Friday, January 17, 2020

My Word For 2020



Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.  Several days ago, Mary Connealy shared her word for 2020, namely FOCUS. Reading her post inspired me to search for my own word to guide me in the coming year.

I thought about it long and hard.

Focus seemed like a good word to, well, focus on, but that felt like cheating, sort of like copying off of someone else’s paper. 

The next word I thought of was PRODUCTIVITY. After all I just signed a three book contract with Grand Central for books to be delivered 7 months apart, an ambitious schedule for me. But that still didn’t feel right.

Then I looked around for inspiration, I eyed my very cluttered house with its crammed to overflowing junk drawers, closets and guest rooms, and it hit me – SIMPLIFY.
This word works on a number of different levels for me.

I need to simplify my living environment by cleaning out a lot of the clutter that I’m holding on just because I “might” need/want it someday. There are clothes in the back of my closet that haven’t seen the light of day since I retired ten years ago, there are also cute shoes I love but will never be able to wear again because of my foot surgeries over the past few years.



I need to simplify my writing environment. Having lots of craft books and reference books lying around, as well as paperwork and easy access to social media has allowed too many distractions in my workspace.



I need to simplify my family life – I’m a compulsive list maker and perfectionist. By focusing on my to-do lists and trying to get everything just right, I sometimes miss out on spontaneous opportunities that present themselves to enjoy time with family and friends.



There you go – my word for 2020, let’s hope I can make it work for me.




So let’s chat. If you haven’t already mentioned your word (or goals or focus) for 2020 on Mary’s post, share it here. Or if you’ve tried the ‘simplify your life’ plan in the past, please share any tips, pointers or lessons learned that you think might help me.

I plan to give at least one person their choice of any book from my backlist.

And just an FYI, at the time this goes live I’ll be in the hospital recovering from foot surgery so I may not be able to respond right away, but I promise to pop in over the weekend if need be to read and respond to everyone’s comments.

62 comments:

  1. Those memes are wonderful. Absolutely thought-provoking.

    Winnie, I've been working on simplifying for years. Then people keep moving back into my house and we get de-simplified... and then back out, and I go on a space reduction diet... and then the cycle repeats! But step by step I'm getting there, and you've touched on so many good points. What a great reminder.

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    1. Ruthy, I agree about the wonderful quotes!

      Ruthy, just how everything would be if you hadn't simplified the first time! :)

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    2. Ruthy, I'm planning to get at least one of my spare rooms completely cleaned out and ready to use as a nursery for when my future grandson comes to visit

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  2. Simplify, focus - those are both words that would be good for me this year, but the word that sprang to my mind without even any conscious attempt to come up with one was ABIDE - and that suits.

    When I look up a dictionary definition, I get - accept or act in accordance with.

    But Google also suggested I search "meaning of abide in the Bible" so I did. "to accept without objection : to acquiesce in will"

    There has been so much upheaval in my life in recent years, so much to cope with, that learning to abide is a challenge. Not the accepting part - I've learned I have no choice in that. But the acquiesce in will part" That's going to take some work.

    Thanks for making me think.

    Praying the surgery went well and you have a quick recovery, Winnie.

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    1. Cate, you have been through so much. I'm glad you're able to rest in God's provision. However, I understand how difficult the will part it! I'm there with you on that. :)

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    2. "Abide" was my word a few years ago. Such a deeply resounding word and a great one.

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    3. I love your word Cate! Abide is a beautiful word and one that is layered with deeper meaning.

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  3. Praying your surgery goes beautifully, Winnie, and that you're back on your feet--both of them--very soon!! I love the word simplify--I have a sign over my kitchen sink with that very word printed on it--because I need the reminder every day! "The noble art of leaving things undone" --that quote says it beautifully!! What a great post!

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    1. Laurel, if I ever make it your house, that sign may or may not come up missing. ;)

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    2. Laurel, I think I need to make my own sign!

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    3. Thanks Laurel. I came through the surgery just fine and am back home again, resting up. And thanks for the kind words about the post

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  4. Thinking of you today, Winnie, praying your surgery went well and that you'll be comfortably back home today.

    Simplify is one of the words I've contemplated for 2020. Still haven't completely decided, but I hear what you're saying. Perhaps my word should be Kiss - Keep it simple sweetheart!

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    1. Mindy, I finally got my One Word a couple of weeks ago. I started looking back in my journal at the Scriptures that spoke to me most last year, and realized they led to my word.

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    2. Thanks for your kind words Mindy, and good luck on settling on your word for 2020

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  5. Winnie, a good post for January. Or any month.
    I "get it" about the shoes. I can wear heels for about an hour now before I'm in agony, so I save them for church and personal appearances. I loved and do love shoes, but it's a small price to pay compared with what other women my age are putting up with.
    I wish I had taken "Simplify." Sherrinda was posting earlier this week about her word, I also wish I had taken hers which is "Surrender."
    But I took "Ready." It nagged at me for most of December, so guess it's right for now. Ready. SO many changes in my life, from the commercial and mundane (does anyone else miss Sears and K-Mart? I'm still processing Radio Shack.) To changes in my own aging infrastructure, losing people, watching the world change around me, implacable changes, technology, everything is on an app now. Changes inside me as I realize some dreams are not going to come true, they're just not, and I need to appreciate the ones that do. That balanced against starting over at the bottom of a brand-new profession and doing okay, at least so far, and wondering what that will bring in 2020. Will I be Ready?
    Yeah, think I'll keep "ready," and put "surrender" and "simplify" aside for maybe next year. That's the nice thing about words. Unlike snowmen, they don't melt.
    Your Kaybee
    Digging out from snowstorms in New Hampshire

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    1. Kathy, I love that quote: "That's the nice thing about words. Unlike snowmen, they don't melt."

      I'm glad you found your One Word. It'll be fun to see what God brings you this year that you're ready for!

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    2. I could clear some shoes out of this place. Yes! Not only that, I have the floor of my closet scattered (okay PILED) with shoes and an empty shoe bag hanging in that same closet. C'mon, man!!!

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    3. Kathy, I understand so well about the "so many changes in my life" and that includes being a first time novelist. I appreciate your word for the year ahead. I chose "trust" but feel I must be ready too.

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    4. Hello Kathy. I love your word for 2020. Ready has such a positive, great vibe to it. And brrrrr on the snow storm - makes me doubly glad I live in the south. :)

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  6. I love the concept of simplifying--but the actual work it takes to do it is what keeps me from trying it in anything more than short bursts, I think :)

    As far as my word, I did share it last time--connection--but in the last week it's become even more of a beacon for me because of some family circumstances. I even wrote a devotion that will get posted later this month that reminded me how when God helped me pick that word six weeks ago, He knew exactly what I would need to start off this year.

    Prayers for a speedy recovery, Winnie!!

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    1. Glynis, that's amazing how God works, isn't it? God knows the plans He has for us, and prepares us for that. I hope you'll let us know when that devotion gets posted.

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    2. Glynis something I've been doing for a few years is, I throw away ten things a day through Lent.
      I try and think of it as sacrifice. I do GIVE things away to a local consignment store...I don't try and make money on what I give away but I do like the idea of passing it on in case someone might need it.

      It's getting harder. I really have stripped this place down. This year, I might focus on clothes. I really don't hoard old clothes but I've got styles I rarely wear anymore and there is no reason that my husband and I have such full closets. We used to stuff four kids in this house!

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    3. Hello Glynnis and thank you, prayers are always appreciated. And I LOVE the word connection.

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  7. Praying for your foot surgery. I went down that road a few years ago and it wasn’t much fun. Same time of year...recover by a fire with lots of books and writing if you can.

    I wanted my word this year to be “valiant”. Convinced myself it was. Poor me. It turned out to be “simple”. But I’m liking it now. I’m getting rid of some clutter and my brain can breathe!

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    1. Dalyn, you made me smile over the change of your One Word. Isn't that just like God to take us in a different direction? :) But we always knows it's the right direction.

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    2. Maybe it's Valiant to simplify your life, Dalyn.

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    3. Dalton, thanks for the prayers, they are always appreciated! Unfortunately I ha a book deadline looming so there will be no lounging by the fire for me :)

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  8. Hi, Winnie. Prayers being sent for a quick recovery.

    I love your word of the year - simplify, and I also connected with what you wrote about lists. Thanks for your insights and for the way you're determined to put your word into practice.

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    1. Tanya, we're looking forward to having you on the blog soon!

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    2. Thanks for the prayers Tanya. And I'm so glad my post spoke to you. I hope you have a fabulous New year

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  9. Winnie, I've been praying for your surgery and recovery! Mostly, I pray this is the LAST surgery you need to be able to walk pain-free!

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    1. Oh! Also meant to say that I finally spent some time praying over my One Word for 2020. Through looking back at Bible verses that meant a lot to me last year, God showed me the word PURPOSE. I want to look at all my work and actions this year through the lens of God's purpose for me, my purpose in life.

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    2. Thanks for the prayers Missy. Oh, and I love purpose as a guiding word for 2020.

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  10. Winnie, I hope your surgery is successful and that you recover quickly. Simplify is a great word. I am always trying to simplify, but I need to do a better job of it.

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    1. Sandy, it's something I really need to work on, too.

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    2. Hi Sandy. And yes from all indications the surgery went well. Won't know for sure until I get to walk on it again in about 10 weeks

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  11. .
    "Without the details life can only be seen in black and white. Simplify but celebrate the richness."

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  12. Winnie, I so needed this post! I definitely need to simplify in my life--especially in my house clutter. I tend to hold onto things because I hate to make decisions on what to keep and save, therefore, I just procrastinate.

    Praying that your surgery goes well and you recover quickly.

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    1. Winnie, I'm a bit of a pack rat, so I understand!

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    2. Hi Winnie. I'm afraid I'm a world class procrastinator too.

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  13. Thank you, Winnie, for your wonderful post. I dislike clutter but still I'm a saver. Need to get more serious about downsizing. I hope your surgery goes well and that you'll have a swift recovery.

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    1. Pat, I'm a saver too. I like that term better than pack rat (which I used above)! :)

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    2. I hear you Pat. It's hard for me to throw anything out on the off chance I may need it "someday"
      I've got to get over that by assuring myself that I'm handing it over to someone who'll get more use out of it

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  14. Praying for your surgery and recovery, Winnie!

    "Simplify" is a great word. Mine for this year is "pursue."

    One thing that gives me a bit of trepidation every year when I choose me word (or it chooses me) is how God uses that word to grow me throughout the year. I've already been brought up short when I've wanted to respond to someone's thoughtless comment with an equally thoughtless comment of my own...but I'm trying to "pursue" peace. (1 Peter 3:10-11)

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    1. Jan, I love that word. Especially with peace.

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    2. Thanks Jan. And I really like the word you've chosen. I'm sure God will do an awesome work in you through this.

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  15. Thinking about you and your stay in the hospital. Prayers that all go well.
    These are wonderful quotes.
    I tried doing one word for the year that I wanted to focus on.
    But I really need two to focus on.
    This year it is COMPLETE. I start a lot of projects and never finish them. This year will be different. And HEALTHY, this year I really want to focus on my own health.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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    1. Lori, those are great words and great goals!

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    2. Thanks for the prayers Lori. And those are two strong words. It will be great to see where they lead you

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  16. Praying for your recovery, Winnie! Love your post and the quotes you shared. All so good.

    My one word is actually two...Stay Strong! God wants me to strengthen my body with exercise and wise eating choices. He wants me to write stories without allowing stress to unsettle me as I push toward my deadline. He wants me to simplify my life and my living space. As you mentioned, I need to get rid of unnecessary items that fill my closets, office and storage areas. I need to...well, you get the picture.

    I love reading all the comments today. So many good one words! Praying 2020 is a productive year for all of us!

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    1. Debby, I love your Two Word! I love the idea of being strong. It's much more inspiring-sounding than the words exercise and diet. :)

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    2. Thanks for the prayers Debby. And I love the positive message in your comment

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  17. I need this word, too! I need to declutter, to simplify, to focus, to organize and downsize my STUFF. I love the quotes you shared today!

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    1. Hi Erica. You are more than welcome to share my word with me. There's room for by.Chris of us under that umbrella :)

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  18. Praying for a speedy recovery. I tend to hold on to things in an organized way, because of losing everything. I have been donating clothes, blankets, pillows, etc to the homeless.

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    1. Hello Lucy. And what a sweet gesture to donate from your abundance to the homeless

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  19. I hope your surgery went well Winnie.
    I've seen quite a few authors and blogs talk about their word for the year but it's something I've never done myself. I like the concept, but at the same time, personally it feels almost like a resolution I'm bound to break sometime so that's likely why I've never tried to come up with one myself.
    But I do admire those who try it and stick to it. I look forward to hearing how those words transform/transpire throughout the year.

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    1. Hello Lee-Ann, thanks for the kind words. And maybe that would be a good follow-up post in 6 months.

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  20. Winnie, I hope your surgery went well!
    I've moved twice since February 2017, and both times we downsized. I was forced to simplify and get rid of clutter. There have been a few times I've 'needed' something I gave away, but it turns out I didn't need it and I survived. Getting rid of unnecessary possessions is freeing!
    Thanks for sharing all of the inspiring quotes!

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    1. Hi Jackie. And those are good lessons to take to heart.

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