One Word

I'm seeing it pop up everywhere but I first heard this idea from my wonderful sister. Pick one word, just one, to reflect on for the year. I've been contemplating what my word would be since the first of the year and I think I've finally found one. Before I reveal it, a little explanation of my thought process. 2012 is certainly going to be different than 2011. I didn't have a word for 2011 but probably needed one. When I think back to 2011 the words that come mind - chaos, stress, anxiety, unsettled. Certainly not positive words and certainly not ones I would have hung around my neck and reflected on every day. Perhaps my word for 2011 should have been faith or trust. Because those were what I needed to get through and were two powerful words that brought me to 2012. 2011 was a year of change - I graduated, we decided where we wanted to live and raise our family, I got a new job, we bought a new house. In early 2011 I struggled as a mom and student. During the summer I stressed myself out as we had no idea where we'd go, where we'd be, where I'd work. Things calmed down and by the end of 2011, things were clear and those pesky words and feelings began to dissipate. And so when it came to find a word for 2012 I had a lot to choose from - settled, peace, content, family. I've thrown many around in the last few weeks until I settled on one. One that seems to reflect how far we come and will help me celebrate what is still to be. And that word is ...

Grateful for mine, my husband, and my daughter's health.

Grateful that we don't want for anything.

Grateful that we have more than we need and are finding ways to share our excess with others.

Grateful that even when you don't see him or ask for him, God is there.

Grateful that the words I was able to reflect on are positive this year.

And the list could go on and on ... and so this year I give thanks and strive to wake up each day with a grateful heart.

What's your word of the year?