I can’t remember the last time I felt so optimistic about a new year. For the most part, 2018 had some incredible moments. After years of fruitless searching and getting outbid, Bryan and I finally purchased and settled into our home in a beautiful corner of New Jersey, a stone’s throw from a lake, parks, cute restaurants, shopping, and a Target (ha!). I walked alongside my anxiety, keeping pace and starting to understand it’s meaning and significance in my life. I saw one of my closest friends get married, and welcomed a baby into our circle of friends.
But like all things in life, 2018 presented its share of challenges. I felt my body miscarry a baby and I carried that guilt with me like an albatross. Surgery to remove fibroids left me out of commission for weeks and I had a harder time with recovery than I thought I would. I lost a few friendships in a billowing cloud of “what the fuckery.” All teachable moments.
That said, I am very ready for this new year.
My word for 2018 was ACCEPTANCE, and I struggled deeply with that, beginning in September and stretching well into the cold, winter months. I want to stay along the same course, however, and get back what I lost because I believe this will be a much better year and I’m excited for what’s in store. Travel. Marriage. Adding to our little family (either with a human child or a fur friend—I’d love to make this the year we return to fostering!). To borrow Beth’s word from last year, my word of 2019 is NOURISH. Defined as “provid[ing] the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.”
It’s time to nourish mind, body, and soul. Moving forward, I will ask myself the following questions with decisions that I make in life—both big and small.
Does it make me happy/bring me joy?
Will it enrich my life—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and/or physically?
Do I feel a sense of obligation by saying “yes”?
Do you have a word of the year? Let me know in the comments, and happy happy New Year to you all, my friends!
Also special thanks to Christina for this pic <3 <3 <3
I love that you are choosing nourish this year!! I think it’s a perfect word for you, after all you dealt with in 2018 I think focusing to nourish yourself is such a great idea! And I hope for nothing but good things for you this year! It certainly looks as if there are exciting things on the way for you! I can’t wait to see all of it. Love you lady!
Wishing you nothing but the best in this new year! I too am going in optimistic and I think that will help get the ball rolling in the right direction. Your questions are ones we should all probably all ask ourselves a lot more too! May 2019 be full of nourishing! I miss fostering, maybe this year I will get back to that too! XOXO
Happy New Year, Charlotte! You definitely had a big year in 2018, but I hope that 2019 is amazing for you and only happy things come your way. 🙂 I like your word for the year. Mine is GROWTH.
-Lauren
I love that picture, and I think that word is perfect for you. I know you’re going to nourish yourself and your family. I’m excited for you this year, and can’t wait to see what happens. I’m also so happy that you are in your house. I knew you would find it! I’ve been slacking in all things blogging, but I’m looking to do more this year and find balance (my word) with everything I do. Happiest New Year to you!
Here’s hoping your 2019 is all you want it to be! Love the word you chose and the meaning behind it.
That reminds me of when you inevitably come visit, because there is a local restaurant called Noutush. It’s definitely a vegetarian restaurant. I actually think it might be vegan, but I’m not 100% on that because I think they have some eggs and dairy. Either way, it’s perfect for us. I felt extremely hopeful about last year, and I do think it paid off. I’m not saying I’m not hopeful this year, but I think I’m still taking a lot of what I took from previous years. Basically what I’m saying is that I’m feeling good. And I’m totally a believer in intentions and making things come to be. Can’t wait to hear about your year!
It’s going to be a better year. I had a miscarriage almost 5 years ago and that seems like it was yesterday but then I realize that was so long ago. I think that’s something that always sticks to you and you always wonder what would it have been like? I think its OK to think about that but only for a little while. I’m still trying to figure that balance out.
I loved Beth’s word last year so much and was so close to choosing it myself this year! I’m so glad you chose this and I think this word is perfect for you. I know you went through a lot in 2018 and I wish all good things for you in 2019.
Those 3 questions you mention are brilliant and such a good way to know when something is for us or not. Life is too short to feel guilty about saying no to things that don’t bring joy.
This post made me tear up!! I am so happy for you both in your new dream home. I am so very sorry for that huge loss this year and I cannot imagine how hard that must have been. I truly feel like you are living your life to the fullest Charlotte and I get inspired reading your posts!
Here’s to an even better 2019 xoxoxo
I love the word you picked for the year… I hope that it fits well with your goals and life in a new home! 🙂 I hope for only the best for you in 2019. <3
Nourish is an amazing word! I think it will be a great word for you and I am feeling like 2019 will be a great year. Much love to you my friend. <3