WORD FOR THE YEAR | 2016.

Rest. Present. Surrender. Openness. Vulnerability. Newness. These are the words that have been flowing through my mind and heart for the past few weeks. They're the things that I find important in life and yet, things I personally struggle with on a day-to-day basis and know I need to work on.

In previous years, I've focused on words like BOLD and FULL. To live boldly and then to live life to the fullest. And last year, my word for the year was BELIEVE. To believe in God's plans, to trust in His ways, and to make my faith more of a priority in life. I wouldn't say I excelled in it, but I did learn a lot about myself and who I am, want to be, and am no longer.

So here I am, in 2016. Baffled that we've made it to 2016 so quickly yet I know that this year will likely slip through my fingers as quickly as the last.

Just like each December past, I wondered about what word I would land on. I tend to let words wander through my mind and then end up waiting to see what God points out which word it should be. I always end up looking forward to that moment because it always comes at just the right time. I start panicking that it won't come to me, but it always does. And it's a reminder that He's always there.

Sidenote: Wow, that got deep fast! 

So what word is it? This year, I've decided to land on being STILL. To live in the moment, to slow down, and really just savor where I'm at. I have a bad habit of busying myself and over-working myself with my job. I let it consume my life and it prevents me from taking care of myself.

So this year, my goal is to breathe more, slow down a little, and just enjoy what's right in front of me. To stop looking ahead and slow down so I can soak up what He's already given me. Within this goal of being still, I hope to be able to surrender my plans and worries to Him. I also hope to let Jesus into my life more, too. My hope is that by being still, it'll allow me to rediscover His love, grace, and goodness each and every day.

And I'm looking for any tips you've got for slowing down and enjoying the present. What do you do to slow down? What do you do to cherish the present?

And anyone else out there have a word for the year? I'd love to hear it, if you chose one! Or how hear about the process behind choosing the word, too!

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God..."