The One-Word Year

At some point in mid-January, I read a blog post with a new twist on the New Year's Resolution concept. This post suggested that thinking about your year in one word would be an easier way to make moment-to-moment changes or to help keep your focus for the long term. What a concept...a new year's resolution that lasts past January 15th!

And so, my friends, I present to you 2014: the year of INTENTIONAL. (being intentional or living intentionally, but those are 2 words). 

January was our first month of intentional spending. Cash not plastic. The benefits have been mind-boggling. We actually have to stop and THINK about what we're buying before we buy it. During one of my first trips to the grocery store during this month, I actually had a mild internal panic while walking toward the register because I wasn't sure if what I had in my wallet amounted to enough to pay for what I had in my basket. I had more than enough, but it was a new feeling and reiterated the importance of this exercise turned lifestyle. 

And yes, we're going Dave Ramsey on our finances. Some friends of ours got us intrigued enough to give it a try, their excitement about being debt-free (minus the mortgage) was contagious. And that's only the beginning. 

Mid-way through January, I also realized that I wanted to be intentionally married too. Not just married but like really, actually, working hard to be loving our marriage (but mostly each other). More on that as it happens, but so far even small efforts make a big difference. 

I also can't wait to tell you what else I've been learning...note to self for a future blog post...Dads aren't Moms and other earth-shattering news. (Intentional parenting? or Intentional marriage? or Both!)