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.
2012 – Joy
2013 – Fearless
2014 – Abiding
2015 – Intentional
2016 – Rest
2017 – Less
2018 – Press
2019 – Consistency
2020 – Sabbath
2021 – Seek
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?
~~
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.
~~
I’m sharing this post with my writer friends at Tell His Story and InstaEncouragement Link-Ups
Eewww…what a power-filled word. “Purge” makes me think of my 2021 word – “decrease” which was a word through which I did have to purge much in order for me to decrease while Christ increased in me. It was a word I will always love for the growth inside was unique even as it was painful!
My 2022 is ‘diligence.’
Linda, I agree purge is a strong word. But I have to get serious!
Love your word diligence. I believe in putting in the work! May it go well for you this year!
Purge is a great word. Blessings to you as you purge. It’s a constant process for me. I don’t like a lot of stuff around me. A minimalist life works best for me. Also, I love the idea of purging unrealistic expectations of yourself. That’s good!
Thanks, Yvonne. I’m the queen of unrealistic expectations and it’s time to de-throne them!
“Purge” is quite the verb. It will be worth all the effort it will take during 2022 when you are done. Then you will have what is needed and necessary and loved.
So true! Because what do you have left after you’ve purged? That which is worth keeping.
Thanks for coming by, Joanne!
Wow, you’ve been faithful for a decade with the OneWord, Jerralea! Bless you for your diligence …
Thanks, Linda. It also shows how long I’ve been blogging because I never heard of One Word until I started my blog.
Jerri, what a great word. Blessings.
Visiting from Let’s Have Coffee #8&9
Thanks for dropping by, Paula!
I love your word! Not only is it an active verb to purge your unnecessary material possessions, but it’s also a way to purge the baggage that gets between you and God.
You know I’ll be watching your word, Jerralea, since it’s so related to mine, Release! Purging unrealistic expectations is on my list too. There are lots of things I want to release. Praying for both of us this year to let go of what God no longer wants us holding onto!.
Ahhnh, Jerralea, what a great word. Can I be honest and say that I LIKE purging things from my house? Creating white space makes my heart sing with joy. Purging some of those other things you mentioned . . . well, that’s harder. But, how free your spirit will feel as you work on those changes throughout the year. And you’re wise. One change at at time. May this year be filled with freeing up space in your home, mind, heart, and spirit!
I love how you’re applying “purge” to more than material things, Jerralea. (Although that does seem like a good, tangible place to start.) I’ve been in a bit of a purging mode myself lately … I’m trying to figure out out a new way to store the stuff on my bathroom countertop so that it’s out of sight but still accessible. In the process, I’ve gotten rid of quite a lot of stuff that I haven’t used in years, if at all. Makes everything feel better!
This is so life-giving, Jerralea, “In 2022, I resolve to purge those thoughts of failure…every time a regret creeps up, I’m going to replace those thought with the reminder it’s under the blood of Jesus.”
Wow, what a bold word choice.
May you be blessed as you rid your life of unnecessary things.
Jerralea, I enjoyed seeing your past words, such a rich journey you have had! Your word for 2022, Purge, is a word often holding negative connotations, but your explanation here is inviting. I look forward to all God will teach you through this word in the coming year!
I love your self-awareness — you already see some of the pitfalls in your intentions, and have more of a chance to avoid them! I find this is one of the blessings of midlife. Mistakes have been made, and one has had a chance to learn from them. (Sometimes multiple times.)
I went through an extreme purging phase not long ago, not exactly intentionally, ending up with total life change and international move. It was good in the end but extremely unsettling. So hold on to your hat and take it slow, a real purge can be amazingly cleansing but needs to be done withs ome care. Good luck and let us know how it’s going!