Note: December is Word-of-the-Year Month at Christine’s Blog. As we roll into another New Year, each day will feature a new guest blogger who chose one word as a way of setting intention for her whole year. Today’s guest is Lisa Muller.
My 2008 word was and still is RELEASE.
I really haven’t thought about the word for some time but looking back…
I have so far RELEASED the following:
1. The responsibility of being a Girl Scout leader.
I love the Girl Scouts but my daughter was no longer interested in being in a Girl Scout group.
2. The responsibility of being a Religious Education Teacher.
I have been doing this for about ten years. It is time to let someone else have a chance to experience working with students and the blessings they receive from being in the classroom.
3. The responsibility of being the alumni treasurer for my sorority.
I can still be involved without having a “job”.
4. A bunch of old clothes that don’t fit, don’t look good and are outdated.
I encouraged my three children to do the same. Feels great! We gave clothes to several friends with younger children and the rest to the Salvation Army.
5. Toys, toys and more toys!
My kids have been great to release so many toys. They now have clean rooms. They also know, they don’t have to keep anything they don’t love or use.
6. A garage full of unwanted “stuff”.
We invited friends to come and take anything they wanted for their own homes. The rest is getting loaded up and donated to the Salvation Army.
7. Boxes of books have been released from my house. Childrens books are going to a local afterschool program. The rest are going to our local library book store.
8. Old food items from the pantry, refrigerator and freezer.
Many items had expired dates.
9. All the containers or tops that aren’t matched.
10. I have released 8 pounds.
My goal is to release another 15 pounds by the end of the year… and to keep it off for good!
11. Guilt!
I no longer feel guilty for not going to church when I don’t feel like going. I no longer feel guilty for saying “No” when I don’t want to volunteer for some committee or job. I no longer feel guilty for taking time to do something just for myself.
Well I still have a few months to go and I’m sure I’ll be able to release more “stuff”. I didn’t realize just how much I accomplished until now.
I’m going to give myself a big pat on the back… And keep on RELEASING!!!
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Lisa!! I am smiling ear to ear after reading this! I can picture you writing this! What an awesome word for all you wanted to let go of! It is so cool to see how it has changed your life. I can feel your momentum. It is inspiring and joyful. Keep patting yourself on the back. Your spirit is contagious. Thanks!
This IS awesome, and close to my heart. This word. Whew! I see how you’ve really taken this word, and released so much in your life. And I think to myself, what a wonderful way to get back to who “you” are. We take on responsibilities, we accumulate stuff, we eat junk, and pretty soon we have way more than we want or need. Release! I find it very, very freeing. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing this word of yours! Your writing here today is way more helpful than you’ll ever realize…
Hi Lisa,
Love your choice of word and your post ! You have released an amazing amount in one year – your pat on the back is well deserved ! And I am encouraged to do a little releasing of my own
Hi Lisa,
What a great post. I have been feeling like I want to head into the new year with less “weight”. I have definitely had the mantra in my head that I read on this blog about really checking whether something new is a absolute “yes” before allowing it to come into my space, but haven’t been so vigilant about applying this criteria to the things that are already present in my life. I have been in the process of letting things go over the last 6 months or so, but got sidetracked by other priorities this month. You have inspired me to get back to streamlining again. Congratulations on the lighter you!-Tracy
I have some wonderful friends here in the UK who run an outfit inspiring wellbeing at festivals called Real-ease (http://realease.co.uk/home/index.php)
It makes so much more sense when you say things slowly.
r e a l e a s e
(and when you turn around and look back to say “wow! it really wasn’t that hard to do!!”)
Hi Lisa (and Christine, too!),
It’s so wonderful to read your update Lisa…I can see you sitting in retreat circle describing all you wanted to let go of. Yay you for stepping into your vision!
Much love, Tisha
Hi Lisa,
I love the momentum of your piece as you release more and more. Can feel you tossing the baggage off your shoulders one by one! Talk about losing weight. Love it!
Thx G.
#9! All the containers with non-matching lids – my favorite:)
Wonderful post, I too embraced release of activities that were more habit than joy.
Thanks for sharing.
Lisa,
I too want to use the word wonderful about your post and the way it made me feel, not only about myself but about you as I read your words. This seemed to be a recurring response to your post. Thank-you so much!
I want to give you another word…
Well done good and faithful servant. You released your burdens, you spread your wealth, and you encouraged your children in the way that they should go. Blessings to you.
Chris
another wonderful word! congratulations on all that releasing! it is definitely inspiring. best wishes.