In our previous blog, Say Who You Are Part 1, we looked at six reasons why one word is better than a lot of other words. You are welcome to look back at them for reference.
The words we choose for the new year and how we communicate with each other is so important. And so my challenge to you is to choose one word for 2023, if you haven’t yet.
Two of our grandkids take Taekwondo lessons, which is a form of karate and self-defense. My wife Donna and I have watched them graduate and receive their different belts. The instructors have hung banners around the room with certain words they use to train these young men and women in values – words like integrity, perseverance, self-esteem and self-control. They’re teaching these kids how to live in a way which builds strength and confidence into their lives. The instructors have learned that the words they choose to teach these kids have power.
So, my challenge for you is to pick one word for 2023. So now I want to share with you why it’s so important to have your word for the year.
You will face moments in this new year that require you to decide –
- What you’re going to say.
- How you’re going to use your money.
- How to deal with your health.
- What you’re going to eat.
- Where you’re going to go.
- How you’re going to interact with people.
- What friends you’re going to hang out with.
When those moments come, ask yourself some questions –
- Is what I’m about to do …
- Is what I’m about to think … or
- Will what I’m about to take part in … help me move toward my one word for 2023?
You have to fill in the blank with the word. Your one word will probably be different than my one word.
I keep a journal, and I write all sorts of things in it. About this time last year – at the beginning of 2022, I wrote … If I look back one year from now, what one word will encompass or be the hub to the spokes of what my life is about in 2022?
Several words came to mind, and I wrote:
- Simplify
- Focus
- Legacy
- Rest
- Trust
- Balance
Each of these words represented something important to me in 2022. But the one word I picked that touched everything I consider important and needed for me in 2022 was health. And it’s going to be my word again for this year, because I didn’t accomplish all I wanted to in my health last year.
Health is not only for the body, but health in my mind, my marriage, my spirit and my relationships. Health encompasses all those words I listed above. If I want to have a healthy year, then I must do things like simplify, focus and think about legacy and balance.
And then I wrote: When making decisions in 2022, ask the question, Will this make what’s important to me healthier this year?
Your word should be something to bring glory to God and benefit to you and to others.
The power of words is so significant. I pray the word you choose for 2023 is transformational this year in you!
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