New Word: Renewal #WordsOfTheYear2021

As part of my Words Of The Year, the next word on my list is Renewal. What does this word mean? 

For me, it is the more religious meaning I suppose - because I am not resuming anything or really extending anything, expect maybe hopefully my own life (see my Sobriety post). I am repairing something I suppose, as in myself. And yes, I am seeking out my Faith, but that will be another word. So I guess what Renewal means to me is a new beginning, in a way. To go at life with a new vigor. To be open to new possibilities and new away of thinking. Try new things. Do new things. Experience new things. Revitalize myself. And my house, My life, my world, my surroundings, and maybe my family if they are willing to take some of these small journeys with, and so far they are.

Becoming a better person is part of it I suppose. But that is something I will likely spend the rest of my life on. But at least I can be consciously aware of it. And actively try to do that. It is not going to be the snap of my fingers and boom - there I am renewed and all better. I know I am highly judgmental. I am sure I always will be. But I can try hard not to be. I can take a beat before I say something or do something. To me, that is progress. Being more charitable, being more forgiving. Forgiveness towards other and towards myself. Because I do feel there is a lot I have to forgive myself for. There is also a lot I have to atone for. Those things do not happen overnight.

Renewal I suppose is also a form of awakening. When you realize that there are things you want to change. You may not know how to change them, but you seek to find ways to do so. 

   

Another Word: Sober, But Not One Of My #WordsOfTheYear2021

I was going to add Sober to my Words of the Year List, but I think this one stands alone. On St. Patrick's Day, funnily enough, will be my 2-year sober-versary from alcohol. And yes, I feel the need to clarify alcohol because yes, I have done other drugs, but it has been years. I can't even count how many. I lost count after 11. And that was around 2013.

Why did I choose to become Sober? Because of my family, of course. It was time. I was going out to the bar every single weekend and even on some week nights. Plus drinking at home nightly. What example did that set for my son? Not a good one, certainly.

I can give excuses. Reasons. Causes. But that would be the disease. And did I go to counseling or do The Steps? No. Should I have? Maybe. But I did it Cold Turkey. Was that healthy? Probably not the most. But I did it. And have no regrets.

   

The Examined Life Workbook #SelfCare2021

As part of my Words Of The Years post...a couple of my words were Detox and Self Care, and what better way to "work" on yourself than with a workbook, to really get in there and dig deep and figure some things out?

Everyone wants to be known. That begins with knowing yourself first. Having an understanding of who you are, combined with a clear vision of your future, provides the foundation for an incredible Life Lived by Design.

The Examined Life Workbook: A bold journey toward knowing yourself by Brittany Salsman 

Brittany, a former educator, was checking all the boxes until everything abruptly changed in 2017. A diagnosis of a brain tumor launched her into a life-long relationships with posttraumatic growth. She now works as an International Coach Federation (ICF) credentialed life coach and helps others experience this level of growth without the necessity of a traumatic event - what she calls non-traumatic growth. With this workbook, you are about to embark on a bold journey toward knowing yourself - learning who you are, what you dream of, and how to manifest it into reality.

In this workbook, you'll find over 70 tools, strategies, and exercises that help you exponentially increase your self-awareness without the necessity of a life-altering event. You will move toward a life where everything, everyone, every action, and every decision serves the purpose of taking you one step closer to your true self. 

10% of all profits from the sales of this book are donated to the American Brain Tumor Association.

I am not nearly a third of the way though this workbook, and it is pretty intense, which is a good thing. Makes you really truly examine yourself, and that is not a bad thing. It opens you up to yourself. Makes you self-aware. And for me, gives me renewal for the next day. I think no matter what stage you are at in life or what you are going through, everyone could benefit from this.

      

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Renovation - #WordsOfTheYear2021 #Renovation2021

The next word on my Words Of The Year list is Renovation. We have been working on our house for awhile, in preparation to sell in a few years. Jason - my hubby - is Pre-Law and will be taking his LSATs and be attending Law School which will require us to move to be closer to whichever law school he attends, since we now live in an area which is not close to a law school. So far we have redone the foundation, gotten new windows, done some landscaping in the yard, redone the flooring in the landing in the basement, redone Callan's room completely - flooring, walls, and he needed all new furniture to match his growing frame. We have painted the entire house interior, and gotten new cabinetry in the bathroom. We redid the backsplash in the kitchen, and are currently switching the entire upstairs from all carpet to all hardwood. I feel like there has been a perpetual layer of sawdust in my home. 

While all the home renovation is wonderful, I chose the word Renovation not only because of the work on the home, but also because of the work on our life. On ourselves. We have been trying to live cleaner lives and become healthier. This has been a journey for awhile, as both Jason and Callan are allergic to dairy and have to eat different and I have had to learn to cook differently. We have also decided to use different things for personal care and cleaning, etc. We have taken more notice of the things we purchase and how we dispose of things. Renovation means improving, essentially. And that is what we aim to do, in all things.

   

Detox - #WordsOfTheYear2021

So going off of my #WordsOfTheYear2021 - my first word was Detox. And when you think of that word, you think of the standard definition of detox, given by Merriam Webster here: 1: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance, a detox clinic. 2: a program or facility for assisting a person undergoing detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance, spent one week in detox. 3: a regimen or treatment intended to remove toxins and impurities from the body. A well-designed detox can help purge your liver, colon, and kidneys of toxins; clear your skin; boost your energy; and help you safely shed pounds.

And yes, that is all true. But I not only mean Detox my body. I also mean my home - because that is important as well. So I will be focused on that as well. Because really, there are so many toxins in the home you do not realize. In the household chemicals you clean with, in the makeup you wear, and the cleaners you use. Not only all that, but the food you eat, in the clothing you wear, and even in the furniture you sit on. And also I am looking at my space. The area we surround ourselves with. We need to downsize. We have spoiled Callan to no end. After Mason passed away I think we tried to compensate with "things". Of course, our child was going to want for nothing. Who doesn't want to provide for their child? But it did, often times, get to a point where we would be standing in line at the store and Callan would say "I want this" to a random item, something useless and silly, and we would say "Okay" and buy it. And it would sit untouched for years in his toy room. I mean honestly. Wasteful. And what did it teach him?

So I guess Detox is the big overall theme that breaks down the other words I chose: Renovate, Renewal, Organize, Selfcare, and Faith. And one big word I neglected to mention in my words for 2021 - Sobriety. In March, I will celebrate 2 years sober. I will talk about that in a future post. But, this is a big one for me, kids! And I am damn proud!

 

My #WordsOfTheYear2021

I have seen this across many blogs and social media, and yes it might be a little hokey to jump on a trend but.....heck, why not. Word(s) of The Year. Some people just chose one. I have chosen many.

Elisabeth Mcknight has a whole list to help you chose from. But she only lists two of my words.

Kirsten at Tribe Of Burton offers a beautiful idea list, but none of my words are on there.

The Dayspring Quiz for 2021 Word of The Year gave me the word: Comfort, which is nice. But....not what I am looking for exactly. So...WHAT are my words for this coming year? I think I have name a few of them in recent posts....and you will see a theme if you read me regualry.

Detox - as in my mind, my body, my home, my life

Renovate - much of the same as above

Renewal

Organize

Selfcare

and....last but not least, something I need to continue to work on...

Faith 

What is/are your Word(s) Of The Year?