Thursday, January 3, 2008

It's the third day of 2008 and I have decided on my word for the year. I did some major thinking and a little soul searching over the past few days.

My word for this year is content.

Dictionary.com defines it as satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else. Content to me means happy, but it goes so much deeper than happy. I mean I can be happy anytime---I'm happy my heater worked today in the 21 degree weather; I'm happy that my Ann Taylor cords still fit; I'm happy I don't have to cook tonight. To me happy focuses on the little things---and yes while the little things are important, the big picture is more of my concern. See, I have become very materialistic in these last years--very money driven. It's sad, I know. Web works in an industry that is very lucrative, but it can change in an instant. It also caused him to work 3, 4 and 5 hours from home. We, as a couple, are "live in the moment". This can be good and yes, can be bad at times. But the money has always been a factor. If he is making excellent money, then things were fab. If it was a down time, then it was really a down time. Instead of focusing on what we had at that time, we were always looking for the next great thing. Instead of enjoying the moment, we were forcing ourselves to see what we could have when the next big job rolled in. We....I.....never stopped to relish what we were in at the down time.

Right now we are in what I see as a down time. We made a conscious decision late last year to sacrifice some of our lifestyle so that he could be home full time and we could be a family. At the same time, we decided to buy a new house. It's been a struggle--financially and mentally. We are muddling through. But see, I don't want to 'muddle' through. I want to be able to be content. I want to be able to realize that all I really need in this life is first and foremost my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Then Web, AJ, my family, my health, etc. So what if I can't go shopping for clothes I really don't need this week. So what if things are tight right now. We have a brand new house, food in our bellies, and the love for each other that is undying. THAT is what I need to focus on. If I focus on what is important, then ya know what? All of those menial things will work themselves out. It sounds so easy reading it as I type it, but for me, this seems like a daunting task (have I mentioned I'm a pessimist?) I know my life is good...I just need to realize how good it really is and just stop and reflect on it.

Can I be content in 2008? I sure hope so..........


xoxox, D

10 comments:

Colleen said...

Here's to being content! Love that you chose this and your explanation makes so much sense. I hope you find some peace with this and are able to enjoy the day to day that you have with your family being together!

Megan Aaron said...

that is a great word! lol - maybe I should have picked that one, now I am jealous that I didnt pick that one. now I am the opposite of content - lol.

April said...

Good luck with your contentment in 2008! I think it's great that you've thought that through so well. My word is going to be ACTIVE I think . . . still pondering it though. Miss seein' ya around. Let me know if you need anything. Scrappingchic mentioned you needed some catalogs.

My Paper World said...

I hope so too! I wish you every happiness for 2008 xx

Anonymous said...

Awesome Word! I can definitely relate to what you had to say! I can see where that would totally fit in to my life too. I'm still working on my word. Hope to have it up tonight.

Unknown said...

love that word! your blog post today spoke volumes for me and how I try to live my life. I am the eternal optimist, so if you need encouragement....hunt me down :P

Jscraps4u said...

WOW...awesome word and very inspirational post. I wish you all the contentedness in 2008!

scrappermimi said...

Great blog, so glad I found you! I just love your post for today!

Hope the 2008 is better than 2007.

Tanya said...

This is a super cool word for the year D~
I love how you have reflected on things..your life you relationships etc.
Look at everything with a simple eye D~ and you will always be CONTENT with the simple things in life which always give the most joy.
My word for the Year is SIMPLIFY.
I like you am searching for the simple things that life brings that make you smile and your heart swell. The meaningful things that you have with friends and family. That's what is what makes life a JOY to live!!
Love you loads!!
Thank you for your well wishes.
I'm doing much better than yesterday!!
((hugs))

Unknown said...

I sure hope i can be too! Great word.