2016: The Year of Joy and Positivity

At the end of 2014, I declared 2015 as my “Year of Risk.” I had heard an idea years ago of claiming a word for the year instead of making a list of resolutions.

As I look back at my risky 2015, I smile. I took some small risks, like trying octopus and brussels sprouts for the first time, and then took some huge risks, like walking across Spain and moving by myself to Los Angeles.

The pay offs were huge. If you followed my blog as I walked the Camino, you know that was the best experience of my life, introducing me to some wonderful new friends and teaching me so much about myself and life. As for my other risks, who knew brussels sprouts would be delicious? (Octopus, not so much...)

Then there is my cross-country move to L.A. Ever since the first time I drove into town last July, it felt like home. After spending the holidays in Illinois, I realize that L.A. truly is my new home. As much as I miss my family and friends, I know L.A. is where I am supposed to be. 

So, back to today, the first day of 2016. I have been looking for my word of the year and a few words kept popping up. In the end, I couldn’t choose just one, so I declare 2016 to be my “Year of Joy and Positivity.” They seem to dovetail, so I figured I could get away with claiming two words. Plus, is there a “word of the year” police? No. So, I get two words this year.

Positivity

Now, just by making this declaration, I know I am not promised a year without upsets, disappointments, pain, etc. But I can decide to have a year of reacting differently to negative situations. There is a lot in life you can’t control. Your attitude is not on that list. Your attitude in life is all in your hands. So, I will choose to look at things positively and find the joy in life.

Joy

I’ve heard it said that God doesn’t want us concerned with happiness. Now, before you freak out, bear with me. He doesn’t want us to chase the happiness the world offers, or at least happiness as the world defines it. But he does want us to have JOY. Joy always sounds so much deeper than happiness to me, so much better. Happiness seems closer on the scale to just being content. But joy... joy is great pleasure.  I’ll take that, please.

And God definitely wants us to have joy. Check out some bible verses:

• "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." – Psalm 16:11
• "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me." – Psalm 27:5-7 
• “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” - Ecclesiastes 9:7 

Ok, maybe I included that last one because I like drinking wine. Is it too late to make it the year of joy, positivity, and WINE?