The key to passion is purpose.

As I was reflecting on the last year, I thought it would be fun to look back at my last post from 2017 and my first post of 2018. Reading about my intention to be more open as I kicked off the year reminded me of two things. One, our words are so very powerful. I said I would be open to possibilities, to receiving, to options, to people, to experiences, and to my own power. In 2018, I had the opportunity to receive an amazing bonus through my business, I purchased a new home for my family, and I started my dream job. NONE of these things were a foreseeable option when I wrote about being more open.

The second thing I remembered is how important it is to be vulnerable. When you leave yourself open, you most certainly must become vulnerable to even allow possibilities in. I don’t know about you, but for me, vulnerability is totally uncomfortable. Working in an emergency department teaches you to be in control, concealing any weakness or ineptitude. There was no room for vulnerability. It’s taken practice and a purposeful effort to expose myself enough to allow for openness. But it is so worth it.

Moving into 2019 and reflecting on that word, brought me to a new one. One that I will intently use this year ahead to drive me and direct me. One that will move me forward when I feel stuck. One that will give me clarity when I’m not sure which way to go. That is the beauty of having this word in my toolbox for the year. I know that when I falter, I will look at this word and it will guide me.

This year, my word is purposeful – having a purpose, determined, resolute, full of meaning, significant. I cannot think of something more suited to where I am right now. And where I need to go. There are times when my world becomes so busy, I go through the motions. That is not to say I don’t love it, because I do. And that’s not to say I am not grateful for the things in my life that make me busy, because I am. But when I find myself swirling in the middle of it all, not sure where to go next, I know being purposeful will be my answer this year.

I know I need to be more purposeful in my health. It is the first thing that goes when I’m overwhelmed. I will skip a workout or eat what’s fast (and unhealthy). Or when I am stressed I will immediately reach for carbs. I know this is a common fall back for many. I am determined to replace the negative behavior (and self-talk) with purposeful options that bring me closer to my goals instead of further away from them.

I would like to be more purposeful in my relationships this year. I am truly surrounded by the best. I feel like I won the people lottery with my parents and family, my kids, with Max, and my friends. The only downfall I can see with any of my relationships is lack of time. This year I intend to take time out and use it towards more time and meaning in my relationships. I have goals for weekly date nights and monthly dates with each of my children and my friends. I cannot wait to enjoy more purposeful connection with the people I love most.

There’s more of course, but that’s for another day! Living a more purposeful life in 2019 is going to help me reach some important goals, and more importantly it’s going to improve the quality of my life even more. Allowing myself to be open in 2018 has created a habit of vulnerability and acceptance that I will carry with me the rest of my life. I don’t doubt injecting purpose into everything I do will be such an awesome challenge this year and will forever impact my future.

What about you? Do you have a way to focus this year? A word to guide you? A song? A sign? Reflect on the last year and inside yourself to allow ideas to flow. Something will capture your attention. Make a list. Take five minutes and write down every word you can think of. Grab a dictionary or a thesaurus until you find something that makes sense for you and your goals for 2019. Then let it fuel your passion and bring you through your best year yet!