New Year's Word: Balance

A writer friend of mine, Cat Woods, posted about her new alternative to New Year's Resolutions.  She chose one word that will motivate her throughout the year. I chose a word but, as I was thinking it through, I realized I'll need two more words to make my first word work.  

BALANCE

I chose the word balance because I am constantly trying to balance the various areas of my life - family, friends, health, teaching, writing, hobbies, interests . . . - and it's often hard to do.

FOCUS

But, balance isn't enough.  If I don't focus, I can't achieve balance.  I flit from thing to thing, often leaving things half-finished or finished, but not to the best of my ability. 

  

PLANNING

And, balance and focus won't happen unless I use planning.  If I take the time to plan my days and for upcoming events, I'll be prepared to focus on each aspect individually and fully, and I'll achieve balance.  Well, that's my goal at least.   

In addition to adding these words, I'm hoping to strike the phrase "should have" from my vocabulary.  If I apply planning, focus and balance, I "shouldn't have" cause to use it!

Typically, I would have posted this without giving it another thought and later I'd be saying to myself, "I should have had a giveaway for my first post of the year!".  But, since I'm banning that phrase from my life and I'm doing more focusing and planning, I stopped myself!  

Introducing, my first giveaway of 2012!!!

You can earn up to three entries by doing the following:

1 - Comment here with your word - or words - for the new year (required).  

2 - Link to this post on your website, blog, facebook or twitter.  

3 - Follow this blog (if you're already a follower, you'll get an entry).

I'll randomly pick from the entries a week from today, January 8th and one lucky winner will receive a $25 gift card to the independent bookstore of his/her choice.

Good luck - and may the word be with you!  (sorry, I can't resist a bad pun!)