I’ve debated sharing my one word for 2018 with others due to the possible reactions I might receive. After pondering my one word for the last couple of weeks, I decided that sharing my one word was the first step to my journey.
My one word is self-love.
I’m not happy with me.
Of course, I’m not about to jump off the nearest bridge or anything, but my joy in all areas has been sneaking away from me for years.
I want comfort.
I want peace.
I want to experience unconditional love.
I realize these emotions are probably what we all strive for in life, but so many people do not find these satisfactions during their life here on this side of Heaven.
As a Christian, I’m well aware JOY comes from the Lord.
However, I need to love myself as much as the Lord adores me.
After all, He created me in His image according to Jeremiah.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
I don’t have a lot of self-love.
I know I can’t live the life of joy without learning to love myself first.
When I practice self-love, I will continue to name and claim all of who I am — even the ugly parts. It’s about developing my capacity to be aware, authentic and intentional in every aspect of my life. In doing so I will build greater self compassion and also enhance my ability to offer love and empathy to others.
It’s not about me thinking I’m more worthy than anyone else in my life, but it’s about learning to love and accept me for who I am.
I want to live for Christ, but I’m lacking because I don’t love me.
I need to love myself in order to be the woman God created me to be.
I want to be a caring mother, a successful teacher, a worthy daughter, and a lovely friend.
So in all essence, it’s not really about me, but serving the Lord the way He desires.
So for the next year, I will be working my one word, self-love. I bought myself a little bracelet with my one word to wear daily.
I will be sharing my self-love journey over the course of this year. It’s going to be a huge challenge to love myself, but I can do it through Christ.
Anyone else want to tackle the self-love challenge this year with me?
What is your one word challenge this year?
Oh, Jill!!
What a wise and important decision for your One Word. As a mom of three and nana of 5, I know what it is to try to stop negative self-talk by myself and by my children and oldest grandsons (12 & 6). Our negative self image is not naturally internal. I can watch my sweet grandbabies – the 4 yr old, 2 yr old, and 1 yr old who haven’t been much out of the arms of their loving parents and grandparents. Their joy of life and exuberance for everything show how unencumbered we begin.
I start 2018 looking toward my 55th birthday. Part of me just dreads reading that-the part that sees the crinkles around my eyes as wrinkles and the sparkles in my hair as gray. Self-loathing came down generational lines as both of my parents had dysfunctional families and passed that to my sisters and me. I tried, failed, and tried until I succeeded, to break that generational curse for my children. Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about people outside the family. But I can continue to be an example for them…soooo, my lovely daughter-in-law is taking me to her stylist this month and we are gonna rock the sparkles in my hair by adding silver highlights!
Oh, and my One Word: Hygge – encompassing the feelings of cosiness, contentment, and friendliness. **If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Job 36:11**
Thank you for your honesty and openness in sharing!
Jill, I can relate. Your words spoken from your heart are appreciated.
Thank you, Claudia!
Good for you!! I too struggle in this area… I haven’t decided on my one word yet. My *life* word is Hope. Just can’t live without it. I’m thinking about “intentional” or “discipline”. Haven’t 100% decided yet. God Bless!
Hi Kerri,
A few years ago, my word was intentional. Be patient, it will come to you.
This is a really neat site that supports your mission – I have done this for myself and my children for two years and we all wear our words so that we can look at them every day. Check it out!
https://www.myintent.org
I know for myself , loving me is hard , ask anyone.. I know I should . Also I wanted to say , I was going to buy myself a bracelet yesterday with a word on it but I didn’t because I thought others would think I was in vein wearing it. how silly I think of it now ..
@tisonlyme143
I just stumbled upon your website and was reading your one word for this year. Satan has been having a field day that has lasted for a while now. He has been beating me over the head with past sin and unfortunately he knows them all to well. His words are the usual your not good enough and so on. I to have struggled with self worth and poor self esteem many times through my life. I have been saved for many years with as I imagine my people with ups and downs. I have been praying about this and am determined to give this to my Father and to rest in His love and seeing myself through His eyes. I think I will borrow your word this year if you don’t mind and see what amazing things the Lord is going to do in and through me. God bless and I will keep watching to see what He doing through you. Carol
Jill,
Thank you for sharing your one word for 2018. “Self-Love” has been said to me many times over the last two months. Reading your post has opened my heart to accept that is what I am missing in my life and my journey/relationship with God. My sister, I want to tackle the self-love challenge with you. Thank you for being transparent.