Word of the Year Check-In
Hello Reader,
What was your word for 2023? Did you have one?
As I sit alone in a hotel room, I'm reflecting on my 2023 Word of the Year. And I’d love to hear your thoughts with a quick reply:
My words for 2023 were ENJOY FLOW.
Starting the year feeling weary of pain and striving, I prayerfully chose them for two reasons:
- as a heart's cry for God to do something new for and through me
- I felt He was beckoning me to depend less on my efforts and watch Him bring fruitfulness.
Choosing a word for your year’s intention in your life and business isn’t a magic wand that fairygodmothers (yes, I made that a verb) your circumstances.
It’s the word that aligns and focuses your perspective and openness in whatever comes your way.
There was plenty in my year that didn’t feel like it was flowing with ease nor enjoyment:
tough decisions
tension or awkwardness in relationships
things not going as I preferred
feeling pulled in too many directions
But the sense of striving and hustling reminded me of Bible verses I’d see on my vision board when I’d turn on my laptop. These verses brought to mind images of...
rivers and pools flowing in deserts
new life in abundance
shared burdens and restful ways of doing things
My vision board and word of the year regularly reminded me to look for what God was up to.
I can be determined (eh hem, stubborn) and naturally set in my ways, so I was aware that, in order to make room for new frutifulness, some of my approaches and mindset would need to be disrupted.
This meant my year was full of surrendering, listening, and exploring when I encountered both roadblocks and new opportunities.
Enjoying flow I’m 2023 looked like
- supporting 8 authors walk through various aspects of their self-publishing journey
- more lightheartedness in my marriage despite some scary circumstances
- unexpected friendships
- deepening my awe for God watching Him provide for some people in profound ways
- refreshing connecting God in personal ways (including watching The Chosen series and (oddly) reading the Wingfeather Saga fantasy series)
- supporting new and returning clients and seeing abounding growth
- feeling confident about declining client opportunities that weren’t a good fit
- feeling the freedom to advocate for some of my needs and others', yet having the peace to leave the ultimate outcomes up to God
- leading and supporting 5 ministry leaders and 19 participants through a 10-month emotional healing discipleship program -- and some very challenging times
In the meantime, my 2022 ALIVE vision board is still displayed above my desk. It makes me smile and reminds me of WHO I want to be and what’s IMPORTANT to me when life gets too busy or serious.
🌟By the way, my next LIVE online Vision Board Retreat starts Thurs, Jan 4th. 🌟
Do you need focus, clarity and renewal for what you are sensing is your calling in 2024?
Feeling called to create or offer something exciting yet daunting --even though you don't know the heck what you're doing yet -- and want to connect with others on a similar adventure?
This Vision Board Retreat is time set aside for YOU. You give a lot to others. And in a messy world that is going to need more hope and help than ever on 2024. A fun, calm time to check in with who you truly are, what’s most important, and where you’re going. Click above to register this weekend -- and save $30 (bonus code: GUMPTION).
Cheering you on,
Emily
Hello, big-hearted, purpose-driven friend! If you're wondering why you've received an email from me, let me quickly remind you. I'm Emily Grabatin, the author of Dare to Decide: Discovering Peace, Clarity, and Courage at Life's Crossroads, and the creator of the empowering Awaken Self-Discovery Journal.
Through my coaching services and resources, I aim to inspire big-hearted service providers and authors like yourself, guiding you toward clarity and focus to help you flourish in your God-given dreams. Whether you're navigating doubt, wrestling with perfectionism, battling distractions, or feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help you find your clear path.
When you discover that path, not only will your gifts and message resonate powerfully, but you'll also grow spiritually and personally along the way. Join me on this transformative journey, and let's make a lasting impact together.
