Rooted

Happy New Year friends! I hope your celebrations were full of party poppers, sparkling cider, sparkly clothes and count-downs!

Something about me, is that I’m a big advocate for New Years Resolutions. To me, it’s the perfect excuse to write down all the things you’ve failed to do and plan on doing now. I think its a great way to keep yourself accountable when life takes over and clouds your judgement. I like making broad resolutions that I can hopefully achieve throughout the year. For example: “Do something amazing” was one I’d written down last year. I also make specific ones like “Drink more water.” I would highly recommend sitting down and really thinking of some challenging changes you want to make for this upcoming new year.

I’ve made endless lists and have successfully achieved some, but also have had some repeats for consecutive years in a row. Something I haven’t done before is pick a word of the year. This idea came about so that people could have one word that can help them achieve things so much deeper than drinking water daily, or smiling at a stranger. When friends and family members gave me their words I was blown away by how impactful they can be: Focus, perspective, joy, determination were just some that were told to me.

I started to reflect back on 2018 and everything I achieved as well as everything I grew and learned from. I looked over my list and tried to find a word that could check off a lot of the goals I have. The word that came to mind was ” Rooted.

Rooted: adj. Establish deeply and firmly

I chose this word because I couldn’t get it out of my head every time I tried to choose a different one. I kept coming back to everything in my life. I have amazing friends who have my back no matter what, so I’ve decided to invest in them more; plant my roots and grow with them and around them so that we can become friends that make memories together instead of talking about ones we’ve made on our own. I go to an amazing church (Paradox Church: it’s wonderful, join me, you’ll love it) so I should take advantage of it. I want to become a member and partner, planting myself in the roots of its growing community. I attend a beautiful school and I want to somehow give back and make myself known there. In 2019 I will be giving campus tours to prospective students so I can talk about the history and roots of TCU, as well as my experience and how TCU is now a part of who I am.

I also want to stay grounded and rooted in myself. With all the stress and heartbreak that comes with life, I never want to lose sight of the human God made me to be. Establishing who I am and what plans I have for my future is probably going to be the biggest challenge this year, but will end up having the most exciting reward.

I’ve never chosen a word of the year, but I have a pretty good feeling that this will be a good one for me. I want to challenge you to do the same. Think of one word to hold close to you this year and actively try and live it out. Break it down, marinate in the letters that form your word, and make this year the best one it can be!

When Life Hands You Lemons, Plant your Roots.