I sit here with my coffee in hand on New Years Day & have a feeling of being overwhelmed and lazy all at the same time. I’m overwhelmed by all the possibilities the new year holds, all the things I want to accomplish, & everything that I want to get started in this new year. It’s all so overwhelming. So overwhelming that I just sit here because I don’t know where to get started. Actually this is really how I feel everyday. A glimpse into Liz’s mind: I have so many ideas, so many things I want to do, oh look… a squirrel, I wonder what everyone is doing on Instagram, I really want to start some new things today, oh I wonder if I should start this first, oh crap it’s bed time. Nothing got done. Having a creative mind & struggling with anxiety & depression can be debilitating & can really drain the motivation, drive, & luster right out of me. That’s why for 2018 my word of the year is something that I want to wake up with each morning & keep throughout my day every single day….
pur·poseˈpərpəs/nounthe reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.“the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee”
Purpose. I feel like I know my purpose here on earth & I’m so happy & content with what I do & who I am. I love being the creative person that I am, I love being a shop owner, a blogger, a wife, a friend, & so much more. I’m not talking about that kind of purpose. I’m talking about the daily purpose. My daily tasks, things I need to accomplish, things like that. I want to strive to wake up everyday with purpose no matter what is going on in our lives at the moment. I want to live life with purpose in every moment. I want to work with a purpose. I want to waist less time like I have a purpose. I want to be more intentional like I have a purpose. I want to have a clear vision for my work & the day like I have a purpose. You guys know that we are in the middle of this fertility journey & somedays it’s hard to get out of bed feeling defeated from that & thinking about all the loss & our babies that are in heaven. It can all be so heavy & completely drain the purpose right out of me. I want to work on ending that. Ending those purpose draining thoughts & feelings. I want to strive to wake up with a purpose every single morning even if it’s the littlest thing like cleaning a toilet[joking]. I want to feel needed, accomplished, & proud that I fulfilled that purpose for that day. & even on days where it’s not focused on my work & whether it’s to simply be a light in the world, to be a friend, to be a good listener, to donate time, to offer time to help someone, to do any selfless act. I want to look at that with different eyes this year… not like I waisted time or that I now have to play catch up. I want to look at that as my purpose for that day & that is where God wanted me. I want to try harder to plan my purpose for the days and weeks ahead, I want to be more intentional with that days purpose. I tend to be the person that never plans anything in advance. I kind of fly by the seat of my pants & I think that is one of my problems with struggling for my purpose. You see, when you work from home & own a shop like I do… things can get blurry when you don’t have a deadline & you work for yourself. Very blurry. When you wake up without a purpose for that day a lot of time can be waisted & a lot of regret can come out of that for me. So with a clear schedule, more intention, & less time waisted I think that’s where I will find more purpose for my daily life & I think that is where I will find more joy for waking up each day.
Sleep schedules, calendars, lists, planning, & purpose… they all go together & in 2018 I want to combine all of that to live my life with more purpose. Waist less time getting my work done so there can be more time for family & friends, self love, & even more purpose in my life. I hope this post makes sense & hopefully inspires you in some small way if you are struggling with purposeful living. 2018 is my year for focusing, slowing down, living with intention, & truly growing in purpose daily. Thank you guys for being a HUGE part of 2017 with me & for making this blog a huge part of my purpose. I honestly don’t know what I would do without my blog. It brings me so much joy & gives me so much purpose in this life of mine… so thank you for making that possibly by visiting daily, cheering us on, & for sharing in my passions with me. THANK YOU!!! What is your word of the year? Let me know in the comments below, find me on Facebook, & chat with me on Instagram. xx
This is very similar to my word of the year! I chose the word ‘productive’ but the sentiment is the same. I tend to have poor time management, and I wake up without a solid plan pretty much every day, but with lots to do. So I want to be more productive in all areas of my life and really focus on meeting my goals for my personal life and business this year. Here’s to a successful 2018 for the both of us! 🙂
I read your post last year on picking a word of the heat and loved it! I’d completely forgot I’d even picked a word of the year until yesterday, but as I reflected back on 2017, I realized that I actually lived up to my word of the year pretty well. So for 2018 I chose two words (mostly because I just couldn’t pick between them) I chose Action & Confidence. I totally get what your saying about being so overwhelmed to end up not getting anything done. I’m the same way, hence my word Action! 2018 here we come!
Last year I chose the word simplify. I needed a slow down and a re-centering. This year my word is gratitude. To see the blessing in the mundane. To see the blessing in the challenge, in the struggle, in the everyday. To find the positive and appreciate it fully, to really be grateful for the Lord’s hand in my life and to recognize it daily. May 2018 be the blessing we all look to in hope! Thanks Liz!
This morning I chose the word “doer” after reading James 1:19-27. My reasons and rational were very similar to yours but in addition to having a daily purpose and actually doing stuff, I want to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself and take steps when I feel God is leading me.
Wasted time,
not waisted time.
🙂
My word of this year is grateful. I put a quote on my chalkboard before Thanksgiving and haven’t been able to erase it even when so many more seasonal quotes tugged to be written on there. “It is not happy people who are grateful, It’s grateful people who are happy.” It really did work for the Christmas season and yesterday I posted about how grateful I am that my brother rocks the wood fired hot tub at the lake that we were all able to enjoy and ring in the new year in. We sat in there with our coffee yesterday and just chatted for several hours about life, family, our kids. My oldest is going to college this year and I want to wake up each day in 2018 feeling grateful for my warm cup of coffee, the laughter of my children, my cozy house, sunsets, and all the little things that make this life so wonderful! Last year’s word was healthy and I am so grateful moving into the new year with newfound gut health that has really made me feel so much better all around.
I love reading your blog. I have to share something a friend gave me at time i needed it.
The
LORD
WILL FIGHT
FOR YOU;
You need
ONLY to
BE STILL
I have this on my large saying on my nightstand. And I read it all the time as a reminder. It has truely helped me tremendously ?
Oh my goodness I feel like you’re talking to me. I am a photographer, have a booth at an antique store and I have a small online store and I take classes part time online. I also have 3 teenagers. My oldest graduated from Marine boot camp in November. He was injured during the crucible and will have to have shoulder surgery. Everything going on can be so overwhelming I’m paralyzed. Then I feel bad at the end of the day when I accomplished nothing. Ugh. I did buy a planner. Ha Baby steps. Thank you for this post. You wrote just about everything I’ve been feeling!
Shelley,
I was reading Liz’s blog and the comments made and just want to say a big thank you to your son for serving. My daughter is also a Marine. It was scary for me when my daughter went in to Boot Camp. I prayed daily. God can and will make a way when there just doesn’t seem to be a visible one. I pray for your son to heal and for his safety and protection. I pray for peace for you. My daughter has been serving for 8 years now. I’m so very proud of her as I know you are of your son.
Sandi
Liz,
I struggle with motivation and being tired most days. It has been a struggle. I work in my school district for 5 campuses.
My passion is to create beautiful spaces. I have wanted to own a store such as yours. That is such a blessing that you have. So my words for this year are to persevere, focus on the goals and stay motivated. I love the Scripture verse, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
I am the EXACT same way! I’ve had a fear lately of just wandering through life without intention and looking back in 20 years wondering what the heck happened?? Have you heard of PowerSheets? I discovered them in November and they have really helped me uncover what truly matters to me. I’d highly recommend for those of us with “SQUIRREL” syndrome :)!
https://shop.cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/powersheets
I can relate to how you feel. My husband and i are on our own fertility journey but have a different issue. After one round of IVF that didn’t work( which i was prepared for), they told us they give us a 15% chance of ever conceiving a child that is biologically ours. I was not prepared for this and went into a period of grieving that i was physically here but not here. I escaped for a few months into books and tv. I am doing better now than i was, but still dealing with the grief which i see a cousellor about now. I feel alot of the same things though, anxiety/depression and emptiness. Which lead to weight gain and not feeling good about myself. The good news is we are on a list for a donor embryo and the light at the end of our tunnel is we will get the opportunity to be parents. Also that our relationship is stronger and we are even closer. I hold on to that light through all of this and other tho gs that made last year horrible, in hopes 2018 will be an amazing year. I hope it is an amazing year for you as well. Thank you for sharing with us.
Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for putting those those thoughts on the blog so others of us don’t feel so alone. Love your insightfulness and that you’re willing to share. Here’s to a fresh start in 2018!!
My word for 2018 is HOPE. Due to a heart breaking situation with my young adult son, my issue with depression threatened to come spiraling back and completely out of control. He is an only child and we have always been so very close. He’s always had a heart for the Lord but has now decided to no longer seek God or His Will for his life. I have had a difficult time trying to process all of this unexpected behavior, but have now come to a place of peace, knowing that I can trust God to take care of him. Everything around me lately….from songs on the radio to scripture in my devotions has kept pointing me to the word HOPE. And that is what I am clinging to and seeking God for this year….trusting that my prodigal son will return home.
Praying for you too, sweet Liz that God would bless you immensely in this new year. You are such an inspiration to so many and I enjoy following along with your journey on your blog and on Instagram.
Liz,
That is a wonderful word for 2018. Purpose is so important in our everyday life. I know 2018 is going to be a great year. With PURPOSE!!
Liz, your blog and posts are so inspirational. Your home looks so inviting, warm, and cozy. Thanks for sharing yourself and letting us into your home. I pray for you, your struggles, and your desires. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year! Looking forward to each and everyday with you!
As an English major, of course I caught that too. But let’s not miss the point when someone is sharing the hidden parts of their very being by feeling a need to call them out on a misspelled word. My word for 2018….Grace
I have 2 words…
“Satisfied” and “simplify”
My goal is to simplify every area of my life possible and to feel satisfied at the end of each day.
My word is SIMPLICITY 🙂
I love this post! I can completely relate to the concept of purpose you’re talking about. I recently finished my Ph.D. in Communication — you’d think I would know my purpose after completing this…and I almost couldn’t feel more lost/confused about what I want to do with my life. I really appreciate this post because I too need to find my purpose and stop wasting small amounts of time per day that actually add up to a lot in the long run. One of my goals for 2018 is to start my own blog – maybe that will help me find my purpose!
…Also, I live in Fort Collins, CO and hope to meet you in person at the OHV market later this month! <3 Emily
My word for 2018 is FOCUS !!!
You may be interested in a an online Time Management class from Sarah SHE HOLDS DEARLY blog.
I did the decluttering workshop she hosted over a year ago and it was so helpful. But she is a master at time management and living intentionally. A lovely home decorator, a homeschooling mother, a DIYer extraordinaire, you will learn much from her and enjoy her perspectives so much.
Karen did not correct Liz’s spelling to be hurtful. As an English major you would realize more than most how poor communication skills hinder, rather enhance, what you are trying to express. Blogging is a business, making income, and honing one’s writing skills becomes a part of all of it. Karen’s comment was simple and to the point. I saw no malice in it.
After reading this insightful and wonderful article, I feel a little crazy only because it’s as though you were in my head. Almost as though we’re the same. It feels good and yet nutty to feel…I don’t know? Connection of sorts? Don’t worry, not a creep (stalker) or is that what they all say? Anywho, I’ll share the word I chose for myself this year. CUP. A little odd maybe but today, with help from a friend, suddenly I knew what my “issue” was. My cup was empty. She said you can’t help others fill their cup without filling up yours first. And knowing this, gave me peace. I usually get my word put into a recycled key necklace from “the giving keys” who help support the homeless. (Not sponsored) But they encourage you to wear the necklace as a reminder until you no longer need it and then give it to someone who does. The giving key. I’m pretty sure this is my fav thing of all time so I just thought I’d share it with you! Thanks for all the feels Liz!
So inspiring, Liz! I have also been thinking along those lines for a while now and tend to have some of the same struggles with anxiety. Thanks for the motivation to get this year started off with “purpose”. My hope is to eventually be able to naturally live each day with purpose without falling back into the same ol’ lack of motivation.
Everything about you is so inspiring. I came across your blog from a pin on pinterest…I’m planning to build a home and enjoy reading your reviews on items and getting ideas for different projects. I hope you find purpose with every new day <3
This post summed up how I’ve been feeling without being able to put words to it. I feel a little aimless in my day to day. Thank you for the post! It’s motivating me for a new year!
Hi Liz,
I really enjoy your blog and how you share not only your lovely home and creative energy but your hardships as well. I wanted to let you know that from the first time I read your infertility story I’ve been praying for you to have a baby. I am currently doing the Whole30, which is a reset for your digestive system, and your whole body basically. I know you are seeking natural methods to improve your PCOS so I just wanted to post what I found on the Whole30 forum for those who have PCOS and have done the 30 day reset. Hope it’s helpful and may you wake up with purpose. You were created on purpose for a purpose.
P
PCOS
See Jennifer’s story here: https://whole9life.com/2011/02/whole30-contest-winner/
“The Whole30 helped with all my PCOS symptoms. Because of my PCOS, I had such a hard time losing weight and keeping it off. Since January, I have lost over 45 lbs. By the end of March, my HDL was up from 61 to 86, and tryglicerides were down from 142 to 87. My insulin level went from 40 to 7! The Whole 30 also helped my acne. I only get one or two little breakouts a month, compared to four or five big cysts on my chin before the Whole30.” Bo K., San Francisco, CA
“I have PCOS, and the fertility issues associated with that condition. I have also been trying for years to lose weight, since my doctors have told me that’s the best way to improve my chances of getting pregnant. But as many women with PCOS are painfully aware, losing weight with all those hormonal imbalances feels impossible at times. Through exercise, I was able to lose ten pounds over the course of seven months, which felt like a miracle to me. But during the one month of my Whole30, I dropped another TEN pounds…and I feel better than ever! I feel like this is a huge step in the right direction.” Kit S., Japan
“I was diagnosed with PCOS about two years ago, and thought it was a permanent issue I’d always have to deal with. I was fed up with my skin and hormonal issues, migraines, and discontent with my body composition. I had most of the physical manifestations of the syndrome: facial hair, acne, and tons of cysts on both ovaries. During my first Whole30 in August, all my acne disappeared and since then, I’ve had maybe 5 or 6 pimples total. My biggest issue was facial hair, and its growth has significantly and drastically decreased. What really brought home how amazing the Whole30 system is for me was when I saw my gynecologist a few weeks ago. My previously cyst-ridden ovaries had NO cysts whatsoever. When I was diagnosed, I was told I had so many cysts all over both ovaries, that no normal ovarian surface could be discerned. Now, they’re all gone. As are my migraines. And 6% BF. I love this way of eating and just wanted to say thanks! First time in a long time I’ve felt so strong and healthy!” – Janelle D., via Facebook
“I have lost the puff in my face, I’m down 14 pounds (after losing and gaining the same 2 pounds since October), my blood sugar is near normal, I haven’t taken one Claritin at all this spring. Energy levels have been great and I don’t need my midday nap every day… and my GI tract is happy. My friends tell me I glow. People in my exercise class are asking about this paleo thing I’m doing. My daughter tells me I seem happier than ever. My husband is impressed with the whole concept of W30 and what he sees happening in me. I had a followup with Dr. H today and we talked about the future. He asked me to stay as close to W30 as I could. I thanked him for being right about what needed to happen and he reminded me that this was a great way of eating, perfect for someone with PCOS and type 2 diabetes. He also said I didn’t need to take a couple of the meds I’m on as they run out.” -Donna A., Williamsburg, VA
Hi Liz
I came across your blog and thank god I did reading your struggle with PCOS is so inspiring. I to have PCOS. I recently got diagnose after giving birth to my baby that is with our Lord, he is the 5 baby we have lost during our 5-year marriage, but he was by far the most wonderful blessing we received, we were a strong baby boy that maid see things differently, the resin why I say this is because my past pregnancies had not lasted long they where no more the 12 weeks or less, but never the less they where all so wonderful in their own way. But back to what I mean he was different is due to the fact that he was strong to last 22 weeks in me, the day I gave birth to him (August 28, 2017) was such an emotional on but the best feeling was been able to hold him in my arms and truly see how amazing God is and how us woman ok and men can create life. As I write this I can’t help but tier up because this month should have been my due date and well this month has been far the hardest just thinking of what could have sleepless nights trying to find answers or what I can do different and I know I need to stop and just let life take its course and this blog has opened my eyes and your words have made me realise that I need to cherish what have in front of me. You have really helped me. Thank you.
Loz , i kow your journey to well. But God… I am a mom to 3 lil boys 6 year old born 2011 and identical twins boys 3. I had infertility issues, loss too many to want to count. But God … I could not use my eggs or husbands sperm. We were lead down the road by God to embryo adoption. What was that… I had never heard of. So God opened a door we walked in. We have 3 boys. amazing carried them to term. loved being pregnant. I am adopted. wanting to adopted was fullfilled by adopting frozen embryos. That is God.