Happy 2022 to everyone! I am a big lover of fresh starts and new beginnings; but in recent years January has become even more huge to me. Buh-bye, 2021, and 2020, as well. I’m glad to glance at both of them from the rear-view mirror as my journey moves forward.

I used to be a person that loved writing a list of resolutions on January 1st, yet by the time the 31st rolled around, my goals had bit the dust.

One reason for my poor follow-through was I always made my lists unreasonably long.

Then, I became aware of the One Word movement. Picking one word to focus on during my year seemed much more do-able. Some years have went well, others not so much. Still, I think choosing a focus for the year is a good idea. It seems once you choose a word, you run into it everywhere you look.

2022 will be my tenth year of participating in the exercise.

I love all these words and continue to make every effort to choose these qualities when I’m able.

Have you ever had a light bulb moment? My word for 2022 came to me in a moment of illumination, and it spoke to the main thing on my mind.

Stuff. I have too much of it. Too much paper, things, jobs, chores, details, regrets, anxieties, pounds, debt, lists, goals … well, you get the idea.

Therefore, I’m adding “purge” to my list of One Words. It’s time to LET IT GO!

Purge Unrealistic Expectations

First on the list to pare down are my unrealistic expectations. As a perfectionist, I’ve always expected too much from myself; and sadly, sometimes from others as well. I like to refer to myself as a recovering perfectionist; but I’m learning it’s a life-long journey.

2022 will not be the year I do everything perfectly. By December 31, 2022, I will not look at my work, my home or myself and find everything in a state of perfection.

I do believe on December 31, 2022, I will be able to look around and see progress.

That’s enough.

Purge Excess Stuff

Am I the only one feeling like I’m drowning in a sea of material possessions? I’m not saying my fingers are dripping with diamonds and I have closets full with designer duds.

Not at all.

My closets are full, all right, with things I might use “someday.” Someday is here, and I’m not going to use them. Time to purge.

Purge Regrets

Yes, a house full of stuff steals your free time, because you have to take care of all those things. But even worse is when your brain is full of regrets. Thoughts of things you should have done, as well as things you should not have done, can combine to create a real dislike for yourself. It can weigh heavy on your mind. It can drag you down … even derail your journey.

In 2022, I resolve to purge those thoughts of failure. First, with repentance and asking forgiveness from God (and those I may have disappointed). Once I’ve done those things, every time a regret creeps up, I’m going to replace those thought with the reminder it’s under the blood of Jesus and He neither condemns me nor remembers them.

It’s time to lay those things aside.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Put One Change at a Time in Focus

I must be careful, though, since I know myself. I will want to purge all my material posessions at once, and read the bible 24/7, and journal my prayers and make a long list of “purging” goals. And by mid-summer I will be sick of the whole thing and move on to something else.

Instead, it’s one change at a time. One foot in front of the other. Real change is slow.

What about you? Are there changes you want to make in 2022?

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If you would want to be a part of the One Word experience, you can find many resources at LisaNotes.com. She will also be hosting a link-up each month on the 22nd so all can share their progress.

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I’m sharing this post with my writer friends at Tell His Story and InstaEncouragement Link-Ups

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