2023 Word of the Year

Choosing a word of the year is something I only started doing in the past few years. I used to stick with the goal setting trends but just like most people, those goals and lifestyle changes fizzled out by February. Now I do realize that there is nothing magical about January 1st but it does signify a new year. And each year brings its own set of challenges, celebrations, and changes. Setting a word of the year is kind of like setting the focus for the year. So what is my focus for 2023?

Before I get into what word I chose, I wanted to give a glimpse into what 2023 is bringing our way. Paris will be kidding in February. Kissy will be kidding in March. Madeline will be calving in May. Trexy will be calving in the fall, Lord willing she is successfully bred this winter. We plan to start milking the cows and goats, which brings the potential for making and selling milk based products, like soaps and lotions. We would love to start our own garden too. The list goes on, but as you can see 2023 is going to be busy and full of new experiences and challenges.

Jordan and I spend most evenings going through our ever-growing to do lists of projects, skills, classes, care plans, etc. Each time I am left feeling exited but also super anxious. Those feelings of doubt start to creep in. This doubt creates fear and I start to wonder if we can handle it all. But y'all every single time I have felt that fear, doubt, and anxiety creep in there has been one word that keeps being impressed on my heart. Brave.

The dictionary defines brave as "having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty; having or showing courage." Y'all this is what God keeps reminding me of. No matter how scary next year may look on paper, God is with us. No matter what obstacles we face, God is still good. No matter how difficult it may be be, God will give us the strength we need. 2023 may be full of some of our wildest farm life yet but no matter what, I will be brave because God is with us.

I'd love to hear what your Word of the Year is! Please share in the comments below.

How can I pray for you this week?