I just spotted that my sweet friend Layla is having a word-of-the-year party, so I thought I would join in.  It actually fits nicely with what I was going to write about today, anyway.  I’ve had a few overwhelming moments this year already…and we’re only nine days in!  It’s all good stuff, but I’m realizing that when too many good things happen all at one time, it can be overwhelming.

Last year around this time, I wrote a post challenging you to not be afraid.  To follow God’s leading in your life and to do so with a spirit of courage.  A few days ago, I realized I wasn’t following my own advice.  I was afraid.  Not afraid of failure, but afraid of success.  Afraid of things getting out of control and beyond what I wanted.  Afraid of the expectation, responsibility and criticism that comes with success.  I started this business and blog because I love decorating and I wanted to make a little money to help out with the bills.  That was it.  I didn’t have any grand plans of writing a book or contributing to a magazine or any of the other wonderful things that have come out of this.

As I was talking about all of this with my husband, he stopped me and said, “And we have never really celebrated.”  Hmmm…wise man.  He’s so right.  God has blessed this blog and business in amazing ways, far beyond any expectation I had for it.  We would talk about celebrating. Sometimes we go out to a quick dinner to “celebrate”, but we haven’t really, REALLY celebrated.  I’m so busy moving onto the next thing that I put off celebrating.  Until when?  Until I’ve retired?  Until I’ve forgotten what we’re celebrating?  Until I have “the time”? It’s just silly.

This week is an exciting week for me.  I’m going to New York tomorrow for an amazing opportunity and I’ve been in a panic about what to wear.  I have this great opportunity…I’m taking a train to New York and I get to see Wicked from the second row and have a great dinner and walk through central park hand-in-hand with my man and stay in a nice hotel and I’m having anxiety about my shoes and wearing something that makes me look skinny.  I bought an outfit that looked cute, but the boots were uncomfortable, I could hardly breath and I knew I would turn bright pink with heat in a warm room.  This is stupid.  I’m returning most of those clothes and I’m wearing something that’s “me.”  Nice, but comfortable.  If I break a fashion rule, oh well.  If I look chubbier than I would like…well, that’s OK.  I’m not going to let this trip be hijacked by fear, insecurity and anxiety.  I’m going to celebrate and enjoy it.

Can you guess what the word is?

CELEBRATE

And I have a lot to celebrate.  A great husband, two healthy, fun little boys, material wealth beyond belief when compared to those without, a business I enjoy, and dream-come-true opportunities this year.  I refuse to be stressed out by good things.  I am going to CHOOSE to celebrate.  So, if it sounds like I’m stressing out, you have permission to remind me of my word.  Celebrate.

The word-of-the-year party is happening January 16 at The Lettered Cottage.

What’s your word?