OLW 2023

 My One Little Word for 2023

2018= Joy

2019= Believe

2020= Reach

2021= Create

2022= Thrive

I'll admit sometime I struggle with having courage. I've lived comfortably/safely on this side of fear probably my whole life.

Fear stops me sometimes.

Fear of not knowing.

Fear of causing an upset.

Fear of making someone angry.

I'm fearful of snakes, fearful of dogs, fearful of horses…well I guess all animals basically.

You guys….I got a Cricut last year for Christmas. I really wanted it, I knew I would love it. But …..I didn't open it for a YEAR! Too scared to mess up, didn't know how,  too intimidated! 

I thought about choosing the word "fearless" to lead me into 2023 but that just didn't seem like me. Some people live life fearlessly. However, it didn't sound like something I would do. Fearless literally means "without fear". I can already tell you that is not me. I will always have "fear". (Caution you could say) A healthy amount caution has protected me and my children from danger . Prevented accidents, etc.

Therefore .....I'm selecting the word "Anyway".

I saw a piece entitled "Do it Anyway" It really resonated with me.

This seemed more like me. I've always said and thought "Don't let other people's behavior change your character" 

They may be acting unkind, be kind anyway. 

They may be rude, be polite anyway. 

They may be impatient, this is the time to show your patience. 

They maybe unhappy or grumpy, but you can still show them happiness. 

Yes this seemed more like me. 

So I am learning to live life in spite of my fear. Most of you know we own  horse and Kaitlyn rides (really "races" her horse around barrels ) Yes I still squirm in my seat when I think she's going too fast. I grit my teeth and even emit a choice word or two when it's just more than my momma fear can take. But guess what, she's getting to do it. She rides horses, she has her own horse. Even though I'm afraid, I let her follow her dreams desires and wishes. I feel her confidence and her courage and let those outweigh my fears. 

I even opened my Cricut this week and jumped in with my first project. It's ok if I mess up or don't know how, just do it anyway. Isn't that the definition of courage? Feeling the fear but doing it anyway. Yes, FEAR is not the Boss of me! (that is actually a book by Jennifer Allwood that I read last year) Fear shouldn't stop me from doing the things I want to do ! I'm going to do it ANY WAY I can anyway!