Layla is having a “word of the year” party and I wanted to join in the fun. I adore words. I like to bounce them around in my head and create combinations that make me laugh or grip my insides and make me want to do better…to be better. Every blogger knows the power that words can have on your total being. One little string of them left in your comment box can encourage and uplift, or sadden and sting. So when I tried to think of one word that encapsulates all I want to gain in a year, I prayed, and pondered, and contemplated and kept coming back to the same silly word. Bubbles.
Source: piccsy.com via Nicole on Pinterest
Bubbles. That is my word for 2012. Uh…bubbles? Seriously Beth? Yep. Seriously. Let me explain.
This year, I want to focus on having more fun with my family.
Source: Uploaded by user via Carina on Pinterest
I’m all too aware of how fast my boys are growing up. Yes, I’ll admit that I’m not the kind of mom that always enjoys playing with my kids. But pretty soon the days of them wanting to play with me will be gone…and I don’t want to regret not grabbing the moments of fun while they are here.
Source: Uploaded by user via Katie on Pinterest
I love to have fun and I am often the biggest clown in my family (which is saying a lot if you’ve seen the clowns in my family)! But blogging can be all-consuming and the to-do list never ending. This year I hope to pause more and take time to jump on some bubble wrap with my boys.
We pop some bubbly when something good has happened.
Source: milenachka.tumblr.com via Erica on Pinterest
We cover a bride and groom in bubbles to wish them well.
Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Bob on Pinterest
This year, I want to celebrate all the triumphs in my own life but more importantly in the lives of others. I want to be a source of encouragement! I want to take the time to send that card, write that email, and pop that cork for the successes and joys in life. Ultimately, I want to give more and focus on myself less.
I tend to be high strung. My nerves often get the best of me and when stressed I say and do things that I often regret later. This year, I plan to take time to quiet my mind and escape from the stressors as needed.
I have an awesome jacuzzi tub in my master bath, and I need to shut the computer and retreat to my bath when I feel weary. While soaking, I often read my Bible which helps renew my mind and feed my soul.
Source: wannasmile.com via Julie-Ann on Pinterest
If you are an avid blogger, how many of your social interactions in a day have nothing to do with blogging?
Source: baftani.blogspot.com via Pegah on Pinterest
In the past three years of home blogging, my community has become filled with the most amazing people! I LOVE bloggers! I adore my blog friends. When I am in crisis, I turn to blog friends. When I have something exciting to share, I turn to my blog friends. When I want to laugh, yep…I turn to my blog friends! However, I have many non-blogger relationships in my life and I have totally let those slide. Most of the people in my “real everyday life” are not bloggers, and I love them too. I don’t want to just live in a blogger bubble. It’s safe and warm and easy in here…..but for me it’s not healthy.
My blog is my business. My blog community is AWESOME, and yet my blog should not be my everything. It should not become an idol in my life. This year, I will work hard at balancing blog life with real life and stop isolating myself from my church, neighborhood, and offline community. This will admittedly be the hardest “bubble” goal of the year!
Joy is fleeting and moments are often all we have. Life is too short to dwell on any pettiness or negativity. This year, I won’t allow nay sayers to burst my bubble. I will embrace the fragile moments of joy and not allow myself to be fragile within those moments. My joy is not dependent on the opinions of others, and I am not a bubble.
Source: stumbleupon.com via Amber on Pinterest
This year, I want to be a gift finder. I want to see the joy in every circumstance and slow down to enjoy each moment. If you haven’t read Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, I think you should. Ann is one of the most gifted Christian authors I have ever read. Her book has been such a blessing in my life and reminds me to seek and find joy in the messy mundane trials of life. There is a passage in her book where she describes the majesty of dish soap bubbles and her description is so amazing that I was tempted to go wash some dishes and rejoice in those glorious suds! Now seriously…that is some good writing if it motivates me to want to wash a pan just to see a bubble! Here is an excerpt from that passage:
A soap bubble, skin of light and water and space suspended in sphere. Who has time for that?
Hadn’t I? Only because I was looking. Because that list of one thousand gifts has me always on the hunt for one more—to behold one more moment pregnant with wonder…..
……Light on a soap film, its energy traveling, reflection, refraction on a wall a few millionths of an inch thick. Light waves permeate and collide, crest to crest and crest to trough. Yellow marbleizes into indigo dark. I do see this I hold it.
This is where God is. Â Â —Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
Source: thismight.be via Beau on Pinterest
Bubbles. They remind me to have fun with my kids, to celebrate the successes of others, to take time to unwind and relax. They remind me to embrace those outside of my blogger bubble and to not let others burst my bubble. They remind me to live in the moment and rejoice in God’s love and beauty! I say bubbles all around in 2012!
Linking up with :
Ashley | Domestic Fashionista says
this is so encouraging and inspiring. Great food for thought…I related to everything! Thank you for sharing!
cheryl . the painted board says
Hey Beth,
I make painted signs and I made you a little one that says “Bubbles”. I would love to send it your way. I just need an address. 🙂
You are a blessing to me.
~cheryl
Andrea . Charcoal & Crayons says
Bubbles is such a fun and wonderful word! And the meaning that you have put behind it makes it so much more special. I love how it applies to different aspects of life so well!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
YES! Ann’s passage sums it up perfectly. Love the thought that you put into finding your word, Beth ~ and it’s truly and uniquely your own, my friend.
Best of luck on your journey! *blowing bubbles your way*
xo Heidi
Laura@Elegant Nest says
Love your word! Thanks for the beautiful post…I read it twice!! As a mom of two boys – now 18 & 15 – I can relate to wanting to enjoy every moment with them. They grow up and out so very fast!
Have a wonderful day.
April says
I love it! I hink “Bubbles” is a great word of the year:) You gave that word an entirely new meaning for me♥ My word is “renew,” http://aprildawns.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-of-year.html , for a lot of the same reasons! Take care♥
LSK says
Joy is fleeting and moments are often all we have. Life is too short to dwell on any pettiness or negativity. This year, I won’t allow nay sayers to burst my bubble. I will embrace the fragile moments of joy and not allow myself to be fragile within those moments. My joy is not dependent on the opinions of others, and I am not a bubble.
This is beautiful!
Kim B. says
Wow!! BEAUTIFULLY written! Seriously,that belongs in a magazine. You’re writing is as AMAZING as your DIY talent 🙂
Jo @ To a Pretty Life says
What a beautiful post on what bubbles represent for you! I hope you have a wonderful bubbly year!
Twylene says
What a great post, Beth! I needed some of these reminders!
Karah @ thespacebtweenblog says
This is such an awesome post! Beautifully thought out, such a great message. I love that in all that was expressed the one word is bubbles. Who can say bubbles without smiling?!?
A few blog friends and I introduced a new challenge idea today and it would be so fun if you want to join. If you have a second, check in at http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/imagine-the-impossibilities-challenge/ to learn more, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Beth, loved this SO much, I had to come read it again. You are a great writer and this was a wonderful expression from your heart. Glad to be your friend! xoxo Still thinking on MY word.
Kassi @ Truly Lovely says
That’s the best word of the year I’ve heard so far!! 🙂 Love your explanation of each ‘bubble type’! Truly creative Beth!!
amylou says
Love it! I have the Tiffany & Co. bubble ring as my wedding band. I would definitely be asking my husband for one if it were my word of the year!:)
jamie says
I LOVE this post!! Who knew ‘bubbles’ could be such an inspiring word!?!
lisa @StudioJewel says
love that word. love what it encompasses!
~Country Lady~ says
Who would have ever thought bubbles could evoke such inspiration? That is exactly what you have done through your eloquent way of speaking. You touched me, and “bubble” has now become a favorite word of mine. I will never hear the word or speak the word or see a “bubble” and not think of you and your inspiration. Thank you for being such a positive blogger who touches all those around you in a beautiful way. Blessings, and May 2012 be filled with lovely “bubbles.”
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says
Awesome. post. That is all I have to say. That and I love ya. 🙂
Jaimie says
Wow – Love it! Such a great word and I love your insight into it. I would have never thought of all the possibilities. Now whenever I see bubbles I’m going to think of this post! 🙂
nest of posies says
beth, beth, beth!!!
this is just awesome. at first, i was like huh?
but the way you laid it out & went into beautiful detail was just wonderful.
great word!
xoxo
lots of love & bubbles!
kellie
Layla says
I love your word!!!
I enjoyed this post SO much, and am leaving extra-inspired tonight, Beth!
Thank you for sharing this with us!
🙂 XO
Carmel says
Love this! I’m all for a little bubbly!
Christy says
What a perfect word and I love all of your reasons behind it. I will never think of bubbles the same way again! Thanks for sharing such a great post with us!
Kerry Rossow says
Abso-freaking-lutely! BUBBLES! It’s fun to say and add bubbles anytime, anywhere for instant fun!
I want to put my kids in a protective bubble. I live for a bubble bath. My kiddos go wild for bubbles. I am thankful others cannot really see my thought bubbles!
Thank you for sharing the bubble love!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
Lesley@ChaoticallyCreative says
I love this. We had a bubble day at my Childcare Center and it was amazing how something as simple as bubbles made the most serious parents let lose and share a fun silly moment with their child. We attached bubble machines to the front of the building and had a bubble wrap runner in the entrance for people to jump on! The parents enjoyed the runner as much as the children. Wonderful post!
Dar says
You had me at “bubble”! Wishing you many special bubble moments in 2012
Tawnya says
I’ve been following your blog for months now and have enjoyed the diy tips and decorating insights. This post however, gave me a little window further into your heart – thanks for sharing! As a fellow follower of Jesus I’m encouraged to read other women like yourself seeking to live in the balance of all that God has given you, and yet not holding it all up as an idol. Thanks so much for writing!
Kathryn says
This is absolutely one of the most brilliant posts I think I have ever read. It is applicable to everyone!!!! Thank you for sharing Beth and making me think. You are an amazing person.
Shelley says
You are such a talented writer. I want more of those happy bubbles in my life too 🙂
Kara @ June & Bear says
beautiful post. who knew bubbles would be such a great word of the year. hope you find many of them.
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
Beautiful post Beth, simply beautiful. 🙂
Laura Putnam says
Really beautifully written Beth and thank you sharing yourself with us. I will take to heart your words for guidance in my own year as well. And really, is there a better word than bubbles!
Take care, Laura
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Very inspiring Beth! I love the picture with the woman “stuck” in the bubble….atleast I think she was stuck 🙂 Very good analogy of how blogging can isolate fast but also be so rewarding. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rhonda @ Abide at Home says
You motivated me. After seeing several other bloggers and their Word of the Year, I think I’m going to have to join the party! 🙂 Good word though – I like the way that you tied it into your life so beautifully!
laura says
so fun, love all of the great pictures you chose. I hope that your year is filled with all kinds of bubbles, and continue to share them with your readers.
{darlene} says
joy, fun, bubbles!!! with you, girl.
sarah macklem says
Beth, this post is beautiful. Bubbles…so simple but so profound. Thanks for sharing.
Jenny says
Now that is awesome! You put a lot of thought into it and it’s cool! I love the bubble pics too!
Michelle says
I think your word is perfect. One of my online friends chose “Rainbows” as her word of the year and the meaning behind it was wonderful and warm.
I’ve chosen “Rejuvenate”…To breath new life into!
I love the process of analyzing and taking the time to choose a focus.
Good luck!
Kathysue says
This is so beautifully written and as you further explained your word it wasn’t a silly word after all, but a powerful word full of meaning to YOU and now to US since you have written this beautiful post, Thank you for sharing,
Kathysue
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Oh how fun! Wishing you a year filled with bubbles!
Gloria says
I love your word. It’s so you. Since I read Layla’s post on her word, I’ve been thinking of what mine should be. Still working on it.
Leeann M says
Love it! You’d get my vote!!!!
Julianne says
Definitely thought-provoking words for reflection as we step into the New Year. Beautifully written, Beth! :O)
Chris says
Gosh, Beth. THAT was good. I kept nodding my head in agreement to everything you said! Perhaps my word will have to be bubbles too. Or maybe Beth’s bubbles? Wait…that doesn’t sound right. Love you, girl.
traci says
What a perfect word, Beth! I pray that all those “bubble dreams” come true for you, and may your life be more blessed than ever!
Love you!
Traci
Myra @ My Blessed Life says
Love, love, love, love, love THIS! And love you too! Blessed by your friendship. 🙂 xoxo
Crystal says
Love your word and especially the meaning behind it. I know what you mean, my kids are growing up all too fast too. So many things compete for our time and I struggle being in the moment because my mind is usually somewhere else. I’m still working on my word, I have an idea but am not sure. Thanks for sharing your word with us.
Cyndi Spivey says
That was beautiful !! So glad you shared a little of your heart!
Blessings for a wonderful New Year,
Cyndi
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Beautifully written, and well said! Hoping 2012 brings you lots of Bubbles. 🙂
Carin says
What a fabulous word for the year! I love it! And I so love all your thoughts behind it. Have a fantastic year!