I didn’t have a word for 2018…but I feel like it ended up being “survive.” Losing a part literally a week into a new year tends to throw your whole life upside down. Sudden death jolted all of my being and grief quickly overcame my 2018. While 2019 might still hold some grief, it will be more.

Survive was exactly what I did in 2018. I kept going. I sought the Lord. I tried to go on one step at a time. But really living my life wasn’t my top priority. My top priority was to get out of bed and not let grief overwhelm me.  When I began thinking/praying over a word for 2019, thrive kept coming to my mind.

thrive verb [ I ] US /θrɑɪv/ to grow, develop, or be successful:

From the months of 2018, I was glad when I was functioning as a normal adult. When I was getting out of bed, going out with friends, and cooking dinner Grief is a funny thing that seems to creep into every single part of your life. I survived this past year with God’s grace but I know He has more in store for me than that. I think He wants me to thrive. Not only does God want me to thrive, but I know my dad would want me to as well. So when God kept bringing the word thrive to my mind- I knew it needed to be my word for 2019.

For 2019, I want to thrive. I don’t want to just survive or not flourish. I want this year to be the year of growth and development; for my blog, myself, and my family. I want us to thrive because I believe that God has so much more in store for me and I’m ready to take that on.

Sometimes we can’t help but just survive, because life can throw us some big curveballs. But, for me, I want more out of this year. I’ve learned so much since last January and I want to put it into practice. Grief can be crippling but I’m trying to stand. That’s why I want my year to be centered around not just living but thriving. 

My goal for this year is to thrive in all areas. I love doing “words” of the year instead of resolutions because I feel like it just sets off the year with an overall theme instead of a list of things I might not even accomplish.

Dealing with grief can be hard, especially the guilt that comes when you are trying to “live” more again. So instead of feeling guilty this year for enjoying my family, I am going to remember that my dad would want me to thrive in all I do. So for my God, my dad, and myself…this year is all about thriving. 

What is your word for the year? Do you have one? Let me know what yours is! XOX