Each year when a word chooses me I think this word will be easy to pay attention to.
Each year I am surprised by what I learn or struggle through.
I thought JOY would be super easy, but I was wrong.
As you can see in my collage, there is plenty of JOY in my life.
When I started to pay attention to JOY I started
noticing times when I didn't feel so Joyful.
Times of sorrow, sadness, and yep even some depression.
Sometimes it was difficult to rise above it and feel the JOY.
Sometimes others reminded me of my word, JOY, and
I would find superficial ways of creating the JOY.
Sometimes it was turning up the music loud and feeling it in my soul.
There were times when I needed to take an hour out of my day to walk through a garden.
But always that word would sing in my soul and I would remember.
I think JOY is a part of me and will creep into my words here from time to time;
but then that is a part of what Delights my Heart.
I hope you have found JOY this year and that
maybe the word you chose for 2010 has taught you some valuable lessons.
Do you have a new word for 2011?
I do have one, which I will tell you on Friday.
I will be away Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
still finding the JOY in my days.
Hi, Marilyn! JOY is my favorite word, my favorite expression... and it try to make it my way of being all through the week. At the turn of a year, I like too like to use a word or phrase/motto as a guideline. For 2011 my aim is Live Slow/Live Well. I plan to write more after the New Year about it next week. :o) Hope you are enjoying this festive season! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteOne of the JOYs of my life this year has been getting to know you a bit more in person! Find JOY as your spend the next few days away from here - looking forward to seeing more of you in the coming year, my friend.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Gentle and Peaceful for 2011 and blessings from above.
ReplyDeleteI love all you share
Thank you for all the joy you bring into my world with your golden gift of friendship
Love Jeanne♥
It's funny how the word we choose (or the word that chooses us) colors our year, staying in our heads and hearts, even those hard times when the word feels so wrong. I am so glad to hear someone else say that sometimes the word, even such a word as joy (perhaps especially such a word as joy) isn't easy.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what your new word is. :)
xo
Debi
Joy is such a great word, not surprised you found yourself at times, wondering where the joy was. Joy is tough to live up to 24/7. In this day and age, it's just hard. So I would think joy for you, was helpful during the year. Reminding you there is joy in the world, no matter what we're going through at that particular time.
ReplyDeleteI hope this makes some sort of sense.
I en "joy" ed your post very much.
Have a great New Year
I've enjoyed reading your JOYful posts this year, Marilyn, and am looking forward to your 2011 word choice.
ReplyDeleteHave a very Happy New Year
I haven't chosen a word for the year, but I have enjoyed watching *your* joyful journey! In fact, today I got a Coke at McDonald's and couldn't help thinking of you because it had "joy" written on the cup. And "joy" is a great thing to be known for!
ReplyDeleteI've so enjoyed all the JOY shown in your recent Christmas pictures Marilyn................and of course throughout this past year.
ReplyDeleteI guess my word for 2010 had to be ADVENTURE because of my huge, awesome safari trip to those four stunning African countries! Memories are daily, the details whirl nonstop through my head. I'm still floored when I look back at my pictures and relive each adventurous day enjoying raw Nature at her best! I'm grateful that the love and generosity of a friend made it all possible and wish everyone could see Africa!
Although I will, God willing, be off on more adventures this coming year, I've yet to come up with a word.........but I'll definitely work on my choice.
All the best for 2011 dear friend. Perhaps this will be the year we enjoy a cuppa together somewhere, how lovely that would be! Meanwhile, I'm so thankful to have you as a dear blog friend and will continue to enjoy visiting you here each day.
Happy, healthy New Year to you and yours Marilyn.
Hugs - Mary
And I always love the joy you infuse everything with. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy word for 2011 is Balance.
What a great idea...I am anxious to see your new words for 2011...I will have to ponder this one...thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHi, Marilyn! My word for 2011 is actually Joy! More on that later...but for now, I'd like to hear more about your journey with this word. Let's make a date for tea soon!
ReplyDeletestephanie
I haven't ever picked a word for a year -- I know Beth does, and I've often thought I should. But about joy -- it's my "word" in a way. Not just for next year. In fact, maybe not for next year. But for any year! I'll be curious to see what your word is!
ReplyDelete