My 3 Words for 2018

Each new year, I ponder a triangle of guiding words that are not exactly resolutions but reference points. They are designed to reel me back to healthier, more dynamic living after the wild ride of December, where I tend to buck every good habit and over-eat, over-spend, and under-attend to the things I value.  (All in the name of baby Jesus, right?!)

I've spent the last couple of weeks rolling words around in my head.  Many that came to mind were ones I've used in past years, so clearly I don't master things, I just (God-willing) progress.

So here are my three words for 2018.

Tune

Living with musicians, I often hear instruments being tuned.  Sometimes we use electric tuners, dialing the notes to digital perfection.  Sometimes we tune to each other's instruments.  There is a cringe factor when the notes are not quite in tune; our ears rebel as the notes move toward the pitch, and there is relief when the pitch lands smack in the green zone.

Nothing in my life is perfectly pitched.  There is no use lamenting the fact that our instruments and our lives go out of tune.  Better to refine the ability to adjust, and to avoid snapped strings and gross discordance by making regular tweaks toward what I value and what keeps me healthy and sane.

Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy praise.

Rhythm

I am fairly adept at making schedules that incorporate my values and goals.  Keeping the schedule is another story because of my ongoing fondness for being lazy and procrastinating and for talking myself out of good choices.  The voices in my head can be subtle and ornery!  Strict schedules are not a good fit for me, but rhythms are healthy.  

My rhythm works best when it includes Sunday meal-planning, shopping, and prep, early morning exercise and scripture reading, defined times to work on my business, and spaces to put away work and technology and focus on the people around me.   God gave me an intuitive 3rd child who calls me out on my techno-distraction!  Finally, rhythm works best if I build margin by not overbooking myself.

Fuel

This word regards the simple concept of fueling my body and mind with food, work, exercise, rest, reading, service, and recreational activities that fuel rather than deplete my resources.  It sounds like a lot to manage, but each option, held up and considered, can be accepted or rejected as fuel.  I'm always hoping to make the next best choice...and often blowing it!  Here, though, is a tank-filling thought:  "His mercies are new every morning."

Thank you for reading my thoughts.  I hope they spur you to self-reflection as you consider tweaks or massive changes for the new year.  If you are a "word of the year" person, I'd love to hear your word(s).