The Power Of One Word; My Word Of The Year

It's a new year and that means my fellow bloggers have been filling social media with goals, hopes, and positive power. I have been inspired by all the amazing and influential posts that this new year has brought. I have read a few blog posts putting emphasis on the: Word Of The Year. There was one post in particular that resonated with me and inspired me to to the same. I decided I wanted to find that one word that would be my focus point for the year.

When I first began my fitness journey I held onto a mantra that would give me strength in those moments when things seemed difficult. "Always Believe You Can". I have this on my running ID bracelet and there have been several times that I have had to chant these words to myself in order to reach a goal, to overcome an obstacle or simply get through a day. These words have carried me through runs that seemed almost impossible to finish. They have helped my feet pound the pavement to reach a new PR. They have also reminded me that I am in control of my own life. That is the amazing power of words: they inspire, they give you strength and they can heal you. 

In choosing my word of the year I wanted to first reflect on what it is that I want out of the year to come. I wanted to find a word that truly exemplifies what it is I am seeking in the year ahead. I spent a few runs contemplating a few different words yet I kept coming back to this one word. It seemed to relate to all parts of my life and no other word fit quite like this one.

My Word Of The Year:

The simple meaning of Conquer is:


* To take control
* To defeat
* To gain control of (a problem or difficulty) through great effort

I feel this fits into many aspects of my life and what I plan to achieve for the following year, physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is my life, my year, and I am in control! I know what area's I need to work on. I know exactly who I aspire to be. Now it is just traveling on that journey to reach that person and achieve the goals I have made for myself.

I know that there will be obstacles along the way that will challenge me in the year to come. I know that I will need to work harder at several aspects in order to be where I want to be. I am ready to accept what is thrown at me and come out a stronger person. I plan to make the most of the obstacles I come across and embrace them as learning experiences. I will stay committed to my goals. I will CONQUER!  


A new year means a chance to start over. It is new beginnings and the hope of happiness, health and love. It is forgiveness, acceptance, and knowing when to let go. If you need to wipe the slate clean and start over than do it! It is never too late to write a new chapter. Life is a gift, each moment is sacred. Do not live with regrets of things you wanted to do. We are only given one life, make it amazing! Make it yours!



Related Posts:
Winter Running And A New Year Are Here
Running Into A New Year: Lacing Up For New Goals
Finding Time To Exercise And Staying Active With Your Children

The Four Letter Word Forbidden in My House

There should probably be a swear jar in my house for the amount of four letter words used on a daily basis. Some are muttered, whispered under my breath countless times a day. Others become echo's throughout the walls of this house. I should really be putting some effort into not using some of these words. Truth be told; I like to swear. Really, I am not sure I want to control it. There are so many fabulous four letter words!

With that being said there is one four letter word that is forbidden. The very sound of it makes me cringe. I truly despise this word and will not allow it to be said in my presence. If I hear it, I correct it. My children will not be allowed to use it unless it is in the correct context. I will not let my ears hear the word: CAN'T!

Chase, my four year old, is at an age where he is learning new things. He is discovering, exploring, and evolving. He is being challenged every day and I watch him get frustrated. I see the look of fear some days. I watch the change in his expression as he gets discouraged. Lately he has been saying that he "can't" do certain things. I am quick to correct him. I remind him that, yes, you CAN do it. I make an effort to help resolve whatever the situation is and prove to him that he is capable.

I want my children to believe in themselves. I want them to exude confidence. I don't want them to think they are able to fly like batman, yet I feel it is important for my children to at least always try their best. I want them to strive for the things they want and believe in; no matter how hard that may be. 

Life can be difficult and cruel. We are faced with heartache and pain. We love, we lose. We stand, we fall. We are constantly challenged and we either choose to rise above the struggles or surrender to them. I know that I cannot protect my children from any of that. The harsh reality is that I will watch most of it. I will feel their sting from disappointment. I will ache for them when they get their heart broken. I will cry along with them when they feel defeated. I will also be there in those times to reassure them. To help hold them up. I will push my children to believe that they CAN and allow them to feel that sense of pride in their decision to try.

There is a euphoric feeling that comes from being able to do something you did not think you could do. Sometimes we need to step outside of our comfort zone to discover things about ourselves. We do not always look in the mirror and see our beauty and strength deep within. It's in moments of being scared, falling down, and trying to do something we have never done before; those are the moments where we are born. Those moments may not always define us, yet they help to teach us and allow us to grow.

My motto for myself is: Always Believe You Can. I would like my children to listen to this and learn from those words. It doesn't have to be their mantra, yet I hope it creates a fire within them as they grow. I want there to be pride in everything they do. I want my children to do something because they CAN!

There will continue to be several four letter words said in my house (just a premonition I have). "Can't", that is not one of them!




Thank You for Stopping by and reading! Please be sure to share!! You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Have a Happy Day!

Never a dull moment

It amazes me some days what comes out of Chase's mouth. 3 1/2 and some days he baffles me. There are days I laugh at his smart mouth, and others I have to remember to breathe. He thinks he is funny all the time. He loves to copy. Some days I have no idea how he comes up with half the things he says while other days I am reminded I better watch what I say.

I decided over a few days to pay notice to a few funny things and jot them down.

The mind of a three year old:

* "Let's do it"! : He was excited when he said this

* I wanna wipe my boogers on you" : This was while he was sobbing and we had asked him NOT to keep wiping his boogers on us.

* "I'm gonna put you in a cage" : No idea where this came from. He was trying to pretend he was one of us scolding him. I swear, never have I threatened to put him in a cage...may have thought about it...never have...hmm...

* "Mommy, my belly is getting hungry" : Of coarse requesting food as he always does. I swear this boy is constantly eating!

* "I don't want anymore problems out of you again daddy!" : This one had me laughing! We were eating dinner when he blurted this out. Jason was in the middle of reprimanding him for something.

* "Phew, that's a close one" : We were on our way out the door and I had forgot my keys.

* "You wanna smell my naked feet" : This was while putting him to bed the other night and he puts his big feet in my face.

* "Do you wanna see it mommy?" To which I reply no and then he says "Yes you do" while laughing hysterically and pulling down his pants. You can figure out the rest I am sure.

There surely is never a dull moment around here with Chase!