Out of a quiet, soft sleep I can hear small whimpers coming from the next room. Soon that quiet whimper works it’s way into a full on wail. I kick my feet, wrestling my way out of my warm bed to feel the cool air wrap itself around my arms. It jerks me. And I chase the sound. The wailing subsides as a set of small, wondrous eyes lock onto me, her mother. And I see a smile. I take her in my arms to nurse her.
Several minutes later, I watch as she lies waywardly across my lap. Her small but strong body was limp from the overwhelming state of contentment. Not a care in the world.
Seeing my daughter content in the quietness of slumber always gives me joy. But at times, it gives way to this uneasiness at the core of me. I worry about whether I can truly do a good job being a full-time mother and CEO of my household. And I worry about whether I can make the most of this time away from the traditional workforce.
Will I make the right decisions?
I know the answer to that question won’t be an emphatic yes. But I think I can boost the percentage if I change my perspective and focus on behaving intentionally.
That is why my one word for 2014 is purpose.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, purpose can be defined as intention or resolution and determination.
I believe that, as President John F. Kennedy once said, “efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”
I believe that being determined and acting intentionally will make me more effective in helping my daughter develop and shaping her world into something positive. I can also help make sure the world we call home remains financially stable and spiritually grounded.
So this year, I want my family and my Heavenly Father to be the compass in all of my decision-making. When I serve. When I spend. When I write. When I speak. And when I consider my next career opportunity.
I want to be mindful of the people around me, and a good steward of the things I have.
And above all, I want to enjoy life and enjoy it more fully.
“The best way to insure you achieve the greatest satisfaction out of life is to behave intentionally.”
-Deborah Day, author of Be Happy Now
What is your One Word for 2014? If you don’t have one, what would it be?
*This post is a part of the One Word 365 challenge. You can learn more about it here.
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