Each year, I select one word to guide my year and actions and intentions. It’s worked much better for me than resolutions, although I do resolve – in a way – with my one word. This year has focused on “circle,” and I have circled so many areas of my life in beautiful ways.

I started – ended – and began again a long-time dream of fostering-to-adopt a child. While my family’s first attempt didn’t end the way I had prayed, like the circle, we find ourselves right back in the same place of re-opening our hearts and homes to a child in need of us and our lives in need of that child.

Two very large pieces of work I crafted for several years were published this year, and, yet, other publications are in the works or rolling around in my dreams as I begin to put them to paper.

I circled and circled and circled school and work – two very familiar places that I’ve worn paths around. I know 2019 will bring me change for both.

My faith has deepened. My prayers have focused. My voice has strengthened. All are the result of circling in 2018. I’ve circled the familiar until I’ve looked at it from every angle imaginable; it has brought me new perspective of the familiar. And I am thankful as the circling ends and I step out onto new pathways.

Tomorrow, I will share my one word for 2019. Happy New Year’s Eve, All!