This One Little Word thing (read about it here, here, and here) has been on my mind in this first week of the year. 2012 seems full of promise around the Twig House. No big life happenings are planned (baby, moving, higher education, etc.), so the time seems ripe to start developing some of the things we’ve had rattling around in our brains.
You see, most of my ideas have to be tabled for a time (or indefinitely) because I have about as many ideas as I have hours in the day. Sometimes, I kick myself later because I didn’t choose the right idea to pursue–but I always make my best and wisest decision at the time. I like being intentional and not spending my energy all willy-nilly. Husband is thankful for this fact. If I started all of my ideas–we would be in a big mess and I would likely be hospitalized.
So, back to my One Little Word. In 2010, I picked “feel”. I was having a hard time emotionally connecting with my new-ish life as a mom of 2 boys. I wanted to soak up all that life had to offer. My word feel was a good reminder to drink in the marrow of life–the stuff that nourishes and the stuff that brings you alive. But, moving into 2011 I was exhausted from creating a new home, a new tiny person, new friendships, and seeking a new church family. I didn’t pick a word–and that was okay by me.
I’m not all touchy-feely with how I pick a word. I don’t pray about it. I don’t think on it for ages. It seems that a word just pops in my head and I can’t shake it. Then, I kind of work and bend that word to my will–making it fit my intentions for the year.
In 2012, I want to invest.
I want to invest in Tiny Twig, growing it in all the ways I can dream up.
I want to invest in women, fulfilling a top goal of Tiny Twig–which is provide women with a side-income to augment their dreams for life.
I want to invest in my boys and Husband. Filling them up with as much love as they will tolerate (I DO have a family full of snugglers).
I want to continue to invest in my extended family. Encouraging and challenging…hoping to be encouraged and challenged in return.
I want to invest in friendships, both near and far, new and old.
I want to invest in my physical community, creating a place where families can gather.
To be honest, when I told Husband that my OLW for 2012 was invest, he got all hot and bothered. I could practically see his brain running far away from me into his cave. He often sees my ideas as risky (his tolerance for it is less than mine) and expensive (as Tiny Twig moves from a hobby to a part-time career this is especially true). I assured him that my word has less to do with money (although it might require some) than with time and intention.
I hate moving through life being blown by the wind. I like to have a plan, bear down, and sow what I hope to reap. So, I’ll invest in 2012 hoping to reap sometime down the road.
Do you have one little word for 2012? Would you share it below? Maybe you have your own post to link to…leave that in the comments, I’d love to come read yours!