After much thought and prayer, I have finally decided on a word AND phrase of the year for 2019! I am excited to finally reveal them to you today.
Ever since I started incorporating a word of the year into my lifestyle, I have found that it’s always set the perfect tone to start off my new year. Two years ago, my word was “bold” and last year, my word was “rise”. Both were extremely empowering to me and both really kept me accountable in both my blogging career and personal life. I love choosing strong words and I’m not stopping that practice this year.
To be honest, I wrestled the past week or so, trying to figure out what my word of the year should be. It’s important to me to be intentional in every aspect of my life and this was a decision that had to be well thought-out and prayed about. On New Year’s Day, my word of the year finally came to me and I felt such peace when I realized it.
So, what’s my word of the year for 2019?
My word of the year is “WILL”.
The word “will” means many different things for me and that’s why I knew it was the one for me.
- Declaration
- Willingness
- Promise
Breaking it down –
Over the past year, self-affirmation and declaration have really helped me grow as a person. There is so much power in our thoughts and words which is why it’s important to fill yourself up with positivity. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I need to tell myself that I can do something and that I will do it. This comes into play in my personal life and as a blogger. I can often doubt myself and my abilities but this year, I’m choosing to ignore those doubts.
- I WILL travel more.
- I WILL stay consistent in fitness journey.
- I WILL (at least) double my income.
- I WILL create successful content.
- I WILL love myself more.
- I WILL believe in myself.
- I WILL get into video content.
- I WILL let go of toxic people.
- I WILL always find the bright side.
- I WILL step outside of my comfort zone.
This year, I’m all about naming and claiming it. I will work hard and take care of myself and my family. I will further my blogging career. I’m naming and claiming it.
Willingness is another key factor to my word of the year. I’ll be real here and let you know that as many positive and productive days that I have, I also have just as many not-so-productive days. I am human. But, I really want to challenge myself to push myself more on the days when I don’t feel up to anything.
[bctt tweet=”When it comes to what you want in life, willingness is one of the key ingredients.” username=”SummerTelban”]
When it comes to blogging, I will work my butt of whether I’m motivated or not. I’m willing to put in the long hours and the tears. I’m willing to ask for more, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m willing to turn down opportunities that don’t align with my vision. I’m willing to get myself out of bed to work hard all day, even when I’m feeling down. I’m willing to make myself uncomfortable because I love what I do and I will work well and be successful.
I will pour into my marriage and do my part to keep us centered on the Lord. I will do my share of the housework. I will put extra effort into learning my husband’s love languages and exercising them. I will pray for my husband daily. I will cheer him on during his good days and the bad. I will always back him up. I will love him with all that I am. I will do my best to be the most amazing wife in every way.
My mental health is something I’m always battling myself over. I will take time to understand my feelings and try to figure out why I’m feeling them. I will give myself time to rest and retreat when I need it. I will gently push myself out of my comfort zone, even on days when my anxiety is trying. I will learn to love my body. I will not let my thoughts tear me down. I will choose to fight for my mental health.
Promise… While the declarations I’m making this year are all things I believe I can achieve, they’re really more of a promise that I’m making. Even if I don’t necessarily achieve some of them this year, I’m still promising to work towards them, and that can be enough for me.
MY PHRASE OF THE YEAR
When I was taking my time figuring out what my word of the year would be, I kept having a phrase that would pop up in my mind. Truth be told, this phrase is something I thought about often throughout December, too. I’m getting very transparent with you here.
“Prayer over panic”
I grew up in a Christian home and from a young age, I quickly took on my faith as my own. I always wanted to learn more about God and I was always quick to pray in every season, the good and the bad. Over the past couple of years, I have grown a bit bitter and cold. Unhealthy church environments and poor leadership really brought out my critical side. I am very passionate about my faith and the truth and that passion of mine also carries over to the church and its leaders. When I see something that’s not one of God’s desires for His church happening in the church, I get righteously angry and extremely stressed out, and in turn, those things can turn into panic. In addition to my personal burdened experiences in church environments, I also have the habit of taking on the burdens that don’t directly affect me.
Let me be clear – my faith in God has never wavered. But I was a bit frustrated with Him throughout these times, wondering why He hasn’t set his church leaders straight. During these times, I fell away from true prayer. Sure, I’d pray each day but it wasn’t deep or yearning. That’s no one’s fault but my own but a lot led me to that place.
Being completely transparent, these years really flared up my anxiety like never before. The stress in my church experiences also bled into my personal life. Instead of turning to God in prayer, I would turn to panic in everything.
But that’s not who I really am. That’s not who I want to be. So, this year I’m choosing to completely embody “prayer over panic”.
Here’s to healing and joy.
[bctt tweet=”Choose prayer over panic.” username=”SummerTelban”]
SHOP MY LOOK
These faux leather leggings have been on repeat like crazy ever since I got them. They’re comfortable, classy, and sassy! I got the Petite XS size and they fit pretty great, though, they are a tiny bit long on me… 4’11” problems. 😉 They can be dressed down in an athleisure look or dressed up. This tunic top is super soft and is currently on sale for $14.99! It comes in 6 different colors including a cute camo pattern. It runs large – I’m wearing an XXS.
