ALONG COMES MARY

Another year ending can usually mean one thing: Mary is at her computer procrastinating at keeping up with her annual tradition: Choosing a word of the year. (But, unlike some past years, I don’t have a glass of wine in hand.)

Since my first year of blogging, I have always chosen a word to represent my vision for the new year. I think I have done fairly well at succeeding to fulfill the goals I set out to do with those previous words in mind. For this past year’s word, FOCUS, one of my goals was to devote at-least an hour a day to my own blog and social media before I begin work. How did I do? Let’s just say, it may have not worked out everyday but, I am pleased with my efforts and posts from this year.

As far as my social media business, Plucky, I have worked with some wonderful clients, led workshops and even had a blast with my intro to social media workshop on my birthday, no less! Having 60 students sing Happy Birthday to me was a pretty special moment for this softie. All my positions helped me grow, and I think, just maybe, I am at last finding the balance I’ve so desperately been trying to find as far as managing my time with my positions and Along Comes Mary.

The year (or word for that matter) that has stuck out with me the most, though, is 2014’s CHEERS. I still remember the incredible week of fun I was having in late 2013 when I decided to make that celebratory gesture my word to live by. I have thought about it so much, that It has inspired my selection for this year.

Drum roll, please….

I’ve been dealing with some stresses here and there and am realizing how vital it is that I try to be as happy as I can be more than not. It’s Doctors orders, even. All they seem to say is “Keep your stress level down.” Easier said than done, right? While we all want those we love and ourselves to be happy, it can be a hard time to feel there. I know as I get older, I try to remember life is short, and to enjoy it.

Then, just now, I was here on the Saurus researching words that may fit my goals for this new year and listening to one of my favorite acoustic sets from the late, great Elliott Smith and his song, appropriately titled Happiness, played and it resonated with me wholeheartedly. He sings, “What I used to be will pass away and then you’ll see/That all I want now is happiness for you and me.” It was then I decided on my word of the year.

I can be an anxious person. Happiness does not always come natural to me. Yet, if I am feeling well and with those I love (and doing the things I love most), I need to remember what a blessing life is. So, 2018 goals? Have fun. Enjoy myself. Eat good food. Repeat.

And, I’m not saying 2017 was bad at all. Marriage. Maui honeymoon. Trips. Shrimp and grits. Adventures. Time with my love. Concerts.

It was a pretty good year 😉

What were your highlights in 2017? What are you hoping 2018 will bring? I’d love to know if you have a word of the year, too! xo