Last year, well rested and relaxed after a long, lazy, vacation when I spent more time reading and "vegging" than going and doing, I wrote, "
I've.....begun this New Year with JOY in my heart." At that moment, it was a bit of a stretch to think that I would find JOY even when I was tired, frustrated, or exasperated! After all, there were the endless trials of care-giving for my not-always-cheerful, sometimes-despondent,and frequently-lonely, older-people. It was also a huge stretch to think I would find JOY in oatmeal, exercise, or reading stacks of reader responses! Yet, last January, I could never have imagined the JOY as well as the challenges of a second career that required evenings, weekends, and applying a life-time of accumulated skills!
I could never have dreamed of the potential for love and exercise in a rescued "puppy" who nibbles at pine needles and kale sticks!
I could never have imagined my year would culminate in "Bethlehem" in a wild and wonderful wedding weekend that formally enlarged my family!
While there were many, many, many stresses along the way, many frustrating moments, piles of prayers, buckets of tears, days of intense sadness, and some losses of friends and family so deep that the scars will last forever, somehow, the JOY I hoped for, really did find me in 2014! As I reflected, I wondered if JOY found me, in spite of the inevitable sad times of life, or if I sought JOY, in spite of the trials of life! No matter which way it happens, I do think this means that OLWs can be powerful!
So, what do I do for THIS YEAR? I think I know, but I am not willing to post it, just yet. This much I DO KNOW: You have to be really careful in picking a "OLW" because you just might find what you seek!
14 comments:
Ha - interesting advice. Be careful what you ask for. :) My OLW this year is connect - can't wait to see what it has in store for me!
OLW? and wait.....what? you got a dog?
Thank you for the advice about being careful when you pick an OLW. I am feeling good about this years. Last years OLW was decided without much thought and was forgotten and soon after I found it. I couldn't even remember what it was. This year I was more purposeful.
Sounds like JOY sure found you even in the hard times and daily struggles. Like you, I'm sitting with my OLW ideas too. I give myself the month to make a sure choice.
I love the warning! Such a joyful year for you, especially when you can still find it in times of tiredness and frustration. Best of luck in finding your new word.
Lee Anne is right, joy certainly found you!
Love how Joy found its way to you throughout the year. I am still mulling over my word for this year. I sought well and found it last year too.
I love the unexpected moments of JOY! Hoping that when your OLW finds you this year, it will be even better!
Take your time picking your word. Maybe you could try this in the meantime: http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2015/01/05/personal-coaches-and-mission-statements/?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&bicmp=AD&bicmlukp=WT.mc_id&bicmst=1409232722000&bicmet=1419773522000&referrer=.
Two years agio I chose JOY and it really did help - I sought it out and it found me. I still find the word popping up when I need it. I've started collaging these words to cardboard. This year I chose Bloom as I really wanted to do that. May your word be exactly what you need this year.
Loved reading about how joy found you this year even during times of challenge. It surprised me to see my OLW for this year (stretch) mentioned a couple of times in your post. Isn't it fun how our words begin showing up everywhere? Looking forward to learning how your new OLW chooses you.
Finding joy during tough times, finding it in small and simple things like oatmeal, this builds the resilience you need. I am curious what your new OLW is.
I completely agree! Be careful what you ask for! I love how you struggle with the idea of whether or not the joy found you or if you found the joy. It really doesn't matter, though. I can't wait to hear what you'll invite into your life this year!
You are right on! I'm glad to hear about all the JOY that 2014 provided you! EnJOY waiting for your new OLW ...
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