Out with the Old, In with the New

Happy New Year!! Not only is it a new year, but it’s also a new decade. It’s a time of hope for all of us as we start with a clean slate. What do you think about that? As I reflect on the past decade, I’d have to say that it was the best and the worst at the same time. I watched both of my parents suffer from terrible sicknesses to which both of them passed away. I lost my sister-in-law to breast cancer. And my own sister and I became estranged (That’s the first time I said that out loud).

Some of my most profound joys happened in the past decade too. My kids graduated from high school and college/grad school (my son will graduate from college in a few months). I’ve watched my kids grow as people and as contributing members to our society. I’ve been on many glorious vacations with my family. I’m learning to let go of my fear of flying and am traveling to places I’ve always wanted to go. My daughters both met and married amazing men. I’ve been happily married to my amazing husband for 29 years (so far). I had my first grandchild (YES, it’s as amazing as they say it is).

My blog career has exceeded my expectations. I’ve met some incredible people who I now call some of my best friends. I am definitely blessed. I don’t take a single day for granted. I know that we all have a limited time here on this earth. We must all make the best of our time and do what we can to make it a better place.

stock photo by Dasha Petrenko

For the past few years I’ve been making a vision board. My boards are filled with words and photos of the visions that I will try to manifest for myself in the coming year. I get started by choosing a “word of the year.” The word that I have chosen for myself in 2020 is FOCUS. The word means a lot to me for many different reasons.

My word of the year is FOCUS

1. I need to focus on myself. This includes self care, better health goals (including diet and exercise), getting better sleep and so on.
2. I need to focus on focusing. I know that I need to get more done and stop wasting precious time. It’s time to limit my screen time. Hopefully this will make me more productive.
3. I want to focus and get a clear 20/20 vision of what I want in life and where I’m going. I often feel like I’m all over the place with my attention in too many places at the same time. I want to tunnel that vision to be more clear and more intentional in everything that I do.

Do you make vision boards? Do you choose a word for yourself each year? I’d love to know in the comments below.