Friday 29 December 2017

My word for 2018



Guys, I'm sitting here at my little desk, hot coffee close by, and I feel a beautiful sense of contentment.
Rich is sick, but we have a diagnosis, and one week in, we can see that the treatment is working. It will be a slow discovery, but every step towards health is a step in the right direction, and gives us more confidence and joy. Yesterday he drove himself into town for the first time in 5 weeks, and visited a friend on the way home. While he was in pain afterwards and needed to rest, it felt wonderful for him to do something "normal" by himself! He even helped me with the night chores, which made it the most productive day in a very long time.

I'm so in awe of the power of sharing. As you may have noticed, I'm very open about my feelings, struggles, and whatever else is going on in my life.
I didn't grow up to be like that. On the contrary, the most important rule in my family was to keep everything private. And I mean, everything! We were not supposed to talk about anything to do with the family, business, health issues, emotions, fears, doubts, or "weaknesses". We barely talked about it within the family, and it was absolutely "verboten" to take it to outsiders. And everybody was an outsider, even friends or other relatives.

I couldn't handle to live like that. It made me feel lonely, isolated, weird, and separate from the rest of the world. I felt like an outsider, looking in on a world I desperately wanted to belong to, but couldn't be a part of.
My entire life, I have searched for a way in. I wanted to become part of the world around me!
Little by little, I figured out a way - my way. And my way includes being open and honest, in the hopes that people will be open and honest in return.
And, boy, do they ever deliver!


I'm constantly in awe of the kindness and generosity of people. If I wouldn't have shared Rich's health troubles on the blog, we still would have no diagnosis and no relief of his severe pain. But thanks to one person taking the time and effort to share her story, we now do.
We get offers of help all the time. Our neighbours are there in a minute if we need them.
My co-worker (who doesn't even know me that well) offered to help on the farm if we need her.
Two of our friends are coming by later to give us a hand, because I'm leaving for the weekend to go to a wedding.
When I talked about having cried due to exhaustion and general being-fed-up-ness, messages of support and comfort flooded in. It made me feel so much better! People are so kind if you give them the chance. 

For the last few years, I've chosen a word to guide me through the year. It never fails to amaze me how powerful words are. By choosing a simple word, you're setting the tone for the entire year.
My word for last year was Determination. I was determined to
- finish the book
- find work in a hospital again
- create "a rich, full, satisfying life in our new home"
- not let depression get the best of me

And you know what? I accomplished all four. By simply putting into words (and in writing) what your goals and intentions are, you set the first, important step into turning it into reality. 

For the last week, I was searching for my word for 2018. I considered "strength", "courage", "acceptance", and "growth". They're all strong words, but none of them felt quite right.

And then yesterday, as I was sitting at work, reflecting on everything that happened in the last year, I was overcome with a strong sense of joy and gratitude.
And suddenly, I knew my word, without the shadow of a doubt.


My goal for 2018 is to fill every day with as much joy as possible. We worked hard this year to lay the foundation for everything we've ever dreamed of - 2018 will be dedicated to enjoying the hell out of it! Our main focus, of course, is to get Rich healthy again. I know he will be. I know it.
And when he is, I want to swim in lakes, hike in the mountains, explore more of our beautiful surroundings, enjoy new and old friendships, go tubing again, finally have a housewarming party, build my little retreat, yoga more, learn to handstand, celebrate becoming a published author, read and write and continue working in my beloved little hospital.
We will (literally) water the trees and garden we planted this year, and watch them grow and blossom.

2018, you are going to be a special one.

Have the most wonderful, magical, joy-filled start into the new year! I will see you on the other side.

Lots of love and joy,
Miriam xoxo     




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12 comments

  1. This is such a beautiful post! I love your sentiments on letting people in. I hope 2018 is the most joyful year yet!

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    1. I wish you the same Emily! Here's to the best year ever! 🎉

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  2. Happy New Year, doll! I am loving your word!! Joy joy joy - in the midst of it all! Love and hugs to you. xo

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    1. Thanks Liz! I'm curious to find out what word you chose for this year!

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  3. Happy New year! I will keep Rich is my thoughts and prayers. I think joy is an amazing word for 2018.

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    1. That's so kind of you, thank you! He can use all the positive vibes in the world right now. I hope your 2018 will be overflowing with joy!

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  4. JOY is a fabulous word for 2018! Blessings to you and Rich in this new year!

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    1. Thank you! I wish you and your family all the joy in the world foe this year and always! ❤

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  5. Thanks for being so candid and honest, and for spreading so much JOY into our lives! Hugs to you.

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    1. HUGE hug right back! Thanks so much for being so nice. I'm ordering a big round of joy for all of us - let's make 2018 FUN!! 🎉🎉

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  6. Ah!!! This post makes me so happy!

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    1. I'm glad! The more happiness there is in the world, the better!
      I wish you a beautiful, ecstatic year filled with happiness and joy!

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