EATLIVEWEARWANTLIFEREAD

1/03/2014

THE WORD OF 2014 IS...



So if you have been reading my blog for a while, then that picture might be familiar to you. That is an photo from a previous post that SO reminds me of my word for 2014. I scoured the net for pictures that reminded me of my word, but that one just stuck with me. You know why?? Because the girl in that photo is standing on a downtown street without any regard to the passing cars, having fun, looking confident, and looking like she isn't worried about one single thing (even though she was probably worried about lots of things) and that she has it all figured out. She's looks like she is living in the moment. I want to be like that girl all.the.time.

How crazy is it that the girl in the picture is me, yet that is one of the few times last year that I felt completely... fearless. That is my word for 2014. Fearless.

In 2013, I learned a ton about a lot of things. In turn, I was able to check a lot of things off my list. I learned a lot about photography and even felt comfortable enough to offer a few tips to you, I photographed my first shop and took a trip to a new beach. I started thinking about the long-term life of this blog and had the site redesigned, I learned the importance of prioritizing my time, I learned more about cooking, the evolution of friendship, and how to feel comfortable in front of a camera. Most importantly, I learned how to truly be comfortable being with myself. 

I also learned a lot of things about myself - some good, some not so good. I realized that the older I get, the easier it is to get incredibly comfortable with the now - even if the now is not what's best or what makes me the happiest. I don't like change. If a change needs to be made, I need a good plan and for the stars to align - all of them - before the change occurs. Taking risks, big ones that really need to be made, freak me out. I get really anxious sometimes when a challenge or problem occurs and I have zero control over why it happened or how to immediately fix it. Raise your hand if you sometimes feel the same way! :) A fabulous thing I learned in 2013 is how to really stop and analyze my feelings, which is when all of the not so good characteristics rose to the surface.

So in 2014, I need to take all of the things I learned in 2013, good and bad, and move forward. I need to be fearless to be able to do that. Here is why that has become incredibly important:


Friends, this year for me is dedicated to being fearless because being fearless is going to help me figure out why in the world I'm here. I'm nearing my mid-30's and that question is still lingering. I have this feeling that I have something more to do in life than what I am doing today and last year I developed this burning desire to figure it out. I often get inklings of ideas of what my purpose might be, but then I start listening to these voices in my head that say, "That is too risky!" or "That won't work!" or "You aren't smart enough for that!" or "Do you have time for that?" or "You want to do that?? - Girl please..."

I realize that fear is an inevitable part of life, but learning how to overcome it is the true challenge. And that is what I am challenging myself to this year. I need to be more trusting of God and have tons more faith. I need to be more of a risk taker. I need to understand that a perfect alignment of the stars is not always possible, and I need to accept and embrace change. I want to be on the inside what that girl in the photo looks like on the outside. This is going to take lots of stepping outside of my comfort zone, prayer, research, and more learning.

But I'm ready. Bring.it.on.

Gosh I might have shed a tear or two while writing all of that. That is how deep and important this is to me. But I'm writing it down and putting it out into the universe. That's a big first step right??

If you made it all the way through this post, thank you... If you can relate to this or have any advice, I'd love to hear it! Have a great weekend! Oh and Links of The Week will return next Friday! :)

First photo by Paula Coldiron
Pin It

14 comments:

  1. My friend, you chose so well with that photo, completely fearless! Couldn't be more fitting for this post! Fear is what holds us back from freedom, and while it's ok to feel fear, it's what we do about it what defines our character. Cheers for an awesome 2014! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful post Tiffany! And, a great word for the new year. I chose the word "still" this year. I realized over the course of last year that when I took the time to be still, all of those other things I tend to put on the "list" fell into place. Happy New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I absolutely love this message. So inspiring. Exactly what I needed today.

    www.thecasualclassic.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for this post, Tiffany! I too am thinking on what my word will be for 2014 and this post was great inspiration! I am thinking maybe Strength... But I don't have any great advice other than to say you are not alone, I can relate to exactly what you share here!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wonderfully written!!! Can't wait to see what 2014 throws at ya girl.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an inspirational post. I think I might need a word for 2014. I just started blogging full-time - so scared and so excited. A short mantra is definitely in order. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Luci’s Morsels – fashion. food. frivolity.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey, lady! Got really excited and expectant for what the Lord has in store for you this year as I read your post. This song instantly came to mind (see YouTube link) and I pray the Lords deep love spurs you on and draws out fearlessness and freedom. :) // http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGRz2BJQRXU

    ReplyDelete
  8. I totally can relate! I read that those voices in your head are called "monkey mind" because that is the ego chattering away to try to dissuade you out of fear. My biggest goal is to remain positive no matter what. It's so hard, but I want to achieve it so badly. Can't wait to see your journey!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Absolutely LOVE this!! And oddly enough..this is EXACTLY where I am. This is one of my words in the "running" for being my word of the year. Still haven't decided. Actually been praying about it and trying to see where He is leading me. Boy oh boy is that hard for me!! lol.

    But--you look gorgeous in this photo! And I am so excited to see all 2014 has to offer for you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just love your heart! With every year I think there are invaluable moments to take and learn from and it is so good to write down those things. I know there are big things in store for you because you miss! xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very well written Tiffany! I love your word for 2014. Reading the comments, it seems as though we are all on the same journey. I wish nothing but the best for us all in 2014.

    www.toniabakes.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Tiffany,
    I think you're off to a fearless start. In many ways, we all get into our comfort zones, because we fear what might happen if we leave that comfy place. But, I can hear in your voice that you are ready and that' s the first step. Live each day to the fullest and your great purpose will come into focus.

    Always love your blog and just planned to make your quinoa and butternut squash this week!
    Happy Fearless New Year!
    xoxo Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  13. Savor Home" is likely a blog, website, or platform dedicated to the art of home trucking accidents attorneysdecor, interior design, and lifestyle. The name suggests a focus on savoring and enjoying the comforts of home, featuring content related to home improvement, decor inspiration, and creating inviting living spaces. It may provide tips and ideas for enhancing the aesthetics and ambiance of one's home Accidente de Motocicleta maryland

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...