*This post is created in collaboration with Vuori and ShopStyle Collective.*
Happy February, sweet friends… you made it through January! But what typically feels like the longest month of the year, actually seemed to fly by! Was it that way for you, too? Hopefully that’s a sign of all good things to come this new year!
Ahhh, the New Year! A time for reflection, new beginnings, and a fresh start. When it comes to the New Year, I’m not really one for resolutions… there’s something so resolute about them… with no room for error or growth.
So for the last few years, I’ve allowed myself the time and space to slow down in January, and reflect on my patterns and behaviors of the previous year, and any changes that could make a positive impact on my life and those around me. I’ve found that choosing a single word as the theme of my thoughts and actions is much more powerful than a list of lofty goals (with some help from Vuori, but more on that below!).
Canyon Insulated Jacket (XS) | Long Sleeve Halo Crew (S)| Daily Legging (XS)
Long Sleeve Halo Crew (S) | Daily Legging (XS)
Several years ago, that word was RELAX. In every sense of the definition… relax my control, my grip, my expectations, my fears… it goes on and on. I needed to surrender.
The next year INTENTION was so loud in my head I looked around to see if someone was in the room (they weren’t). I was so busy juggling life, being a ‘master multi-tasker,’ that literally nothing got my full attention. That’s a startling and humbling realization. As a wife, mother, daughter, friend, business owner… none of those roles ever really received my full, undivided attention. Not for long anyway.
Canyon Insulated Jacket | Long Sleeve Halo Crew | Daily Legging
Cozy Sherpa Jacket (S) | Sunrise High Neck Tank (XS) | All-New! Daily Wideleg Leggings (XS)
Last year, rather than a single word becoming clear, the whole dang dictionary came flying at me! But how could it not after the year we’d had?!? Instead of living with intention, I was just trying to keep my head above water. And forget relaxing my grip, I white-knuckled my way through the last two years! Anyone else feel that way?
And here’s the thing… I’m a fixer. I want to jump right in with my opinion, advice, or a solution… not because I think I know best, but rather, I hate to see people I love hurt or struggling. But in the process, I bulldoze over their feelings with my band-aid. Which in the end helps no one, and results in frustration and resentment.
So last year I focused on PAUSE. Rather than an immediate response and reaction when problems and heartache are presented… I learned to pause my own thoughts and response, and really listen to those of others. And in that pause, there is solace. Comfort. Understanding. Power.
Cozy Sherpa Jacket | Sunrise High Neck Tank | Daily Wideleg Leggings
Cozy Sherpa Jacket | Daily Wideleg Leggings
When reflecting back last month, I realized my one-words, and life, of the last few years have been so heavy. Words born of pain and frustration, worry and fear. And looking back on last year alone, it felt more like surviving than living. Sure there were pockets of light, but so much pain and worry was buried under the surface, always finding a way to bubble up.
Losing the precious young life of a girl we loved, and with it, the last bits of my kid’s innocence, really crippled me. We experienced the kind of hurt and grief that a mother prays to shield from her child, and not only could I not shield her from it, but I couldn’t save her from it, either.
That weighed so heavily on me as a mother, and rather than living outward, I found myself building a shell… intended for protection, but it only proved to block me from joy.
Sunrise High Neck Tank | Daily Wideleg Leggings
So here we are almost a year later, with a fresh start in a new school and new home… and while the loss will never leave us, I realized that for the first time in several years… everyone is okay! The healing and grace that I’ve prayed so fervently for is here, and we are stronger and closer from it. Thank you, Lord!!
Life isn’t perfect, and we will struggle and fall countless times, but today I choose JOY! This year I want to jump at every opportunity for JOY, no matter how outside my comfort zone.
‘Joy is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God.’ — unknown
So what does finding JOY look like? Saying yes to last-minute plans, coffee dates with new friends, and celebrating all the milestones… even if it’s just making it to the weekend! Take the trip, throw the party, eat the cake… lambano life!
Will my work suffer? Maybe.
Will my pants fit tighter? Probably.
Will I have more laugh lines? I hope so!!
Canyon Insulated Jacket | Long Sleeve Halo Crew | Daily Legging
Do you have a word or phrase for 2023? Or are you more of a resolution and goal setter?
This post is created in collaboration with a brand that brings me so much joy… Vuori Clothing! I’m grateful to partner with companies that encourage us to Invest in Happiness, and allow me to dig deeper and share my heart with you.
If you haven’t tried their Performance Jogger yet, I can assure you they’ll bring you nothing but joy! As will their Daily Leggings in the new wide leg shape!
I love this post. I’d LOVE once a week posts like this 🙂 How you balance things, your walk with God, what you are working on mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Thanks for sharing. This was really good.
Thank you, Kelly! And oh gosh, I try to add my random ramblings into my “This & That” posts… so be sure to check those out! xo, C
Kelly- Sugar Plum spoils us w/all her light, kindness, humor, fun and great finds, looks, and ideas. So much fun! : )
<3
It’s funny to say I’ve been thinking of you because I don’t “know” you but I have. I know it’s coming up on a year of your profound loss. I pray this year finds your sweet family, especially Little Miss, lighter and that you can all find JOY. I hope 2023 brings you SO much JOY! And thank you for the JOY you bring to this community! 💗
Thank you so much, Jill. <3 xo, C
I love this! I took some time in January as well to reflect and think about this next chapter. We’ve just gone through something major over the past few years – a time of going inward – a bit like hibernation, but 2023 feels like a time of stepping back out into the world – anew. Like you, I want to say yes, be playful, laugh a lot and try new things. The questions are – who do I want to be for this next chapter in my life and how do I want to live? We’ve changed and the world has changed. My word for 2023 is Sparkle! Thank you for this brilliant post and tapping into something that I think many of us are feeling at our core.
Sparkle! Wow I love that!!!! xo, C
beautiful thoughts sweet Cassie. I hope you find a little (or alot) of joy in every single day and feel God holding you on the days it feels hard. I chose the word prepare this year….definitely feel in this midlife space being prepared and also preparing my heart will help me carryon and get through the tough days.
Thank you, Shelley! “Prepare” is a great choice. <3 xo, C
Hugs to you and yours. I never really picked a word/phrase or made goals in my adult life. I was too busy to sit and decide on anything. Some years I was living in survival mode, but last year, simplify hit me over the head. This year I choose a few measurable goals, that I’m doing pretty well with. May we all find what we need this year.
“May we all find what we need this year” – TOUCHE, Libby. I love that! xo, C
Very thoughtful message. My choice is COMPLETION. I have several projects underway, and I want to bring them all, little by little, to the finished line. Do what I’ve set out to do and change it to done.
Your comments about jumping in to help … oops! That rang a bell with me. Need to step back and see what is really being asked of me. Many times, it’s enough just to listen to a friend unload without coming up with solutions.
Oh that’s a good one, Patricia! I like that. xo, C
I always have these grand ideas every year to be better than the year before and every time, in the last few years at least, I fall short, nothing changes. So, maybe a one word approach might be good for once! Or even a phrase that just popped up in my head……slow and steady. What I need is consistency in my life for most things (getting on top of my work, my studies, my health, my home renos, finances, teaching the kids to be more responsible/empower them to do more, etc.). So slow, consistent, steady approach is gonna be my 2023 goal I think. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yes that is great, Caroline!!!! xo, C
I’m blown away with your mention of “intention”. I felt the same word being spoken to me during my prayer time. I’ve decided I need to be intentional in many areas of my life…what I say, what I purchase, what I watch, read or spend my time doing… the list goes on. None of us knows when the Lord will take us home and I don’t want to waste time here on so much that has little value in the end. I want to be grateful for the gift of ordinary days and see the blessings along the way instead of blazing through to the next chapter.
Thank you for sharing. I hope this next year will be healing and happy for you and your family.
Thank you so much, Gail. Here’s to a great 2023! xo, C
I’ll tell you what’s bringing me joy. This cooler backpack from your last post, ha,ha!
You could run away from home w/this thing! Or store it overhead on a flight. With healthy food! It holds everything! Thanks, SP!
My word for the year is on repeat. -Thankful- Because no matter what, most things do turn out okay. And joy is always welcome. Joy=Notice God’s work. Joy is everywhere. xo. xo.
Ha!! YES Sandy, that thing is great! And I love your word for 2023, that’s a good one. <3 xo, C
Thank you so much for sharing. I see your posts and see nothing but joy – so I really appreciate you sharing your heart with us! I get so wrapped up in trying to make everything and everyone just right I loose the joy! So thank you for the reminder! And may the God of hope fill you with all Joy…..
Bravo!
My word for last year was actually “intention.” This year it’s a phrase (actually for the first time ever, a phrase). It’s “less of me, more of Him.” I embraced this phrase in October actually, and believed with all my heart He was going to follow through. I began by working out less, less weights on the bar, less hours at the gym (but just attend the majority days of the week). Less food on my plate. Less hours eating (do intermittent). More of Him. Reading a chapter in Scripture each morning and writing my “take away” from it. More gratitude. The results so far? I’ve lost 20 pounds! Yep. You read right! I’m now back in my size 4’s. Experienced my first Christmas season without any heavy grief (child loss as you know) since 2009. I haven’t been this low on the scale since 2013. I feel GREAT! He can do this for us if we just allow the Holy Spirit space to work in our lives. I was just trying way too hard all these years and all He wanted me to do was get the hell out of the way so HE could do what He wanted in me. I couldn’t be filled with more Joy.
Wow Tammie, so powerful! Your phrase seems to be working for you! xo, C
You have such a wonderful way with words! Here’s to a year full of JOY and laughter. Life is too short to be negative.
Thank you, Rhonda! xo, C
Beautifully writen❤️
Thank you, Kelly! xo, C
I’m thinking my word for this year is INTENTION. I want to do things intentionally. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 5 years ago; 2 years ago he had DBS surgery where rods were placed in his brain so doctors could control some of his symptoms and make them less apparent and easier for him. We are both retired, I’m 65, he’s 63. We want to take trips now and do all the things we planned on in retirement. To get to that point we will have to be intentional about planning trips and getting in the car/truck/plane/train. I know it will be mostly up to me to make the plans but I’m willing to do that so we don’t lose out on all we looked forward to.
Oh June, that sounds very challenging, he is a lucky husband! You two deserve some amazing trips together for sure. xo, C
you should listen to the song ‘Joy’ by For King and Country, it is perfect for you. I often listen to it on repeat when I need to be reminded to choose JOY!
Oh thank you for the rec!!! xo, C
Thank you for this beautifully written post. Wishing you a JOYOUS year!
Thank you Colleen!! Same to you!
This post as moved me to tears. It really spoke to me today. How can someone I don’t even know affect my life. Well you just did with your words. You spoke to my heart Cassie. I don’t even know your last name but you are making a difference. I have printed this out and put on my refrigerator so I can be reminded everyday to choose joy along with you.
Wow thank you so so much, Rebecca! It warms my heart to know other people read and relate to my ramblings. <3 <3 XO, C
My word of the year is Savor. It has two key components … one is enjoyment and the other being present. Life is short and precious. I need to savor it. Cassie … may joy surprise you kindly throughout the year.
Thank you so so much, Pam!!! xo, C
Oh, Cassie, you are Joy! Your blog brings me Joy every single time you post. Back in 2018, I bought new clothes for my trip to Italy based on your dressing room diaries posts! I love when you feature Mama Sugarplum in those, too, because I enjoy seeing how those styles look on someone closer to my age.
I love your FB stories….You make me smile, and I feel like I’m checking in with a friend!
When Little Miss lost her best friend, my heart broke for you all, and being unable to comfort in person, I prayed for you all to be comforted. When you bought the new home, I was so surprised, because you had done so much to make your old home “yours!” But I am so enjoying following along as you make this one yours, too. You have such great style! And I didn’t know there were businesses that help with pantry organization! I learn so much from you. And I love my Vuori joggers, and my Colleen Rothschild products, both of which I wouldn’t have known about if not for you. So yes, Cassie, you Are JOY to me, and to all of your followers.❤️
Well gosh, Susan, you know how to make a girl’s day! Thank you so much for your kind words. <3 <3 xo, C
Joy seems the perfect! Thank you for the joy you bring us with each post.
My word is reset I want to have a reset mindset. Instead of abandoning or accepting but rather a reset.
Here’s to 2023
Thank you Amelyn!! And oh I like “reset” that’s a great one! xo, C
This is my most favorite post of yours in a very long time. I always love reading them, but this one hits spot on. Truly sums up the last few years snd what so many of us have experienced. I pray we can all hold each other up and share our collective “joy” as a goal for these early 2023 days. Blessings. Cheers. Don’t look behind you, look forward with your friends & family by your side. Hold hands when it feels right. Go it alone when you need to listen to your own heart. ❤️
Thank you so much, Carol <3 <3 xoxo, C
I enjoy your story daily. I love your personality and your’re not afraid of color! I just finished reading your “One Word” post and I am wiping my eyes. My adult children have also experienced a loss last fall that no one expected, and as their Mom, my heart breaks for their sadness and grief. We are not at the see “Joy” in life, but I pray they get there. My word for 2023 is CHANGE. I literally have been pondering what I would say and it just came to me. Life is full of changes and how I respond to changes, is how the outcome will be. Thank you for your honestly and if I lived in Dallas, I think we would be friends. I’m down the road in Ft. Worth…go Frogs!
Prayers for you and your “kiddos,” mama… no matter how old they are! And woo hoo, I love Fort Worth! Go Frogs! xo, C
Great message(s) in this post! I appreciate your vulnerability! May you be overwhelmed by true joy this year! I love CeCe Winans ‘I’ve Got Joy’, it gives me a glory spell every time I listen!
Thank you thank you, Susan! xo, C
This is so beautiful. My word this year is Bright- I want to find the light, be the light and shine. I have a new role in my school and I realized with this role I can be a bright spot in a kids day. I am less focused on the “have to’s” and the “shoulds” and more on the joy and brightness I can provide.
One of my favorite OLW from years past was “Moment” when I was new to the stay at home mom world and I needed to find my new role focusing on MOMent and little moments of joy in motherhood.
Thank you for sharing your focus this year and all.
Oh I LOVE your word! Bright is such a good one! Same with “mom”ents – love that cleverness! xo,C
Wishing you a season of JOY.
Thank you so much, Kim!!
Joy is a wonderful word! It was the middle name of my dear friend, Mandy, who died from breast cancer. In her and my my mom’s honor, I’m choosing the word IMPERMANENCE as a reminder to find joy in the little things in life. It’s also a reminder that change is the only constant in life and that’s ok.
Hi Kristine, thank you so much for sharing this with me. I love your word as well! xo, C
I love this so much! A few years ago my one word was JOY and it was amazing how much it infiltrated my life. Our pastor, Mike Ashcroft, is the co author of My One Word. He’s amazing!
Oh wow that’s amazing!! xoxo, C
I may have to change my one word from Thankful to Joy, ha,ha! : )
I’m new to your site, but this blog post really resonated with me. Thanks for your vulnerability and willingness to share. Always love hearing about another person who chooses a single word to focus on throughout the year. May you experience God’s joy in both the big and little moments.
Thank you so much, I’m thrilled you’re here!! xo, C
I love this!!! Last year was a hard one for me and mine as well. Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your story. This year my phrase is FAIL FORWARD! I’m applying to both my personal and professional lives!
Hi Sommer! I love that phrase!! xo, C
Joy=the deep-settled confidence that God is in control of my life. Love your word for this year!
oh wow yes I love that Ashley! <3
Absolutely beautiful Cassie! Thank you for sharing. My heart leapt when I read your word for this year as my word is Joyful. I especially loved the quote that joy is the presence of God. Thank you for spreading joy into the world! Wishing you all the best this year.
Thank you, Jennifer, it really resonated with me as well!! xo, C
This is so beautiful and your words resonated so deeply with me in these last couple years of simply surviving. I’ve been try to create change in my behaviors and attitude towards it all unsuccessfully. I’m going to borrow your word Joy and remind myself in struggles at work (social work) and family to look for the Joy so I don’t break. I absolutely appreciate and follow you daily because of your authenticity and true self you bring to your instagram & blog. Having lost my mom 5 years ago, I love your post with your mom. I just love your friendship/bond that shines through. It reminds me of my mom and makes me smile. I love it. Thank you! Like yearbook sayings —Never change, keep being you! ;):)
Thank you so much, Brigid <3 I'm so sorry about your mom, but hope you can share a little bit of Mama SP with me in my posts! xo, C
Thank you. I could have been the author of this post and I chose the same word this year. Here’s to your joy and mine and a joy that defies the state of the world and circumstances. BUT God!
Thank you so much, Starla!! xoxo, C
Love this post! I share your “fixer problem.” (Enneagram type 1). A wise person once told me-stop trying to change people and just love them! So that is something I’m working on too. My word for this year is GENTLE. I am a mom, and a boss of a business, and a wife. I have too much work and not enough time, and I am tired. I read too much news! After doing some homework I have realized that GENTLE isn’t a word of weakness or fragility. GENTLE means seasoned, eager to maintain peace, founded on strength (God’s love and truth is my strength), prompted by love, full of humility, and gratitude toward God. I want to be GENTLE for my husband, my kids, and my team at work. May God bless you in your pursuit of JOY!
I love this word, Amber!! Thank you for sharing with us. xo. C
Thank you for your honesty and being genuine. Your authentic self is what makes me always want to tune in and support you.
Wishing you and yours joy! ❤️
My word for 2023 is LIGHT, for me, my heart, my body, my mind and also what I project into the world and my family. It feels good✨
Thank you so much, Tara! And I love your word…something so freeing about living with a lightness in your heart! xo. C