Sojourn

Sojourn - the word that I've chosen to frame my year. I've set another goal. In 2021 I will make my home an oasis, a resting place, a place of refreshment. There is no doubt that our surroundings have a powerful effect on us. Over time I've already made improvements - making my residence into a home. As I consider this goal, I am grateful for what has already been accomplished and appreciate even more where I live. This is not a goal of dissatisfaction. It is a goal of fine tuning and so I pay attention to how I am refreshed and renewed. I notice when something steals my rest. A reading nook and a new flower bed this year I think. I love fresh flowers on the table. Yes, that will be a good start.

Sojourn. So now I have picked a word. How does that translate into setting goals? The truth is, it develops - it may be as a gentle thought, or inspired by something I read. In either case, it is prompted by focus on and around the word in several categories - my relationships, business, finances and person. It amazes me how focus on a single word will develop into actionable goals. A few years ago, I purchased a yellow pickup. Now I notice yellow pickups. Similar principle.

Reading the quotes of others that contain the word is a great place to be inspired. Here is a great example based on this quote. The beginnings of a first goal - to be a good ancestor - are coming into view. Why did this quote jump out at me? Remember, the start of forming a goal is to consider who do I want to be ... to become? How do I get from where I am to this? I suppose that this quote speaks to me, inspires me, because I already have a strong appreciation for those who came before me - those who worked and sacrificed to improve my life. I believe I have the same obligation to those who come after me. It is around this concept that I will examine where I am, where I want to be, then form measurable, accomplishable goals.

More specifically, today I am considering my legacy to and for my own children. For example, what needs to happen to ensure ongoing healthy relationships and how can I strengthen their sense of value and worth? Financially, are my affairs in order and structured in such a way that my resources are a blessing and not a curse?

And that is how a single word will frame my year and influence my focus. Sojourn - a short stay - perspective, presence, love.