My One Word for 2016

Last year, I chose One Word that was my focus for 2015. I wrote it down in places that I would see it every day. When I had decisions to make I reflected on my One Word and whether my decision would affect what I wanted to achieve. Last year's One Word was "Balance". I was completely out of balance in my life and needed to regain control in numerous areas. I really believe that I did so much better "balancing it all" and even though it isn't perfect, I know I am much more balanced than I was in 2014. To see my post from last year, click HERE.

I tossed around several different words for the last few weeks, trying to see if I kept seeing one, kept hearing it in my mind, praying over the words, and waiting for a sign. It didn't come right away like I expected it too.  In fact, I'm half-way through January and I've finally felt like NOW my One Word is clear.

My One Word is..................................... BEGIN. 

To begin, begin. 

William Wordsworth 

One day last week, I came across this quote and it made me stop. Of course, to begin....you must begin. It was that light-bulb moment.  I had several of them while reading TAMING THE TO-DO LIST a couple months ago. See my post about it HERE. I realized while reading this book, that I have a problem with procrastination and starting projects. I put off the hard ones, constantly moving them to the next list and the next one while crossing off the small, easy tasks so I feel like I am accomplishing something. But, those big tasks are still looming over my head. But, since I've read that book, I have realized that just beginning is the battle. Once I start, I plow through and finish the job. I just need to begin.

Begin ~ to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start:

This definition sounds optimistic and refreshing. Every day is a new beginning, a fresh start, a do-over. But, for some reason beginning can be difficult for me. Maybe it is that what is ahead is unknown, maybe I'm tired, maybe I don't know how to begin or what my next steps should be. 

I've struggled with beginning a new book because I am worried it won't live up to my expectations.

I have a hard time beginning to write a review because the words aren't coming easily.

I have big projects that seem overwhelming so rather than starting them, I just keep moving them from list to list. But, beginning it, is better than ignoring it and not doing it at all.

I need to workout and if I just begin, it goes by fast, but beginning is the hard part. 

Just beginning doesn't require me to be perfect or to finish the job right away or even without mistakes. I just need to begin it. 

God even spent seven days creating the Earth. He had a huge task in front of him and He knew he couldn't finish it all in one day....so He broke it down into parts....creating darkness and light, waters and land, plants and animals, and humans. He spent six days completing his tasks, but to do that he had to...BEGIN. 

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ~ Genesis 1:1

Your beginning will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. ~ Job 8:7

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:8

All of these verses inspire me to begin and I'm am hoping that this is the year I begin AND finish all those things hanging over my head.

• Organizing our mud room
• Making my heirloom tray
• Hanging up photos on the wall
• Starting the boys' t-shirt quilts
• Repotting my household plants

These are just a few projects that have been on my to-do list for over a year and are just waiting for me to........BEGIN.

What tasks to you need to begin? Are they as small as unloading the dishwasher or starting a load of laundry? Or is it as big as remodeling a room or painting the walls or rekindling a broken relationship? 

I'm am looking forward to starting 2016 with a new beginning.....a new way to.......BEGIN. 

Did you choose a One Word? If so, share it with me!