Every year I debate whether I am going to declare a 2018 Word of the Year and this year was no exception. I had been thinking about my word for the last month and when I received emails from a few of you asking me what my word was I decided I better choose one and put it out there.
A lot of this year was also spent finishing up my Holiday Slow Cooker Cookbook and preparing for it’s release – more good things! One of the downsides to so many good things is that I stopped doing some “good” things I had been doing. I got out of the habit of my morning routine which included daily scripture reading, prayer, regular exercise, healthy eating, and the list goes on. I have always been a believer in good habits and the importance of them but when life gets crazy it’s easy to get out of the habit! So, if we change our habits (or lack thereof), we change our lives and I am ready for some change.
I’ve begun the year by studying the power of habits with Gretchen Rubin’s book “Better Than Before” and I have a few other books in my pile to read after that. Gretchen says that:
I’ve set a lot of goals and attempted to start many different habits in my life time. I’ve done better on some than others but the family history habit is one I’ve got!
So one of my top habits for this year is to get back into a morning routine. For me that means, not getting on my phone as soon as I wake up but rather starting my day with reading scripture, general conference talks, prayer and some other motivational reading (right now it is Gretchen’s book and this book.) I’ve also committed to walking 10,000 steps 6 days a week when I either walk with a friend or listen to motivational podcasts. Here is one of my favorites. One other element I want to add in to my morning routine is meditation or mindfulness.
Drinking more water, eating less sugar and not eating after 7:00 pm are also on the habit list. (Three days down and going strong!) I know me and if I make the list too long I end up doing nothing so for this month I’m focusing on the habit of a morning routine, more water, more walking. I’ll add in a few more habits next month.
In her book, Gretchen teaches that we all fall into one of four different kind of habit maker categories. I am definitely an Obliger. I easily meet outer expectations but resist inner expectations which means, if I make a commitment to someone else I keep it, I’m not as good at keeping commitments to myself. So, in order for me to be a successful habit maker I need to share my goals/habits with others. Like I just did above!
I’ll be sharing more about some of the other habits I’m working on throughout the year. Wish me luck!
If you have picked a Word of the Year I’d love to hear what it is! If you need help picking a word of the year check out this post.
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Thanks for picking and sharing your word for 2018. I think it is a good word. I, too like a morning habit but have found it difficult to maintain the last couple of years. Several days ago my daughter asked if you had selected a word for 2018. She will be most happy now that the word is out.
Thanks Pat!
Strawberry cake and pumpkin cookies were a hit during our recent snow storm when everyone was stuck inside with the cold outside. Cured the munchies and gave them sonmething to bake as well. But OMG!! they were delicious. Great recipes!!!
Anita, So glad you had a yummy snow day! Sounds delicious. Stay warm!
Hi Leigh Anne,
I purchased your cookbook and it looks wonderful. Thanks so much. Unfortunatley I didn’t keep the receipt. is there still anyway to get your other cookbook that comes with it? If not that’s okay. I just thought that I would ask. Thanks again.
Thanks Leigh Anne for the great word of the year. I knew I needed to change something this year but couldn’t seem put it into words. Starting the day out early is so important. Starting the day at 11 doesn’t cut it!!! I have put a hold on the book at the library. I have always admired the way you get things done and run your life. You are a great role model. Thank you.