We’re just days from 2018. Don’t think I’m too crazy, but this is one of my favorite times of the year! I love a blank page, a fresh start, and the process of imagining the possibilities for the year ahead.
It’s also time to choose a new word. This will be my sixth year, which is mind-boggling to me – how time flies! My one little word for 2017, Slow, turned out to be the grounding point I needed when my life was clearly the opposite. The process of buying and selling a house consumed my life for three long, stressful months. And with the return to homeschooling, the pace really hasn’t lessened much. Yet the biggest lesson I learned is that slow is a mindset. I no longer believe that busy equals productivity. I’ve (sometimes painfully) pruned back many areas of my life and have kept only the most important parts. I’m more cognizant of quality versus quantity.
Slow. It’s just one little word, but I’m a better person for it.
On to 2018. I’d been throwing around some ideas, when a few things really stood out:
- Mark and I finally feel like we can settle down in our new home. Unless God has other plans, we’re here for the long-haul.
- My grandmother’s death earlier this month (and then really feeling the weight of being grandparent-less) has me reflecting on family in a whole new way.
- Closing my little home decor shop took a part of my identity with it. I’ve been doing a bit of soul searching – who am I and what do I want to do?
root (v): “to establish deeply and firmly”
… in my garden
I think it’s going to be a good year. Do you choose a word? What’s yours?
Oh gosh, Ashley, this is just so beautiful! I love the word you've chosen, and I'm so happy for you to settle into your new home. But I am so so sorry about the loss of your beloved grandmothers last year. I hope you have peace and that 2018 hold wonderful things for you.
I am with you- I love this time of year. I love thinking about goals and what I want from life; I love thinking of what word I'll choose for the new year; and I LOVE compiling a list of all the books I want to read. 🙂
Can't wait to hear what you envision for your life in 2018!
LOVE this. I guess Rooted in Hope served as some inspiration, eh? I'm looking forward to following along as you strengthen your roots ❤️ I too love this time of year – trying to refrain from blogging every day with end of year/new year stuff. 🙈 My word of the year will be "grace." Hopefully I'll explain more in a post one day!
Oh yes, Rooted in Hope really solidified it for me! 🙂
Love the word "grace" and can't wait to hear all about why you chose it.
Ashley! I love it! Great choice, as all your choices have been. I'm so inspired by you! I have a tattoo on my left upper forearm (near my elbow) of a tree that has an anchor for roots (I was inspired by someone else's similar tattoo when I was in my twenties living in NYC away from my family and Brandon) and when someone asks about it I always say that it's to represent that I am anchored in my roots of my family, my hometown, and what I believe 🙂 xxoxo sending you love in the new year!
Love that story! Anchored is such a good word too.