New Years Resolutions – Focus Words for Moms

Using Focus Words for New Years Resolutions

I’ve never been much of a New Years Resolution kind of person.  On the off year that I actually chose one, it usually had to do with weight loss and didn’t last long anyway.  Super specific resolutions and strict goals just came with stress and guilt.  So last year I decided to just pick a focus word to guide me throughout my year instead.  Toward the end of 2013, after nearly 8 years identifying as an Agnostic (one who neither believes nor disbelieves in God), I found myself being drawn more and more toward my childhood Christianity and a belief in God.  I decided that I would stop fighting those thoughts and feelings; I would SURRENDER to them and explore Christianity again with an open mind and heart.  So with the focus word “SURRENDER” in mind throughout 2014, I attended churches, surrounded myself with believers, read books and Bible verses…  and was baptized a Christian – a follower of Jesus Christ – in August of 2014.  My focus word has undoubtedly helped me to become a more loving, patient, and kind person and mother.  Needless to say, I am a “Focus Word” believer now.  But focus words don’t have to be spiritual in nature.  Let’s hear from some blogging mama friends about their journey’s with focus words as New Years resolutions…

Alright Mamas, Tell Us About Your New Years Resolutions “Focus Words.”

• Live in the Moment – “Mine for this next year is going to be ‘Live in the Moment.’ I have spent too much of my life over the last few years dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. I want this next year to be about living in the present and in the moment in all aspects of my life.”  Brittany of Love Play Learn

• Perspective – “Mine is ‘Perspective.’ I have a tendency to get stressed and overwhelmed by little things, like the never ending laundry pile or my mounting to-do list. I need to remember to keep these things in perspective and not let them take away from enjoying my family and appreciating all the blessings that we have.”  Laura of Sunny Day Family

• Peace – “My word of the year for 2014 was ‘peace.’ It helped me focus on what really mattered, and helped me take the time to make memories. I sent monthly goals all year round to help maintain this focus.”  MaryAnne of Mama Smiles

• Nurture – “My word of the year for 2014 was ‘Nurture.'” Learn how Jen of Mum in the Madhouse nurtured herself in 2014.  

• Compassion – “I typically choose a guiding word. My word for 2014 was Compassion, and I kicked off 2014 with a 14 Days of Compassion challenge created for myself and my family.”  Jennifer of The Good Long Road

• Happy – “Mine for 2014 was happy. It’s going to be ‘happy’ again this year because I couldn’t stick to the resolution after my dad passed away in the summer. But this year I’m determined to be happy and try and see the silver lining whenever I can.”  Charlotte of Raising Wild Ones

• Submit – “Mine for 2014 was ‘submit.’ I hated the word choice, but it came to me and I couldn’t shake it as a focus for the year. It is so easy to say ‘I deserve to have my way’ — and tough to be graceful and put others first. I wanted to focus on cultivating empathy and compassion, caring for the needs and wants of others rather than focusing on my perception of what is ‘best’.”  Betsy of Betsy’s Photography

• Listen – “For 2015, I think mine with be ‘listen.’ Listening to the needs of my family, forcing myself to be an active listener rather than multi-tasking while feigning interest (let’s face it, don’t most of us do this to some extent? It’s almost worse than ignoring someone!)”  Betsy of Betsy’s Photography

• Choose – “Choose. Day to day life is full of so many choices and I like the reminder to be conscious about those choices. Taped on my computer is the phrase ‘I choose happy.'”  Erin of Bambini Travel

• Balance – “My word is BALANCE. I am trying hard to balance my full time job, my blogging hobby and spending time with family. It means setting limits and saying ‘no’ to things. It also means discipline that I still lack occasionally.”  Natalie of Planet Smarty Pants 

• Faith Through the Journey – “Life is a never ending series of ups and downs, but when we choose FAITH to guide us on our journey (wherever that may be), the journey has purpose that transcends the day-to-day.”  Darla of The Preschool Toolbox Blog

• Fearless – “Last years: FEARLESS – No matter what comes at you remember yesterday is already over and you only have one today, learn from yesterday but don’t let it or other define you or your journey.”  Alida of The Realistic Mama

• Conquer the Moment – “This year: CONQUER THE MOMENT – You only live once AND your kids only live once. Slow down, enjoy the moments, be a fun mom, and create lasting memories together!”  Alida of The Realistic Mama

• Own Less – “For 2014 my phrase was ‘Own Less.’ We moved and added another child to our family so it was a great opportunity to re-evaluate how many ‘things’ we needed. It has worked as I feel our home is a happier place with less stuff and clutter.”  Jamie of Hand Made Kids Art

My 2015 New Years Resolution – In One Word

My focus word for 2014 is also spiritual in nature; it came to me while sitting in church just a couple days ago.  Last year I SURRENDERED to my heart pulling me toward Jesus Christ.  And now that I’ve found him, I will SERVE him throughout 2014.  My focus will be on how my actions and words can be of SERVICE to others and to God.  I think having that word in my heart and mind will help me to be more compassionate, caring, and positive toward others.

So do tell…  Have you ever used simple words or phrases instead of detailed New Years resolutions?  If so, share in the comments below!

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