One Word, One Year: A Fresh Take on New Year’s Resolutions

As the New Year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and contemplating changes for the year to come. The tradition of crafting New Year’s resolutions is often met with enthusiasm but quickly becomes overwhelming. Long lists of goals, though well-intentioned, can be difficult to sustain or even remember by the time February rolls around. What if, instead of detailed resolutions, you chose a simpler, more focused approach?

Imagine starting your year with just one to three carefully chosen words. These words would serve as your guiding principles, your mantras for navigating the days ahead. This minimalist approach makes your resolutions more memorable and also helps align your actions with your faith.

Words That Reflect Your Journey

Choosing your words requires thoughtfulness and prayer. Reflect on the areas of your life where you seek growth or change. Perhaps you are striving for more gratitude in your daily life. The word "Gratitude" could become your anchor, reminding you to thank God for His blessings, both big and small. The verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 comes to mind: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Or maybe this is the year you aim to cultivate a more positive outlook. In that case, the word "Positivity" could guide you. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

If your aspirations include working diligently in your personal or professional life, consider the word "Hard Work." Proverbs 14:23 reminds us: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Let this be a year where you put your hands to the plow with determination.

Bringing Your Words to Life

Once you’ve chosen your words, consider pairing them with one or two Bible verses that resonate with their meaning. Write these words and verses somewhere visible—on your mirror, in your journal, or as a background on your phone. Let them become a part of your daily rhythm. When challenges arise, these words can remind you to stay grounded in your goals and in God’s promises.

This approach to resolutions is not about perfection but about intentionality. By focusing on one to three meaningful words, you are setting yourself up for a year of purposeful living. Each time you reflect on your words, you’ll be reminded of God’s presence and guidance in your life.

A Call to Action

As you prepare for the New Year, take some time in prayer and reflection. What are the words that God is placing on your heart? Write them down, meditate on them, and trust that with His help, you can embody these principles throughout the year. Let’s make this year one of clarity, focus, and faith.

So, what will your words be? 

Here are some of our latest picturesque holiday moments for your viewing.

 

 

(Ayden plays the goalie against Jace's "knuckle puck" shots.)

 

 

(The family poses before the Christmas Eve service at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.)

 

 

(Annabelle actively participates in the family Christmas Eve with singing and dancing.)

 

 

 

(Annabelle unpacks her Christmas stocking filled with goodies.)

 

 

(Jace continues his tradition of hugging blow-up decorations at my parents' house.)

 

 

 

(My family poses in front of the Christmas tree at The FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin, Tennessee.)

 

 

(Jace tries on his new snow boots, which were among the presents given by my parents.) 

 

 

(Jace enjoys the many moving ornaments on Grandad JayJay's Christmas tree.) 

 

 

(Like Jace, Annabelle often hugs blow-up Christmas decorations.)

 

 

 

(A close-up photo of my family in front of the Christmas tree at The FrankTown Festival of Lights.) 

 

 

 

(Annabelle enjoys the train that continually circles the Christmas tree at Grandad JayJay's house.)

 

 

 

(The cute couple at Christmas time.)

 

#HappyNewYear #blessings #OneWord #TwoWords #ThreeWords #1Word #2Words #3Words #Clarity #Focus #Faith #daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #lifelessons

A One-Word Resolution Revolution – “Appreciation”

(Annabelle loves ornaments on the tree.)

As a new year begins, I usually pick one word or short phrase to focus on as an annual theme. One might think of this theme as a resolution. Last year, I chose the phrase "One Step." Annabelle had just learned to walk and stabilize herself. It was an exciting moment to see her walk those first steps slowly yet steadily! As an additional bonus, we witnessed the event with close friends and my parents, who were visiting Knoxville that weekend. The idea behind this chosen mantra was to live and remain present in the moments of today.

With a similar motto, my 2022 theme, "One Step," now leads into my 2023 theme. My chosen word this year is "Appreciation." I hope to show appreciation for the people in my life and the kindness extended to my family by several individuals. I seek to appreciate the blessings found in the present moment with loved ones and close friends. Like Annabelle's first steps walking, rather than being consumed by self-goals and tasks, taking time to be mindful right now seems paramount!

American society rushes through life, sometimes without appreciating the many blessings afforded to this country. New Year's Day becomes a resolution list, rather than another year to really live and celebrate presence over just more stuff to do. The responsibilities of life present enough stuff to do without adding to the pile of endless nothings. The days can seem long when stuck in a perpetual cycle of survival mode and paying bills. With a bit of fun and maybe even doing something for oneself, the year can be transformed into a period of jubilee.

As some readers know, my grandfather, Jim Cartee, Sr, died this past year. I wrote a blog entry to commemorate and honor his memory. His death was instant in my experience. One minute he was here, healthy, and living a good life. And then, he was gone. It made me realize that we should appreciate every blessing and every minute of life. We never know if today will be our last. We must recognize with newfound awareness that today is a gift, and tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. Living with this intentional awareness makes us appreciate where we are right now. 

These photos were some of my favorite captured moments this holiday season. These pictures capture the essence and joy of life in the present.

(Lisa and I attended the annual Festival of Trees in Knoxville, a fundraiser for the children’s hospital.)

(Residents in Knoxville really know how to decorate!)

(Jace sports his smile in a bowtie.)

(Jace looks his usual cute self in a snowman toboggan.)

(We dreamed of a White Christmas and thus received it in Nashville.)

(Lisa and I attended the Zoolumination event in Nashville, Tennessee at the zoo. The decorations represent historic Asian symbols and villages.)

(Jace enjoys hanging out with Michaela, one of our closest friends in Nashville.) 

(Annabelle loves all her presents from Aunt Allison, my sister. Annabelle and Jace were especially blessed this Christmas by many people.)

(We tried to get the Christmas family portrait. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not so much.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #Christmas #MerryChristmas #lifelessons #NewYears #resolution #resolve