At the beginning of the year, I choose “Commit” as my word for the year (see Ali Edwards http://aliedwards.typepad.com for more info on “one word”). In a recent post on her blog, she reflected on her word for this year and how is has or hasn’t changed her life. From her blog, here is part of her entry:
“My word for 2008 is vitality. And just like most things in my life, it's a work in progress…This week I am reconnecting with my word. I lost it there for awhile. Today I am thinking a lot about the daily choices I make regarding food and exercise and stress. I am planning meals. I am walking. I am making some additional work changes and adjustments (especially related to travel over the next year). I am taking action. Have you done anything with your word this year? Has it faded into oblivion or lived near the surface or been on your mind daily? Has it impacted you one way or another? Do you need a new word or has a new one surfaced as the year has progressed? I would love to read if you are being challenged by your word or celebrate with you if you are having successes.”
My word for the year was “Commit” and it’s absolutely clear that I NOT committed to making needed changes, being more free, being more joyful, living in the moment…appreciating and savoring the here and now…the gift of the present. I haven’t been proactive about my life and the changes I want (and need) to make…haven’t committed to anything and in fact, have been idle and neglectful of my body and spirit. I am reading the last and most current book by Joan Anderson, “The Road Back to Yourself, The Second Journey”. Her books have resonated with me, touched my heart and spirit and have given me the courage to make changes.
My word Commit isn’t going to be sufficient. As I near my birthday (I'll be 49 on September 12), I have decided to change my word to Transform. The dictionary defines transform as:
trans·form
1. to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose.
2. to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.
Transform, convert mean to change one thing into another. Transform suggests changing from one form, appearance, structure, or type to another: Convert suggests so changing the characteristics as to change the use or purpose: to convert a barn into a house.
My goal in this next year, leading up to my 50th birthday, is to transform myself…my body, mind and spirit. After reading Donna Downey’s blog and her weight loss, http://donnadowney.typepad.com/simply_me/, I started yesterday by joining NutriSystem to jumpstart my weight loss. My plan isn’t to be on it for very long…just long enough to get myself back on track. I’m committing to getting back to our morning walks…there’s nothing like taking a brisk walk in the early morning…Russell and I were taking 45 minute walks together before we went to work, and we would pray, praise and talk…a wonderful way to begin each day. Somehow, we’ve gotten lax about it and I miss the exercise but even more the personal time alone together to walk and talk, watch the sunrise, admire the beauty of nature and, occasionally see a wild bunny or a raccoon. So…that’s step one in my quest for transformation…stay tuned for more…
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