One Little Word 2008

I pulled this from my old blog, out of the archives!

First of all, for those of you unfamiliar with the “One Word” concept, you can read more about it HERE.

I thought I had written about this earlier this year, but apparently not. So as the year is drawing to a close, I will share my “One Word” that I had for 2008:

Independence

It didn’t work out exactly as I had hoped at the beginning of the year, but it’s amazing how things work out according to God’s plans instead of our own, right? In January, my purpose in choosing this word was because I wanted to be living on my own, independent and strong. But instead, it worked out that relationships changed, and I gained myself back.

That sounds weird doesn’t it? To get mySELF back. But it truly is what happened. My marriage killed my personality, and who I was. It killed my confidence and self-esteem, which is definitely not okay, and not what God had planned for marriage. But part of that is my fault too, that my self worth was wrapped up in my husband – and that I gave him the power to whittle me down like that. I’m done with relationships that tear me down, whether the negativity is intentional or not. That includes romantic relationships, friendships, and familial relationships.

There are some relationships that will never be completely gone because of certain circumstances, but there are others that needed to change, and others that needed to be let go entirely. In letting go of those relationships, I am starting to get my confidence back. And I’m really enjoying that. Enjoying being myself again, and allowing that to come through as a mother, and as such, enjoying my child and our relationship even more.

So no, my word for 2008 didn’t really turn out the way I had planned – moved out and independent. But God worked in my life to a different end, and I am feeling my confidence and independence shine through in my personality like it hasn’t in many years. My strength, as a mother, a human being, and as a woman, is returning slowly but surely through the grace of God. And what a graceful God He is!!!

I’m writing this because I’m thinking about a word for 2009. I have many mulling around in my mind, but I’m thinking more of a concept, and trying to find a word to fit the concept. I will share more as it comes… :)