For those who’ve never heard of this  “Word Of The Year” business before it’s a very real thing……just in case you’re wondering.  It’s not something I’ve just now come up with.  Lots of people are taking on the challenge of focusing on one word for each new year for self-evaluation and self-growth.  Google it….you’ll see what I mean.  By choosing a word that has some sort of meaning to you it becomes a very real challenge and goal to give it strength, life and impact in your day to day life and entire year.

For the last three years I’ve posted my “Word Of The Year” for each new year.  In 2014 my word of the year was Christlike, in 2015 my word of the year was Gratitude, and in 2016 my word of the year was Joy.  You can click each word if you’d like to see my post on each of those and why I chose them.

This year I vacillated between the words “Purpose” and “Intentional”.

After giving it much thought I decided on the word “Intentional” when I saw this quote above on a Facebook post from my young and talented friend, Tracy Timm.  (Click her name to view her website)

But I actually like this quote below, because it really sums up my true goal for the year.

By being intentional I pray each day will be one of purpose.  It’s so easy to float through each day either in a fog or a rote mechanical mode performing the same daily rituals over and over and over again.  Work, family routines, etc.

But, life is short. 

Shorter than most of us realize while living the hustle and bustle of day to day activities.  You know…..consumed and bogged down with the busy-ness of living.  Unless we stop and give it some serious thought most of us really just live as if our lives will never actually end.

But that’s just it….it will.

Which is all the more reason to live with intent each and every day.

And, that’s why I’ve decided to choose INTENTIONAL as my word for the year 2017.

I want each day to have a purpose.  I want to do all the things I do in a day with intent.  I want to be intentionally aware of my day to day comings and goings – not just float through it.

I want to be intentional about my time with God and I want to be intentional about the time God has given me.

I want to be intentional in becoming the person God created me to be.

Do you try and Intentionally add value to everyone you meet in a given day?  Or is it all about you and what you need?

Think about it.

Personally I’d like to be more intentional about that.  Intentionally do or say something to show others their own value and self-worth.  I mean….seriously now….how lovely is that thought?

Do any of us really see our true value and worth?   Really see it?  And if someone has had a particularly tough upbringing without much encouragement or has issues that cause unseen challenges in their lives…..they see it even less.  We can’t tell who’s going through what at any given moment.

So why not be intentional about trying to make others feel good about themselves?

In this world of social media “haters” it could do a world of good for someone when you least expect.

My intention this year is to be intentional in every aspect of my life.  My family, my friends, my career, my church….my everything.

Yes, I want to love, speak, live with intention.

And while the world, and just life in general, is constantly changing around us we have a choice in how we let it affect us.

I want to continually learn and grow and I want to be very intentional about it.

I want to intentionally seek and grow as a person, mom, friend, sister, aunt, grandmother, citizen, Christian, designer, blogger…..etc.  I want to intentionally strive to be the “Sheri Martin” that God intended me to be.  Not the limited version I sometimes have the tendency to see.  My intention is to be ALL that He created me to be.

Have you chosen a word of the year?

If not – then maybe you should think about it.  It’s amazing how it channels your focus in life.  Whatever the word might be.

LIFE BY DESIGN…..BE INTENTIONAL!

Happy Decorating!