Merry Christmas! I can’t believe that we only have 1 more day left of 2022. I feel like the last few months of the year really fly by fast.
Our family had a nice Christmas. We went up to Wisconsin to celebrate with Christian’s family and just got home yesterday. We had a nice visit (a little bit of a scary drive up there trying to beat the blizzard, but we made it safely!) and also made time to visit Jesse at the Shrine while we were there.
Reflection on 2022
Our family had quite a year, but it was definitely a much better year than 2021. 2022 brought us a new house (a much needed blessing for our family), new job for Christian both on the civilian side and military side, a promotion to Captain, masters degree for Christian, new baby, new puppy, new glasses for Theresa and a big surgery for her, and new schools for the older 2 kids, new activities and new friends, lots of family visits, time spent outside, and lots of runs!
For the past few years I have enjoyed choosing a word of the year (I like to use Jen Fulwiler’s generator for mine). The word I ended up with this year was mission. I wasn’t really consistent with keeping up with my blog and had some writers block while also struggling with grief at the beginning of the year. But throughout the year I made it a goal to keep returning to my ‘mission’ if you will. My purpose behind this blog is to show a complete picture of what motherhood looks like, including the good, the bad and the ugly with my faith mixed in. I managed to keep writing, get outside help and tips to improve my content, participated in my first Catholic Mom Bundle, and successfully shared, launched, and completed the Friendship with the Saints project for the month of November. I still have goals for my blog, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished this year.
I also have come to understand what God’s will is for me (another mission) at this time. I realized that I am called to motherhood and to raise my kids right now. I’ve mentioned before on here how I was wondering if there is more I’m supposed to be doing. But I’m doing what I need to right now (and still learning along the way!). Which leads me into my goals for 2023…
My 2023 Word of the Year
I decided to once again use Jen Fulwiler’s word of the year generator to randomly select my 2023 word. The word I got is: Draw. And I have to admit, I was confused at first. I’m a writer, and of course I get the word draw. My sister also enjoys using the same generator and so we exchanged what we both got. I told her how I was confused by mine and she preceded to tell me how she listened to Jen’s podcast about the generator and how she discussed that the words we get are up to our own interpretation. Again, it’s all for fun but it can also be a way to open yourself up to a new way of thinking or direction you want to go.
Usually when I dive into understanding a word, I go straight to the dictionary to analyze the definition. However, considering that draw is the word I have, I’m deciding to not be so quick to go to the literal definition. When I first hear the word draw, I think of creativity; sitting down to illustrate whatever image comes to mind. I know that I tend to get stuck in the routine of day to day life and like to stay where I’m safe and know what’s coming next. But maybe this is my call to be open to new ideas.
My kids love to color and draw pictures for others. It makes them happy. I used to do a lot more crafts with my kids, before life became hectic. Maybe this is also my call to slow down and take the time to be more present to my kids.
Draw can also mean to pick and choose (think of drawing names out of a hat). I am guilty of getting lots of books that look so interesting, but never making the time to read them. Maybe this is my call to pick and choose from the books I already have and actually take the time to read them.
I also think it is my call to pick out the moments of my day that bring me joy. I have been struggling lately with feeling joyful in my vocation. Life has been a little stressful recently from the day to day tasks with all the busy-ness added from the holidays. I have been quick to lose patience. But I have been inspired by Alex Derose who shares about keeping a motherhood gratitude journal. I designed my own journal and one of my goals next year is to write in it each day and pick out the moments that bring me joy.
My other goal for next year is to really take the time to DRAW out what foods I eat and start meal prepping as a way to be more mindful and eat healthier.
Saint of the Year
I actually forgot that I had chosen a saint of the year at the beginning of 2022. I had chosen St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. She is the patron saint of devotees of the Sacred Heart, and I had written a piece on The Sacred Heart of Jesus this year. She was also one of the saints featured in the Friendship with the Saints project.
I am going to try to do a better job at getting to know my saint of the year for 2023, St. Louis IX. He is patron saint of many things, but the ones that stood out to me are parenthood and parents of large families. He sounds like a great friend for me!
Blessings for a Happy New Year
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year! I always enjoy reflecting on my year and anticipating the new one to come. Did anyone else use the word of the year or saint of the year generator? I’m excited to hear what words you got! What was your favorite part of 2022? What are you looking forward to in 2023?
