My One Little Word of 2019 was reset. When I selected it as my word, I thought it would be the perfect word to help me face any bumps in the road. Little did I know just how off-the-rails the second half of 2019 would be. While there were hassles with both moves and little illnesses for the kids, there were some big things too.
Three months ago, three missed steps changed the trajectory of my year when I injured my ankle. Then a family member received some terrible medical news. Those two things were enough to wish away 2019. Then, every time things seemed to look up, there were setbacks or bad news. You know the expression when it rains it pours? Well, it has felt as though it’s been pouring over us for a little over three months. And just because it’s a new year — today — doesn’t mean that life is going to get better magically.
I wish a new year and decade would make everything better, but life doesn’t work like that. And perhaps that’s what made it so hard to select a word to live by this year. At first, I thought “MEH” should be my word since getting to meh would be better than where we’ve been for the past few months. But “MEH” isn’t inspirational. I aspire for more than meh.
After a lot of thinking, I realized 2020 needs to be a year of restoration. While there’s no going back in time, there is a need to restore my ankle. The health of the family member I mentioned above needs to be restored. Truthfully, there’s a need to restore my role as a daughter, wife, and mother — as I get stronger — so I can return to doing all of the things I used to do since I’ve been dependent on others for many things since late September. Once I am able to restore myself to my previous condition, it’s my sincere hope things will start to feel “normal” again.
There will always be mishaps, injuries, illnesses, and upsets. I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for less drama so every day doesn’t feel like it’s just waiting for bad news to be heaped upon it. I’m looking to restore some sense of normalcy my family’s life in 2020.
Raising Literate Humans 
Seems like the perfect word.
I hope so! Just snuggling with Ari before his bedtime for the past two nights has felt restorative. (It’s something I’ve barely done since I hurt my foot.)
Stacey, “Restore” is such a good word. It’s actually something I’ve worked in in my own life these past few months. I hope your ankle heals fast; I know how such an injury needs lots of time. Wishing you health, happiness, and restoration in 2020.
It is amazing how long the foot takes to heal. Frustrating, but the small steps forward are nice.
Happy new year to you, Glenda.
An inspiring word for sure. May your health and your loved one’s health be fully restored!
Thanks so much, Bev. The family member I mentioned reads this blog and I’m sure will appreciate your well wishes.
Restore is perfect and inspiring. It must have been hard to have all of these mishaps snowball at you at once. May this year and decade bring just what need to restore for health and happiness.
Yes, it all snowballed, which is why it was frustrating. I’m eager to restore many things so I can get onto the happy business of the decade ahead.
I love “restore.” It’s something that needs to happen on the inside as well as the outside – especially with injury and illness. Hoping you and your loved ones are xoxo
Indeed, it is an inside and outside restoration process!
Hi Stacey,
I am sorry to hear about your mishaps…hope restore works out to be a great word for you this new year. Praying for better times for you and your family.
Thank you for your kind words, Amy. We are hoping for a better year ahead.
What a wonderful one little word. I wish for you a year that thoroughly restores you into a place of normalcy.
Oh, how I hope so too, Marina!
Sending love and healing wishes to you and yours Stacey.
Thanks so much, Lisa!
Restore is a wonderful word full of hope and healing. There have been so many times I wish I could reach across this computer screen to give you a restorative hug. I’m going to ask that you give yourself a full embracing hug and know that I love and support you as you seek to restore all that feels out of your grasp. Sending you my best in the new year and wishing you rest and comfort.
You need some restoring, for sure– as does your whole family. It will stop pouring. You will get to a place to look back. And you will be okay and restored. Sending a hug!
Excellent choice, Stacey. I think with all you’ve had going on, this word will hopefully provide welcome direction in your life. Happy New Year, and may this one bring restoration to all the places that really matter.
Excellent word. Restore makes me think of strengthening and healing, inside and out—filling in the metaphorical gaps and cracks with all the best things. Your post is a timely reminder that we all need to take time to do this restorative work.