Which brings me to the topic of today's conversation. I found a word for this year--Strength. I've never been one of those who has to search for a word but this one found me. It kept popping up in everything from the quote of the day to my daily devotionals to television commercial to yes, even a popular song sung by someone young enough to be my daughter, maybe even my granddaughter!
Sometimes, things sneak up on us. So I decided to just go with it. Strength--I want to be strong in my faith, in my work, in my health and in my authentic self. (Yes, I can use catch phrases to become strong.) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to make me figure out the formula to getting stronger. My only superpower is the power to always find a shoe sale, no matter the city or universe. But that power does help me to be strong. I have my workout shoes, my business shoes, my fuzzy slippers and my boots--which are made for walking. I consider all of these shoes as part of putting my best foot forward in strength and in confidence. At times, however, I do have to slink away and just go barefoot on the beach to regain my strength.
But the point is--I can only be as strong as my mindset. It all begins there--in my head. I have doubts, I have concerns, I have regrets. But I also have a new chance to get it right with each new day. New years can be a challenge, but a new day is always a joy. We have to find that joy in the morning in order to make it through each new challenge. So I'm going to take the word "strength" to heart and become stronger in my mindset, too. From the feet up--(just heard that in a popular movie) all the way to my brain cells, I hope to grow strong this year. Do you have a word that guides you? Are you walking barefoot right now? Well, put on your big girl shoes and get back to it. Let us hear you roar :)
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Lenora,
ReplyDeleteI'm going to steal your word STRENGTH. I don't have nine to write, but in the next year and a half I have six to write plus work a full time job and be a cub scout, little league, lego-building mom (who wears a YES WE'RE DOING HOMEWORK AGAIN TONIGHT banner.)
I, sadly, lack your shoe gene. Last year the foot doctor told me that my left foot is better than my right foot which is why I have a hard time finding a favorite pair of shoes LOL
We are women, hear us roar, in numbers too big to ignore, and we know too much to go back to pretending heheheh
I'm all for barefoot on the beach!! Can I come visit you? :)
ReplyDeleteI love the word strength. I may be like Pamela and steal it this year. I still haven't come up with my One Word yet!
I love your word for this year. We all need Strength to carry us through. I've never considered focusing on a single word, but that one does seem to fit. Pamela, your schedule sounds crazy! Strength, yes, and lots of prayers will carry you through.
ReplyDeleteBarefoot on the beach sure sounds nice, though, especially for those lacing up their winter boots. What a lovely picture.
I love your word, Lenora, but my word is going to be FOCUS. I have a hard time with that concept. It will be a real test when I finally take down all my Christmas decorations. I tend to be a bit scattered during such a project. Right now I'm focusing on the book I have to finish before the end of January. Then the tree comes down.
ReplyDeleteYou are all lionesses. Did I spel that right? You are all welcome to come to the beach, too. Writers retreat???
ReplyDeletePam, you can find good shoes that will strengthen your feet. Foot Smart has gazillions. Merrillee, you've had a life change--a move across the country and losing a loved one. No wonder you're a bit scattered. So we will lift each other up in strength and focus. Love to all of you!!!
You are all lionesses. Did I spel that right? You are all welcome to come to the beach, too. Writers retreat???
ReplyDeletePam, you can find good shoes that will strengthen your feet. Foot Smart has gazillions. Merrillee, you've had a life change--a move across the country and losing a loved one. No wonder you're a bit scattered. So we will lift each other up in strength and focus. Love to all of you!!!
Lenora, love your strength...and the idea of gathering at the beach.
ReplyDeleteI'll see you and Missy at the Love Inspired Readers Luncheon on Jan 30...held in TAMPA...which has a beach! Hope to see lots of folks there. For tickets and info, go to http://harlequinblog.com/2013/12/love-inspired-reader-luncheon-coming-to-florida-in-january/ #sthash.pU8b7n1p.dpuf
My word this year is Gratitude. I'm grateful for all God's blessings, for being able to write stories for Love Inspired and for the friends I've made over the years...both writers and readers.
Hi, Debby. Thanks for mentioning our fabulous LI Readers Luncheon. We are thrilled to have a chance to meet with our readers and friends. And lunch, too, with lots of prizes and fun stuff. I'm so there. And gratitude is what I feel just knowing all of you and our wonderful, loyal readers.
ReplyDeleteI've so enjoyed posting today. I have missed this!
Wow, you'll need to be strong for 8 or 9 books! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWishing you much STRENGTH!
My word is HOPE.
Cheers,
Sue
STRENGTH is a great word and I'm sure we all need more of it but like Merrillee I'm going with the word FOCUS this year. I need to buckle down and focus.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the contracts, Lenora! Can't wait to read your future books :)