Focus words. What are they? Why do we choose them?
The name itself explains it. Focus. In the midst of the chaos of life, I choose to focus. I choose to embrace my shortfalls and work on them each day.
I have been really thinking about what I wanted my focus word to be for 2014. It’s so hard to just choose ONE.
health (mental and physical)
balance
family
philanthropy
encouraging/kind
All of these words seemed like good options for me. And they are certainly all aspects I will be focusing on this year. But the one thing that resonates through all of them, and through the way I want to look at each day is just simply: new.
Each day offers us a new and fresh opportunity to do better, to try again, to reset the slate, if we need it. And realizing this makes it a lot easier to be more forgiving of ourselves and more willing to get back on track.
In 2014 I have decided to pursue the following:
a new commitment to health, balance, focus, family, philanthropy…kindness and encouragement.
(Luckily, I can turn to Chris Carter’s beautiful blog, The Mom Cafe, any time I need encouragement, Another Jennifer for philanthropy, and The Fierce Diva Guide to Life for balance!)
I have an understanding that if I have a setback, it is okay. It is never too late to start over and keep trying to achieve those goals.
Each day, I can strive to be a better mother, wife, friend, neighbor, philanthropist, writer…
If I yell at my kids today, I can try harder tomorrow.
Speaking of new… you might notice some changes around the blog. Check it out, let me know what you think about my new site reorganization!
Have you chosen a word for 2014?
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Andrea Haddock says
January 21, 2014 at 8:09 amHis mercies are NEW every morning. 🙂
katbiggie says
January 21, 2014 at 8:24 amYep.
Janine Huldie says
January 21, 2014 at 8:12 amLoving the new site look here today and also that you chose the word new. I totally had to go with balance, because I seriously had very little to none last year, but so true about each day being new and fresh now. And definitely can’t wait to hear about your year as it unfolds here 🙂
katbiggie says
January 21, 2014 at 8:24 amYes, balance is a big, big struggle for me too!
another jennifer says
January 21, 2014 at 8:21 amI like this word for you, Alexa. I think it’ll be a big year full of new adventures. I haven’t picked a word for 2014. I’ve thought about it a little bit, but I can’t pick just one word for the whole year!
katbiggie says
January 21, 2014 at 8:23 amYes, it is difficult to pick just one word. But no one says you have to either! 🙂
Kerry says
January 21, 2014 at 12:26 pmGreat word. I struggled picking one as well, but ultimately I landed with “kindness.” I’m hoping at the end of each day, I can reflect on my actions and think back to moments when I was kind. I also want to watch my delivery – and think about what I say before I speak. I can get a little snarky sometimes, which is OK with some people, but with others I am not going to move the needle with sarcasm. 🙂
katbiggie says
January 21, 2014 at 12:58 pmI have a problem being snarky too… and kindness is a GREAT word for the year!
The Dose of Reality says
January 21, 2014 at 1:23 pmLove, love, LOVE “new” and I adore Chris, Jennifer, and Ilene. Reading their blogs just fills me with happiness and peace. I haven’t picked my word yet (I’m late this year) but I love the way you’ve described “new” to you. It really resonates with me. Maybe I will be “new” too! I’ll have to think on it! –Lisa
Allie says
January 21, 2014 at 2:22 pmWho won’t benefit form that train of thought? I love it. NEW! After a particularly bad tantrum the kids have, we always say we’re going to “start over” and it helps them to regroup and move forward with a better attitude. I never thought of doing this for myself.
My 2014 word is BULL. It’s kind of hard to explain but it works for me 🙂
Tamara says
January 21, 2014 at 2:53 pmI have a few words floating around my mind, but none have stuck. I think “consistency” is a strong one for me. And I love the new design. The picture on the top right is tear-inducing!
Chris Carter says
January 21, 2014 at 4:25 pmLOVE LOVE LOVE~~ EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS POST!!! First of all- your word? BRILLIANT!!! I absolutely love it! It holds all the hope you need for each and every piece of your life- and may I say that I immediately saw the butterflies on your precious image and it caught my breath. I know you and butterflies… and I too, have a connection with them from a loss long ago. Your precious angel is a part of every “new” you embrace…
You are so so DEAR to mention me- I was SO pleasantly surprised by your sweet words that they literally made me jump for joy!! Oh, that is my purpose!!! Thank you thank you thank you- for giving me that beautiful confirmation!!
Your blog looks GORGEOUS!!! I love everything I see on your sidebar- WOW!!! I am thrilled with what you have done with it Alexa!!! Oh girl- you are SLAMMIN’ that NEW already!!! 😉
WriterMom Angela says
January 21, 2014 at 4:37 pmI always struggle to choose just one word for anything, I’m a word lover and the more the merrier! 🙂 This is a great choice for you, thanks for sharing it with us!
Ilene says
January 21, 2014 at 4:43 pmFirst of all, I LOVE the word NEW, How perfect. And yes, we can be new every day, every minute, every second. Always. And I am so touched that you mentioned me – and find balance in my words. Cheers to 2014 , my friend.
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
January 21, 2014 at 9:58 pmThat’s a great word for the year! I love the attitude is a chance to start anew ~
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
January 22, 2014 at 10:59 amI love your choice of the word “new.” Whenever I get down on myself for falling short of expectations, I tell myself to simply make the next right choice. If I yelled at my toddler, that might mean getting down on his level and speaking to him gently and quietly. If I pigged out on fried food, it might mean making my next meal one filled with fresh, whole foods. Focusing on the word “new” is a great way to remember that it’s never too late to make the next right choice.
Michelle says
January 25, 2014 at 12:22 amAwesome word Alexa!! I like it…if you need it, you can have a fresh start every single day!
All Talk Entertainment says
February 11, 2014 at 11:18 amI haven’t necessarily chosen a word but if I had to I would say “Health”. I’ve been doing my juicing and laying off of alcoholic beverages when going out which isn’t often and even having a beer at home. Thanks for this. Like you said each day is a day to start new..I LIKE THAT. You have a new subscriber now.
Alexis says
February 11, 2014 at 11:29 amI really love the idea of a fresh start every day. I know I tend to hold onto things that I should be letting go of (guilt, frustration, etc.) and would probably be a better mom and wife if I were able to approach each day with the attitude that it can be better than yesterday. Food for thought! Thank you for sharing!