, Pat. It’s in the journey where we learn the most about ourselves. Thanks for the encouragement!
It is hard to maintain such habit I have in 2015. This year, I would likely be more control of my finances. Like, being more thrifty, only purchase things that are needed in an instant. We have plan to renovate our home, that’s why. 🙂
I always make the previous year as an inspiration for another year. I look back to all that had happened, good and bad, and reflect on it. My 2015 is a realization for me and so for this year, I have yet to set goals. I just wanted to go with the flow and strengthen my trust in God. I believe kasi He’s always in control and no matter how I plan, His plans are way better.
Hi, sis. Thanks for sharing your reflection. I also don’t have one word for this year. But I started with having one word for the week. Parang effective naman sya as reminder, like for week 1, my word was Excellence, so in every work I do during week 1 I strived for excellence. Also, one habit that I started (again) is using a planner to be more organized. Reading the Bible is what I always fail to do sadly. 🙁 God bless to your goals for this year.
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