My One Little Word for 2017: New
9 Jan 2017
My word for 2017 came to me several months ago, and, truthfully, I am not sure there could be any other word for this year. Because…
We are moving! To Seattle! (In a week: aaahhh!) Most of 2016 was spent waiting to hear about a job for Eric, so we knew that this was a possibility. We are excited for many new adventures and for this great job, but also, of course, heartbroken to be leaving our dear friends here. (We’re planning those quarterly visits already!)
New means so many things for us this year: new city, new job, new house, new friends (we hope!), new school, new parish, new rhythms and routines, new places to explore. We are buying a house (!! I don’t think I can say we bought it until we close!), so we will be new homeowners. We are thrilled to have our own space, but maybe most thrilled to have a yard for Micah to run and play in.
I think “new” stretches its branches in lots of different directions–while we are excited to get settled in our new home, I am sure there are many things that will be difficult, and we’ll need to remind ourselves, “Hey, it’s ok. This is all new.” And, of course, it’s similar to my word for last year, “grow,” in that I am (always) hoping to learn and experience new things. I’m hoping to create some new (good!) habits. Including blogging more! (But, realistically, probably not until February or so, when some of the moving dust has settled). It’s a spiritual word for me too, reminding me of two comforting statements that I love very much, that His mercies are new every morning, and that He makes all things new. I hope this word will be a reminder of that comfort to me, and a reminder that I can make a new start every morning, or even every minute.
I always like to look up the definitions of my word, to hold in my mind as the year goes by. I especially like “never existing before, appearing for the first time,” “known or discovered for the first time,” “recently grown or made; fresh,” “beginning again, making a fresh start,” and “refreshed in spirits.” What better word for the new year and for new beginnings?
So, we’ll see where this word takes me! Do you have a word or phrase for 2017? Do tell!

Jan 09, 2017 @ 10:51:13
I think our plans for the new year are awfully similar, dear BFF, as if we had planned them together. 2017, for me, is about making and looking for new opportunities for myself, wherever I shall find them.
It’s funny. I remember when we were moving from CA to DE, I was blogging and people were wondering how I had time to do so (truth be told, I should have been packing more, reflecting less), but I felt like I had no other choice: I had to capture those last moments in my (old) home, wonder about what I would find on the other side (so many good things, unexpected things, but good things nonetheless). In short, I’m glad to see you here during your last days in Pasadena, planning and hoping for all the things 2017 will bring, which I am sure will nothing but the very best.
P.S. I want to see the house! That is, once it’s your. No jinxing allowed.
Jan 09, 2017 @ 11:53:22
that is, once it’s YOURS. I don’t know where my head is these days.
Jan 11, 2017 @ 14:07:32
Ha, no worries! Mine has also been misplaced!
Jan 11, 2017 @ 14:07:09
Aw, this makes me so happy! We should have little check-ins on how the newness is going! I am actually able to blog because LUXURY OF LUXURIES the movers are going to pack our stuff! Isn’t that crazy?! Eric’s sweet parents were going to fly out and help us pack, but the movers actually cost less than their airfare/hotels. What a brave, lavish new world! I can’t wait to show you the house! Closing is NOT for the faint of heart, but as soon as it’s official, I will send you pictures:) And obviously will send pictures when we arrive bc I will need your decor advice. I can’t wait to see what this year holds for you, sweet friend! And hopefully I will see you in it (at least via Skype!) XOXO
Jan 11, 2017 @ 06:28:02
can’t wait to read all about your new home adventures in a new city 🙂 Such wonderful exciting news!
Jan 12, 2017 @ 11:24:58
Thank you, Karen! I am excited to post more about our adventures there! I hope you are having a beautiful winter!
Jan 11, 2017 @ 08:13:00
I can’t wait to experience new things with you in your new home and town!
Jan 12, 2017 @ 11:25:12
Woohoo, me too!