Grace

Last year was the first year I jumped on the bandwagon and chose my word of the year, passion. It lessened the pressure we feel to make specific resolutions that most of us can never keep. It helped me to simplify my life and focus on what was important, my passions. My master's program, the Forest Days program, and this blog were my passion.

This year, I was struggling to choose my word. I felt like I was resonating with many different words for the days leading up to the new year. Of course, my perfectionism was creeping in and insisting I had to get this one right. I searched for hours for a quote using my word that would make for a great post. I never found one. 

So I made a list that resembled the more typical resolution list to walk more, simplify my home, and have a better work/life balance. But again my perfectionism crept in and insisted it wasn't enough, and my list grew to 12 items. 

I again started searching for some words that brought all 12 of those items together. I found this article, one where the author puts in words all the thoughts you have in your own head, and you wonder if you could have written it yourself.

https://www.mindspacecafe.com/give-yourself-grace/

Then, I found my word. Grace. My perfectionism was happy and ready for me to make an amazing post to inspire my Facebook friends. But, as I dug into the article, I realized it's about more than just the word. To give myself grace means I allow myself to be human. I'm allowed to rest. I can enjoy the little things in the present moment. I can acknowledge my progress over my perfection. I can share my new word, with all my imperfections that led me to it. Even when I do too much, procrastinate, or try to make things perfect, I can still give that version of me grace. 

I bought this shirt last year, which I wore quite often, but never truly exemplified the meaning. This year, I will do my best to show others my real self. I will try to keep perfectionism at bay. I don't need it to make me more successful, or even a better wife/mother/friend. Avoiding perfectionism is way easier said than done, but by giving myself grace, it's ok if I mess up and try to be more or do more than I am. I, too, am a work in progress (not perfection). 

I am looking forward to 2024, and learning to love myself for who I am. I am looking forward to taking more time to walk, read, garden, sew, journal, and spend time in nature. I am looking forward to updating this blog to share how the fall session of our Forest Days program went. I was initially frustrated with myself that I had not posted more about the program, since that was the main purpose of the blog. But, by giving myself grace, I know life happens, and the story will still be there to tell.   

Lastly, one quote that I happened across while searching for the "perfect" word for the new year. This one touched deep in my soul. It made me recognize my own vulnerability and made me feel quite emotional thinking about all the times I tried to do it all or keep up in society's rat race. But again, grace comes along to make it make sense. I am hopeful that grace will help me slow down, appreciate the little moments, be intentional in my relationships, and just be.