Intentional – Word for 2020

 

How is it 2020?! Still trying to process the fact that another year has already gone by and we are already halfway through January! I started picking a word of the year, last year. In 2019 I chose the word “embrace” and it was definitely fitting!! I’ve had to embrace a lot in the past year and found myself reflecting on that goal a lot!! So here we are again with a new word and a new goal!! This year I chose the word intentional to carry with me in 2020. It’s a word that I’ve found myself thinking about more than I even realized. To me, being Intentional means purpose. I want to think and act with good intentions. To me, it means slowing down a little and thinking things through instead of getting caught up in the fast-paced way of life. 

 

I think it’s also important to remember to be intentional in your own thoughts. It’s really easy to have negative thoughts. I’d say at any stage of your life, there are things you feel insecure about. There are things that you wish you were better at and things you wish you knew more about. There’s doubt, insecurity, and fears. It’s easy to let those things take over your thoughts and beliefs. But being intentional in remembering who you’re loved by and who holds tomorrow helps to ease the negative. I’m trying to be intentional in how I chose to talk to myself. You’re not perfect and you are never going to be. You’re going to make mistakes and wish you could go back and change things. I’m working on being intentional with how I chose to look at hard times. I’m working on choosing to look for the good and all the potential happiness.

 

I’m also wanting to be intentional in my actions. To remember that everyone is fighting battles you know nothing about. To remember to include those who might not feel included because it’s honestly the worst feeling. To treat others with kindness and to take steps towards doing the things that scare me. To find activities that bring joy to others and purpose to myself. I want to be intentional in how I care for myself. In remembering to take time to breathe and to do things that bring joy. To spend time with God every day. And to live a life full of his grace.To walk the dogs a little more and spend more time outside. To let go of the expectations the world sets and to instead lean into the path I’m meant to follow. 

 

Sending so much love as we head into this new year! Whether it’s a new semester or a whole new season, I’m praying you find yourself being intentional in every aspect of your faith and life this year! I hope we can learn to be kinder to ourselves and to pay more attention to ways we can be an example of God’s love! We aren’t perfect but God is and he’s standing there waiting for you to grab his hand and walk into this new year with him. Life isn’t easy but it’s better with Him by your side!! 

 

All the love, Annie