A Word to Focus on in 2009

Along with everyone else at the beginning of a New Year, I'm thinking about the coming year and what I hope to change from last year...you know, resolutions. I hate to admit that many of my resolutions are carry overs from last year. Like working out on a regular basis! But, hey, the slate is wiped clean, right?! Something different that I came across this year, is the idea of choosing a word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009. Something that has personal meaning to you. I think I like this better than the typical resolutions. It's looking at more of a bigger picture, and a focal point for the year. (I found out about the idea of the one word for the year through Ali Edwards. She explains the concept much better than I.)

So, I've been thinking about my ONE word the last few days and decided upon Cherish.

cher·ish (chěr'ĭsh) tr.v. cher·ished, cher·ish·ing, cher·ish·es
1. To treat with tenderness and affection; to nurture with care; to protect and aid.
2. To hold dear; to embrace with interest; to indulge; to encourage; to foster; to promote

It is a gentle word, with a peaceful tone. My choice of this word stems from the fact that my life has been largely focused around my young son the last 2 years and I know that will continue. I hope to nurture and protect him this year. Encourage his development. I also hope to foster my relationship with my husband and make sure we have time together amidst the busyness of life. My family is my life's focus and so important to me.

The time with them and our friends and extended family are also special to me. I hope to record and cherish those memories better in 2009. I'll do this through continuing this blog and my scrapbooking. I'm committed to taking a photo every day this year and taking part in recording it through Becky Higgins Project 365 kit. (I was so excited to be one of the lucky ones able to get the first printing of this kit - it sold out in just 2 hours!) If this idea interests you, you don't have to have the kit and you can record your photos and notes for each day any way you want. Learn more about the concept at Becky Higgins Blog. I know I won't be able to keep up perfectly and will probably miss days here and there, but there are so many ways to get around that...using two photos from another day, taking a photo of something that represents what you experienced that day, using something like a ticket stub or program/flyer to represent the day. By the end of the year I'm looking forward to seeing a real "picture" of my family's year, all the moments both big and small. Hopefully, I'll capture things I would have missed just doing a traditional scrapbook that focuses on big events, trips, celebrations, etc. Using Becky's kit, I really think this is something I can keep up with, even as busy as I am.

Overall, this year I hope my demenour reflects tenderness and affection to all those around me. I will look to God always for strength, and hold close to his word for guidance and encouragement. He has blessed me with all there is to hold dear in my life. Overall, I just want to live in each moment God gives me. To embrace life! Cherish each memory I'm making and all that is good each and every day of 2009.

If you like the idea of one word for the year, feel free to join me and choose your own word. I hope all of you have a full and blessed 2009!

Update: Here is a great list of words to help you choose yours - http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/01/2009-words.html.