No Resolutions. Just One Word!

Over the last year, I've read numerous "OneWord365" posts and tweets and thought, "Huh...that's pretty cool. Good for them!"

But, not for me. I don't have time. Too much going on with life.

As 2013 kicked off, posts and tweets and blogs were shared, once again, with everyone's "OneWord." And, their words for this upcoming year are really great! These folks are not making resolutions, because, as most know, resolutions are destined to be broken. This is different. This is simple. Just one word for the year - a theme and focus to live by. I can do that!

So, one word. One word for me? What is my one focus for the next year? What would it possibly be?

Balance? That's sounds nice. It sounds positive and, seriously, what mother doesn't need a bit of balance in her life? I know I do. Some days I feel like I am "on my game" and other days I am looking at the clock, pleading with Jesus and all the angels to bump the clock up to 7:00 p.m. to when my sweet three are tucked into their beds. 

But, "balance" didn't stick. 

Laugh?? Yeah...that's it! Laughing is great. And, such a good reminder that "life's not that bad." And, I LOVE to laugh. Especially with my dearest ones because that's when the laughs come easy. Those are the best laughs of all.

But, "laugh" got old.

For me, even during the hard times, laughing isn't too hard. In fact during my most tearful moments, I can usually manage to find something hilarious to laugh about.

And then, while sitting in the parking lot by myself after a doctor's appointment, it came to me - my word for the year 2013.

Overcome.
1. To defeat (another) in competition or conflict; conquer. 
2. To prevail over; surmount
3. To overpower, as with emotion; affect deeply.

It has always been my word. Since the beginning. And, it's not just for me, but for my daughter, too. But, isn't it funny how you can hear a word over and over again and then suddenly it means something totally different to you? Maybe because of a situation you are in or something you've experienced? That's how "overcome" was for me the other day. It took on a bigger meaning than normal. Bigger than just this blog.

Because, for me, "overcome" means overcoming some ugly stuff:

• fear
• anxiety
• stress
• self-doubt
• worry
• despair
• sacrificing my own needs/desires to please others
• insomnia
• health issues

These are normal struggles that many people deal with. I deal with them. But, put these "uglies" in a bag all together and carry them around with you every single day? Sometimes without even realizing it? It makes life awful. It makes life for those around you awful. It makes life for those you love the most awful.

For my daughter, "overcome" means overcoming:

• juvenile arthritis
• taking daily meds
• weekly injections
• side effects experience because of MTX injections (mouth sores and hair thinning/loss)
• physical and emotional pain
• fear

We are heading into our third month with this new treatment. While there are still things to "overcome," things are starting to even out for Mia. But, my prayer for her is that she doesn't remain here. I believe that one day she will OVERCOME this disease. (Through Your Word, You have imparted life to MIA. That life restores her body with every breath she breathes. - John 6:63)

This is OUR "OneWord365" for 2013. And, I couldn't have picked a better one. 

Thank you, Alece, for starting a wonderful and life-changing movement - "OneWord365." I am honored to be apart of it!