2017 Word of the Year is…{drumroll}

Some think a “word of the year” is a bit hokey.

That’s cool.

I tend to like the word-of-the-year trend. It gives me a singular focus, a word that encapsulates all my new year’s resolutions, Lenten promises, life goals and everything else, into one.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to accomplish this year, but not so much about the word. Initially, I thought I might go with “deep,”as in, going deeper into my relationships with friends, family, kids and spouse, rather than just staying on the fringes. That led me to “authenticity” as another option. People can certainly disagree with me (totally fine!) but I never want someone to call me a fraud. I tend to worry about that a bit with the advent of social media. Maybe we all do??

But as much as I loved what those words meant to me personally, this one kept bubbling to the surface:

2017 word of the year.

And I big heart-eyed emoji love it.

Yes, I desire more authentic relationships with the people in my life. Those take time and effort and sincere love. And when I invest that into them, they flourish. My heart is calling me to seriously discern a bigger writing project (what that looks like I have no idea), but I know by writing with authenticity, my written skills will flourish. By silencing the phone more and whittling down the likes and follows on social media, I can be more present to the people I’m tasked to get to heaven. We all flourish then. Last June, I began a concentrated effort to get my physical house in order. It has taken time, money, commitment and will power, but my body is flourishing because it can do so much more now than before! Great marriages don’t just happen. The time in Europe this fall allowed me to see, once again, why I love Mr. Whitaker so very much. While we can’t jet off to Europe every year – le sigh – we can say yes to building a marriage that lasts. I want my children to see my love for their dad flourish. And, most importantly, by refocusing my center on God and walking away from gossip, steering clear of judgment and meeting people where they are, I can flourish spiritually. Today, I’m guest insta-storying over on the Blessed is She instagram feed sharing just what that spirituality looks like on a day-to-day basis here at Casa Whitaker.

Life isn’t roses and I don’t expect 2017 to simply hand me opportunities so I can be some narcissistic holy roller. Who wants to be friends with that girl? Hint: not me.

In my heart, I believe people are intrinsically good. Sometimes we have to look past our faults to see past theirs. I pray for many things, but this year, I’m praying for my own ability to flourish through all the joys and challenges, awesomeness and disappointments. Life’s too short to live it any other way.

2017, here we come!

8 Comments

  1. Lynn A. on January 5, 2017 at 7:53 am

    What an awesome word choice. Thank you for sharing.

    • Maureen davis on January 8, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      I like your word of the year. I think I will adopt it as well. God bless all!

      Maureen

  2. Nicole on January 5, 2017 at 10:53 am

    I haven’t done the OLW in the past, but I have always thought about it. I love the concept. I think your word is a lovely choice and you so eloquently explained your reasons for choosing. Here’s you flourishing in the new year!

  3. Abby on January 5, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    I love your word choice! I am aways a little late to the party-but I hope to have my word by the end of the week!

  4. Ramona Greenspan on January 6, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    Great word. It was in my final 3. I chose nurture. I want to nurture my relationships with family, friends my faith …

  5. Pamela on January 12, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Mine is CREATE:
    Create a home that is a haven for my family
    Create Lasting memories
    Create More meaningful, deeper relationships with family & friends
    Create a more inspired & authentic relationship with God
    Create a healthier lifestyle
    Create a legacy for my children
    Create JOY whenever, wherever, however I can

    • Kathryn on January 12, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      I love that!!

  6. Wendy on January 14, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    I LOVE this word!! Perfect! Can’t wait to see how you flourish this year, my friend!

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