I’ve always enjoyed words and the power they have to describe our feelings, their ability to encourage others, and change lives. In 2018, I started a tradition of closing out the year by sharing three words to describe it and found it fitting to continue!
You don’t need me to remind you that 2021 was a year like no other. We’re continuing to navigate our daily lives while living in the midst of a pandemic. While this is true, we can also reflect back and see what it brought us while looking forward to a fresh start in 2022.
Bold
I’m not one to typically pick a word for the year, but God did, so I trusted Him and rolled with it.
I was reading the Gospels in January and came upon Luke 11:8,
“I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your boldness he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.”
God had placed many big and scary plans on my heart. And until this year, I left them tucked away, safe and secure from any sort of accountability to take them from idea to action.
But I believe He picked that word for me because He knew I was going to need something to keep me focused for the plans He had in store for me in 2021. What a visionary He is!
I’m so thankful He did, because I needed it! I experienced many firsts and each crazy thing I felt called to step into, I was reminded of the man in Luke 11:8 and the benefit of living a life with boldness.
Know this, the only reason I was able to step into anything in 2021 with boldness was because of my confidence in God, not myself.
Awkward
I have a bit of a crush on this word. Mostly because it makes me, and many others, uncomfortable.
And that, my friends, is why I like it because often times (not always) being uncomfortable means we’re about to experience growth.
Much is the case for me this past year.
I tried a lot of new things and had absolutely no idea what I was doing.
They weren’t seamless, smooth, or natural.
There were many bumps, delays, and detours.
Lots of learning and growing happened on the daily.
It was awkward.
Sound familiar for anyone else?
This year was full of awkward moments and every one of them created an opportunity for me to grow, learn, and stretch.
And I loved it.
Proud
I tried so many things this year that I normally would’ve talked myself out of.
Perfectionism would’ve been on my shoulder saying, you’re not ready yet.
Insecurity would’ve told me I’m not qualified.
Fear would’ve called me a liar, questioning that I could do big things.
To reflect back on my first word, bold, a confidence in God I’ve never experienced before was sparked and because of that, many things were done in 2021 that I’m extremely proud of.
- Published my first book – Living in the Wait: How to Use the Delays in Life Differently
- Hosted the first ever Living Through Infertility Summit with attendance from four countries and 13 states
- Offered virtual Event Consulting services nationally
- Declared myself a speaker and graduated from the Signature Talk Studio
The day before my book was set to be released I had one last call with my author program. Each of the members were graciously sharing words of encouragement with me ahead of my big day. As the comments were coming to a close, one member chimed in and shared, “I’m proud of you.”
I instantly shared crying.
Those four words mean the world to me and yet, I don’t hear them enough, especially towards myself.
This year reminded me I have so much to be proud of. Whether they are seen or unseen, I am proud of the growth, progress, and stretching that took place in me this year.
What Are Your Three Words?
Happy New Year and much love to you all! I can’t wait to see God at work in your lives this coming year! Thank you for following along, reading blog posts, commenting, emailing, and praying for us. My family is forever grateful to you for investing in our lives!
What three words would you use to describe your 2021? Comment below!
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Please share with someone you know who could use some encouragement in the wait.