I started this practice of choosing one word of the year to motivate and inspire me. I did it in the past, but I couldn’t keep up. This year, I am restarting this practice with the word GROW.
As a middle-aged woman, why do I need to grow? Because one never stops learning. I echo what CS Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”. Society assumes that woman my age should have been settled by now, and is pursuing her purpose in life. But what if she hasn’t? What if the clarity of her purpose hasn’t come yet? Or what if she wants to start over?
I am again in a season of growth. The Lord planted seeds in my heart in 2021 and I want to see them bud in the new year. As I motivate myself with my word of the year, let me share the areas of growth I want to see flourish.
Grow in my Faith
My walk with Christ has its peaks and valleys. In the beginning, I was so devoted to attending every Bible study group, reading my Bible, and serving in the church. The fire kept burning in my heart to know more. Then, I would experience dry seasons where opening the Bible was no longer a priority and prayer was the last resort.
It happened again this pandemic because I never admitted the anxiety was eating me up and slowly kept me away from God and His Word. I don’t know what it was. Maybe it was the fear and uncertainty of the invisible enemy. Or perhaps I realized I have no control over things. Why would God allow these things to happen now? Then, it hit me. My spiritual health is crucial if I want to live a whole life, especially this time.
So how will I grow in my faith? I set a goal of reading the entire Bible for 2022 with this guide. More than reading and memorizing verses, I believe the Lord wants me to apply them in my life every day. In James 1:22 it says,” But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” I am also practicing unhurried prayer time unmindful and enjoy my intimate time with the Lord.
Grow in my Relationships
I have a confession to make: I don’t have a lot of friends. What I have are very close friends that go back 30 years. These are the ones I keep close and know me inside and out. They say, the older you get, the smaller is your circle of friends. Why is that? I don’t know. I guess it’s because life happens. Some people come into our lives for a reason and a season. The Lord allows them to fulfill their purpose in our lives and vice versa. It is painful to see them go, but that’s how life is. Maybe someday you will meet them again.
As some friends moved on, a few acquaintances entered my circle. Yes, we are growing the relationship online, but it would be a different if it was face-to-face. I am also growing deeper connections with a few key people because they have become mentors. It’s a relationship that is growing by the day and I am happy to have them in my life.
How do I grow in my relationships? We will always have annoying people in our lives and I have to accept that’s how they are. Their purpose is not to annoy me, but to train me in compassion, empathy, and patience. Also, to grow in my relationships, I need to reach out and open myself to other people. I might add value to them or vice versa.
Grow Myself
I don’t know about you, but I am all for personal development and learning something new every day. Maybe it’s the learner in me kicking in every time I discover something new. Trainings, webinars, books, and podcasts that focus on understanding and developing the self draw me in. While others avoid self-improvement, I embrace it and am super inspired by it.
The problem lies in the application part. It is when the rubber meets the road, I either procrastinate or give in to distractions. It motivated me, but it would take time before it the lesson sinks in. Like any proud people I know, haha, I won’t go down without a fight. I will resist the change even if I am sure this change would help me grow. At my age, I still receive corrections from other people and it hurts my pride. But after contemplating on it, I realize they are right. They see my blind spots and want to help me become better. I don’t know everything and neither have I reached a level of spiritual, emotional, and even entrepreneurial maturity. I have a lot to learn.
How do I grow myself? I will continue to grow myself by reading books, listening to podcasts, and attending trainings and webinars. What is more important is the application of the lessons. Nothing will come out of all the great trainings if I don’t put my feet into action. It starts with the right mindset and taking action.
Grow my Entrepreneurial Skills
My word of the year also includes growing my business skills. I have been in the traditional business for quite some time and also ventured into doing an online business. Why did I get into business? Of course, I need income and being an employer is better than being an employee.
I have nothing against employment because that’s how my father sent me to school. My husband, who is also an employee, is paying for the bills and all our other expenses. But after reading Robert Kiyosaki’s book, Rich Dad Poor Dad, I understood why entrepreneurship is better than employment in the long run.
Despite being in business for several years, I know I have a lot to learn and I want to learn more. Being a traditional business owner is challenging and so will be a non-traditional one. As I slowly transition from one world to the next, I need to up my game and get the training I need.
How will I grow my entrepreneurial skills? I need to read books on business, finances, and personal development. I must have the humility to be trained by business coaches. And I have to get out of my comfort zone or I will remain in this state for the rest of my life.
Do have your word of the year too? If you are clueless, here’s a great link to find out what you can focus on this 2022.
