Looking back on my word for 2015, I wonder if I learned anything at all. My workload was the heaviest it has ever been and I lost most of my summer to it.
Did I lighten ANYTHING in 2015? I certainly stuck to my 10 lb. lift restriction. It has changed the way I cook, shop, and run my sessions. I now have the lightest camera bag on the market and limit myself to bringing only one camera body and lens per session. I said goodbye to photographing weddings in 2015 after working through the last three under contract. I cut way back on household chores and gave our teen boys responsibility for their own laundry. (If they are in dire need, I will toss a few of their things in with mine – but it has been a rare occurrence.) I haven’t pushed myself like I used to prior to surgery. I am now willing to let some things go.
I guess the most important thing for me to keep in mind is that I likely made more changes this year than I would have without my One Little Word. And that counts for something in my book. [If you’d like to learn more about this practice, click HERE for details.]
My OLW for next year came to me a few months ago. Our baby started high school and our oldest, his last year. With college looming, our family dynamic will be shifting in 2016. I want to make the most of each moment while it is still in front of me. No regrets.
When I lost last summer to work, I also stopped making time for cooking and baking, walking, scrapbooking, photographing for fun, reading, and date nights. I found myself mainly living in survival mode which dulls the senses. Now, after several weeks off of that roller coaster, I finally feel like my old self. I chose SAVOR as my word for 2016 as a reminder to stop rushing time. I want to hold onto the moment, embrace stillness, enjoy the little things that bring flavor to my life.
savor
[sey-ver] /?se? v?r/
noun
- the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or of smell.
- a particular taste or smell.
- distinctive quality or property.
- power to excite or interest.
- Archaic. repute.
verb (used without object)
- to have savor, taste, or odor.
- to exhibit the peculiar characteristics; smack (often followed by of).
verb (used with object)
- to give a savor to; season; flavor.
- to perceive by taste or smell, especially with relish.
- to give oneself to the enjoyment of: to savor the best in life.
How about you? How did things go for your OLW in 2015? What have you chosen to embrace in the year ahead?
