I’ve been reading a few blog posts lately about people choosing words to guide themselves throughout the year. I like the sound of this. The idea is to choose one word to keep in mind about something that I’d like to be, have, do. Something that I want to remember to remind myself about when life gets busy and I get caught up in a whirlwind. To have the kind of year I want to have.
In the late part of 2011 I realized one thing: I haven’t been having enough fun. There are likely a few reasons for this but the cost of living here in our beautiful city has a lot to do with it. Honestly, it costs so much to keep our roof over our head here that it doesn’t leave much room for other types of expenses. When I realized, after tracking my expenses using an iPhone app the entire month of November, that what we were spending on “Entertainment” was shockingly low (I mean less than $50), I realized that we have to start doing something to change this. We need to have more fun.
And so my word for this year is ENJOY.
Given what I said earlier about expenses, my challenge will be to find ways to enjoy myself this year that don’t cost a lot of money. I want to try to remember and recapture the things that give me joy. Music, art, fashion, travel … I’ve let some of these things go by the wayside a little bit over the past few years of parenting and busyness. I’d like to do more.
And so, to enjoy myself this month I’ll be going for a 90 minute massage (thanks to health benefits and a saved birthday present from last year), going on a walking pilgrimage, getting acupuncture, holding a collage night for my women’s group, and joining a choir – for a start. And you’ll likely see me using my blog to talk about them. I’ve said before that blogging keeps my feet to the fire to do fun things in my life…it’s time to recapture that. I think it’s also time to dig out the rest of my Year of New ideas that I didn’t have time to finish when I did that blog project too! I had so much fun that year. I still have to go zip-lining and more…
And so, in 2012 it’s time for me to ENJOY. What will you be focusing on for 2012? If you had to choose one word for the year, what would it be?
I too have read many people’s blogs that have this same idea, and like you, I was going to write my own blog post about the word that I wish to encompass this year (but haven’t done it yet!). My word for 2012 is going to be EXPERIENCES. Getting out there, trying new things, seeing new places, meeting new faces, etc. This will be a stretch for my introverted self, but I am looking forward to the challenge!
Great idea to focus on positive stuff, no matter what your method. I wonder if we should all try to find inexpensive things to feed our souls. Any money saved could be used to start a fund for those way less fortunate than us. I mean, really. When I take a step back, I realize how little I have to complain about. You know what I mean? You’ve spurred me on to do what I’ve just suggested, myself. Happy New Year!
I LOVE your word! We all have to remember to Enjoy!!!
Sounds like you’ve got a great month of enjoying scheduled! Good for you!
Such a lovely word Beth. We all should learn to enjoy life more. Best of luck in the new year.
Love your word, Enjoy! I’ll be checking back to make sure you are indeed making time for fun! I enjoy flying with you!
Beth – it is so important to enjoy! Seek out those fun free/inexpensive things that you can take part in – - sometimes they are difficult to find but worth the effort. (living in NYC is equally hard) Enjoy 2012! xoxo
Wonderful word choice! I’m feeling really energized and inspired by your post. I want to do those things! Thanks for the reminder…:)
Good luck to you and hope you get to enjoy many fun and happy moments in 2012!
Enjoy. Awesome! and it’s amazing how much you can find going on in your fair city when you really start focusing on what takes care of you. we have free drive in movies, and free movies in the park and free skating and all kinds of things that can be enjoyed throughout the year. so fun! i’m excited to see what you come up with!
Love this idea, Beth. How often we forget to take the time to just have fun. Plus, it really doesn’t need to cost a lot. Thanks for the reminder! Enjoy 2012!
Beth- what a great word!! This has been such a wonderful time of enjoyment for me- getting to know you and all the other fly tribe girls!! Enjoy 2012!!
Hi Beth,
Enjoy is such a wonderful word too! I love reading everyone’s word! It makes me feel like each one has a gift for me too. The gift of enjoying life is a great way to begin the year!
I love your story behind your word – what a great way to notice an imbalance in life and work to correct. Enjoy yourself!!!
It sounds like enjoy is the oerfect word for you. Focusing on things that you enjoy in the new year will bring happiness.
One word to rule them all for an entire year, that is a good creative challenge… I will have to remember it for next year, it is evocative of simplicity being the ultimate sophistication. I found this really challenging, but I’ve considered it and my word for 2012 is – “Write”.
Good one! I’ll hop over to your blog to see what you’re writing.
Fun is so important to the over all enjoyment of life — You’re right! You’ve got to have more fun and ENJOY more. It sounds like you’ve got an amazing month lined up. Keep it up throughout the year, and you’ll have some great memories!