It is finally 2016, and with the new year comes new hopes, dreams and aspirations with a fresh start. Some of us may make new years resolutions and some may think that is trivial. I think most of us could agree that even if there are no particular goals, we hope to be better than the previous year.

We want to grow, for that means we are alive and living. I do create goals each year, but the bigger thing for me is picking one word that represents my priority and focus for the year. I like that this simple word can help inspire me and be something that I go back to as a foundation and prayer throughout the year.

After the heavy last year, I was scared what word may come to me for this year. Matt and I got to get away for a few days right after Christmas. It was wonderful to dream, laugh, and process life together. As we were having these conversations, I kept hoping a word would stand out as my inspiration for this 2016 year.

During our trip we started reading this book, Essentialism by Greg McKeown, together. It is a perfect read for the new year. I won’t do it justice by trying to explain it. Let me just say, if you haven’t read it, you should!

There is a chapter on play that I cannot shake. Again, you should read the book. As a creative person (who loves to dream and imagine), words that expressed the importance of “playing” brought life back into my tired soul. Here are a few notes I jotted down in my journal…

Playing….

• is not trivial
• produces imagination
• gives power to improve
• leads to brain activity
• is crucial to survival
• causes creative behaviors
• leads to some of the best memories and moments
• broadens perspective
• is an antidote to stress
• is a vital driver in creativity
• is essential

I don’t think it’s any surprise why kids are so creative. They play so well. May we take note and learn to play better.

I love playing with my kids, but do not always do well just checking out of all the lists, home responsibilities and adult-ing required to just fully let loose and enjoy the moment (or hours) without any of those other worries.

This snowy day a week ago, we just played in the snow for about three hours together. It was beautiful, and I have thought about this day all week-long.

We laughed. We ate snow….got snowballs in the face…built a snowman…chased the dogs…and were just present together…doing nothing but enjoying the time. There was no goal. There was no list of a task or pressure to be anything but us.

By the time Matt and I got home from our getaway, I had my word. Courage.

I’m still processing all that it means, but the concept is largely to have courage in my life. To make brave decisions, to trust, to listen, to talk less, to be present, to be open, to try to break chains and bad habits in me, and fight for a life that I want and feel led towards.

Courage takes strength. It takes bravery and fighting against what may be expected but to do what you know is right. I want to do me well. To use my gifts and passions for good and not try to be anything else. With this one wild and crazy life, I want to have courage to live. On this snowy day, it was courage to play.

Have you found a word for your year yet? More on mine soon. To chat more often, follow me on Instagram: ericadeuel