My One Word Resolution for 2022

As we start settling in to 2022, many of us have a mindset of hitting a reset button and making resolutions for the year. I used to put a lot of thought into my new year resolutions. Habits I wanted to change, things to do differently, ways to make any “flaws” from the past year truly a thing of the past. Some years I focused more on changing the “bad” and others I focused on continuing the good. I had some great lists and sometimes I even stuck to some of the resolutions.

I think lists of resolutions can be a wonderful and motivating tool. But you have to also be in the proper mindset. I am not in that mindset. Maybe it’s the lingering exhaustion I still often feel from this pandemic. A similar exhaustion I felt this time last year.

As I thought about the year ahead and the fact that a list of resolutions was not going to set me up for success; I reflected on what had gone well in 2021. What were some things that helped get me through those dark moments when I felt defeated? As I closed my eyes to pray, I almost instantly felt the answer. God was telling me to cancel the noise and to make my focus smaller.

It was in that moment that I knew what my resolution should be. One word.

Intentional

Moments like this help me to remember He is navigating with me and giving me the strength when I need it.

Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

It seems there is an extra abundance these days of things dividing the world. Challenges impacting not only us but our children. There are so many things out of our control. So many differing opinions. So much changing information it makes it hard to keep things straight.

So much noise.

It’s easy to get caught up in that noise and for life to then feel more chaotic than it likely needs to.

This year, I am going to put a focus to being intentional about the things I pour energy into. To recognize when something may very well just be noise and not a part of a path that will be valuable to me. To be intentional when I pray and to listen when God is guiding me.

Lord, please grant me the strength to remain intentional. To slow down. To recognize what is important to my path and to my family and what is purely just noise.

No matter if your list of resolutions runs long or if you decided to just forego anything resolution related this year; I pray that 2022 is kicking off in a fantastic way and that you feel strong and equipped for whatever might be ahead.