One Little Word

This new year, I made a lot of internal resolutions. Paramount on my list were two things, getting back in shape (ie: getting my tushy off the couch no matter how tired I feel) and finding motivation.

My first resolution is easy to conquer, it just takes a bit of physical effort. Working out, cardio, eating well and vitamins. Done.

The second took a bit more mental effort on my part to really define. I knew I needed to motivate myself, but how? What is it in my life that is keeping me unmotivated? Then one day I was reading a friend's blog and she linked to this page. It talks about the One Little Word Project. Listening to yourself and identifying what word keeps trying to catch your attention. Then, once you find it, you invite it into your life and let it speak to you. Basically committing to making it yours for the year. By doing so, you bring that into your life and fulfill what you've been needing. While I was reading, I was giggling inside. Sounded like a bunch of hocus pocus. Well maybe, but perhaps the motivation I needed would come from a new way of thinking, a new perspective; an optimistic outlook and acceptance of the power of positive thinking. I've been around a lot of people lately who feel that if you believe something enough, you will find a way to manifest it in your life. So, I figure what the heck. It can't hurt to try.

After I decided to give this whole "one little word" a whirl, it was time to find mine. Easier said than done, that's for sure! I waited and went about my routine. I tried to calm the chaos of life, slow down my mind and listen, but I heard nothing. So I waited. As I did, I noticed an internal whisper. More of a roar really, but I think with everything going on I only heard it as a whisper. Be strong. Thats when I discovered how many times a day I was quietly calling out. God give me the strength to: Get out of bed today. Be patient and breathe. Not fail in my endeavors. Find a way to smile on my worst of days. See happiness through the chaos, anger and resentment. Laugh when I want to cry. Love and raise my kids regardless of the circumstances. Find myself.

The light bulb went off! Hello A, there's your word!! All these months (and possibly years) I've been willing myself to be strong. For me, my family, my friends. So, its time to start enabling that; finding new ways to build inner strength and reminding myself daily that I am stronger than I could have ever imagined.

So with an optimistic outlook, my one little word for 2011 is STRENGTH.