Acts of Stillness – STILL – My One Little Word for 2014
These past few years for us have been non-stop and overflowing with constant motion. New home projects, (soon to be) blog re-design, friendships, continued personal improvements etc… While progression in life is a must, the pace at which you choose to take it can either help you grow, or quickly have you putting into perspective what and who, matters the most.
2013 was a whirlwind of awesomer moments and a LOT of inner self-discovery, and for that I’m grateful. But this next year will be very different for our little family, the blog and me especially. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I’m getting older, or that I just feel like time is moving MUCH too fast, but I’ve decided that I’m consciously making the effort, for at least the next 12 months, to just be… Still.
Only in our stillness, can we truly comprehend all the awesomeness God has granted us.
My one little word (OLW) for 2014, is STILL.
For the past little while I’ve chosen a single word at the beginning of each new year that helps me to stay tuned in to what thing(s) I want to work the most on.
This time around, as I sat quietly on a beautiful beach in Cancun, unplugged, watching my most favorite people in the whole world wander up and down the shore without a care in the world, I determined that it’s easy for me to be the girl with lots on my plate, mind and to-do list; but not-so-easy to be the one who says “no” to people or “thanks, but no thanks” when opportunities arise.
It seemed sort of cliche to me when I stopped to think about it, because I’m typically quite the stubborn person, and tend to do what a want, when I want (within reason)… but I strangely realized that while awesomer was awesome, without knowing it, I had thrown myself into a sort of tailspin where I was living a fast-life that had more control over ME, than I did of IT! I was slowly letting situations and people shape the way I felt about things, instead of the other way around.
So, I started exercising my right to just simply, be still. Whether that was keeping my mind and mouth still and walking away from toxic people and situations, or just silently boycotting things like events, blogging, Instagramming or even my inbox, for a few precious hours on the couch with my kids, hubby or a night out with a genuine, close friend.
This year I’m allowing myself the time to practice #actsofstillness– (so you may see this hashtag within my social media outlets often) to focus on enjoying my beautiful home, family, new body and life, without letting the negative noise or pressure from others and the world, to keep moving at a ridiculous pace, distract me.
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony. There are seasons when to be Still demands immeasurably higher strength than to act.”
What’s your “goal” for 2014? Do you have a quote, phrase, picture or simple word that has been tapping at your heartstrings lately that you want to try and implement this upcoming year?
Unknown says
I love this! However, I don't this this is my year of stillness. For me, this year is all about ambition and improvement of self, life, and home. I'm really hoping for big, crazy things this year and pushing myself toward goals I've continuously set and then lost sight of. I really want to feel like my family is moving in a upward direction toward the life and lifestyle that we want and deserve. So, I expect 2014 to be a busy year with a new baby coming in May, college, and work. I am willing to sacrifice a little time now so that I can have the luxury of time later. It's one of the reasons I've always felt okay with being a young mom. I don't intend to give up college, even though it takes away from other precious moments like family, sometimes. I know it has greater rewards at the end. One of my 2014 goals is to find a precious balance, but I know it's something I'll have to work out throughout the year. Good luck with being still!
Michelle says
I think your goal is a good one. Glad you were able to sneak away and spend some time together. It is so important. I too have been trying to do the same. I only have a few precious years left before my middle graduates from high school. Even though my littlest just turned 7, those 7 years have FLOWN by and I really want to enjoy them to the max before he is gone. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and wishing you, Cason and the girls a very Happy New Year.
Anonymous says
I LOVE that idea! I think mine will be…"unplug," or maybe, "pursue." My husband said his word is "fulfill," which is great for where he is in life! It's a good way to sort of streamline your actions & thoughts for the year! And congrats on Cancun!! It's on my list of places to go.
Unknown says
Shelley- AWESOME POST. I TOTALLY get it. Choosing to be still, rather than "acting" takes so much more strength!! Thanks for reminding me that I need to start "strength training" now. You couldn't have said it better! -Shan
Unknown says
Thanks for sharing Shelley! I haven't decided what my plans are for the new year just yet! Better hurry I know! You are a wonderful inspiration to me! Thank you and blessings in the new year!
MamaLieder says
I adore every single word on so many levels. I have said yes to SO many things, some to be a please-er, some it was the "right" thing to do, some my kids asked me to do, and some I just really wanted to do. NONE of them I really had the time to commit to but did it anyway….and all of those things began to control my life. I have to be in a season of no, till I know what HE is calling me to, and just be still. Be still and know that I am God.
shopgirldaisy says
The word commitment has been tapping at my heart strings. Not because of my lack of commitment to others but to myself specifically in the area of eating healthy and losing weight. When I commit to others I don't let them down but I let myself down all the time!! So I'm deciding if this is my new 2014 word. Shopgirldaisy.blogger.com
Ali says
I really enjoy your blog! Love that OLW 'still'. It's hard to do in this fast paced world but, so necessary!! I've been meaning to ask if you would ever post on fashion ? I'm a Mom on a tight budget but, would love you to post on cute clothes for Moms of all sizes. I'm plus size and I have a tough time knowing where to shop and look stylish yet classic! If you ever have time to post on fashion I would be grateful! However, if that conflicts with you being 'still' then by all means choose 'still' !! Love your clothing choices but, I'm always wondering where you shop & how you made those great outfit choices!!!
Ali says
Love you & your blog! What a great word you have chosen !! So important in this fast paced world! Any chance you would post on fashion for Mom's and kids! I'm a plus size Mom and have always admired your clothes & sense of style ! It would be fun to read about your thoughts and your tips for hunting down outfits for special occasions and for family pictures! No pressure if this takes away from your stillness ! Have a wonderful 2014!!!
Unknown says
I love this Shelley. I agree that being still can feel a whole lot more difficult than acting. I love your OLW for 2014!
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
Your OLW for 2014 is perfect. I don't have one yet, but I will start pondering/ praying about it. Maybe it will be the same. ๐
Meghan says
Oh I love this! I've been trying to think of a word for 2014 and this is so perfect! I am trying to find a word that will really encompass enjoying every part of my life and not rushing through the routine.
Renee says
So glad for you! As I scan my favorite blogs I often think, how do you do it, you all must be all be super people. Love all the thoughts and projects but appreciate you wanting to slow down and enjoy life. I think we all can take note in that. I do a lot of projects for other people and love to give, but this year would like to do more for myself. Love the word "Still". Happy 2014
Rob & Emily Willardson Family says
"Happiness is a habit, cultivate it". I too, like you feel like I have gone too fast and I want to just enjoy the moment and slow down!
Amy says
I LOVE IT!! Can't wait to see how this plays out for you in 2014.
Anonymous says
Thank you for this! My 2014 mantra is Get it Together and Keep it Real. Together is different for all of us and letting a little chaos in is definitely welcome. Keeping it real and stopping the comparing and starting to be inspired instead. Happy New Year to you and your family!
jenniejones says
Awesome!! Everything about this post! Good luck in 2014.
Unknown says
This is so so good, love hearing your thoughts on this. My word for the year is Thrive. ๐
Katie / The Surly Housewife says
Love this! I think it's great you are choosing such a polar opposite OLW (Which in and of itself is so cool) from last year. Everyone could learn from #actsofstillness. I was just talking with a friend today about how her husband is constantly connected to his phone. I will have to pass along this post to her ๐ Have a happy new year!!
designsavvy says
Good for you! I am trying to achieve similar stillness in my life in 2014. Good luck!
Yamina says
Happy new year for 2014 from Lyon (France)
Jill says
I love the quote from Thomas Merton. THat is actually going to be my theme for 2014.
Thanks for sharing your little word for the year.
Anonymous says
First off, I love your blog. You are so inspiring on so many levels and you are so cute that I want to hug you ๐ Just sayin. I love your word for the year. Your post is exactly what has been ringing through my head for months. October – December was a whirlwind of things and I am constantly feeling fried and like I don't have enough time. But I also feel like I don't make enough time to do some of the things that really are most important. Like the snuggles on the couch, working out not to lose weight but because it's imperative for my mental health. I'm still trying to think of my word. Just be is a phrase that rings through my head as does breathe. So .. cheers to 2014! Keep on doing what you do and also taking time for you ๐
Unknown says
Yes! As a mom of 4, I definitely relate! And being still allows us to enter into God's presence, without distraction – something I'm not doing enough of!
Anonymous says
love your realness.
love your blog.
love your heart.
Jaimee says
Your post echoes my own focus this year from Psalm 46:10 which goes even further than stillness for myself, but in recognizing a Creator greater than myself. By doing so, I can simply abide in Him, and the things of this world grow strangely dim:
"Be still and know that I am God."
Being still ~ one of my hardest things! Will be praying for you (and me) as we are still together in 2014 ๐
Jen says
This is SO me right now – and I don't do half the stuff that you do! ๐ My OLW is "Renew" and for me a BIG part of that is renewing my relationships with the people and activities I love, instead of spending so much time checking off other people's to-do lists. Good luck with your stillness this year! I can't wait to see how it pays off for you. ๐
ZoZo's Mama says
I just wanted to say that I love this photo of you. I love the freckles. You look fresh-faced, happy and beautiful.