Practice became my word of the year in 2025. I didn’t have this word in mind at the start of the year. In fact, I don’t typically select a word of the year. I’ve discovered that as a year progresses, words find me.
Practice found me. I think it was because I recognized the need to establish certain disciplines in my life. In order to establish those disciplines, I needed to repeatedly do those things until they became part of me, part of how I move. I needed to create new habits. I needed to be intentional and remember that these practices would be ongoing. My joy and peace of mind depends on practicing these things.
Surrender- I’m not in control of all of the things, especially people. Let people manage their choices. Stop trying to manage or own their choices. Let God handle it.
Declutter- Regularly give my thoughts and emotions to God.
Consider- What will make me happy? What do I need? What do I want? How often am I placing everyone else’s needs above my own? Pursue and pivot when applicable.
Connect- Sometimes, more often than I think, I NEED my people. I need to share space, laughs and ideas with people who I treasure.
Sleep- A sleep mask, a dark, quiet room and the Get Sleepy podcast are my friends. This is a tough thing to practice, but the reward is sweet when I do.
Fight- Prioritize my relationship with Jesus. He is my rest. Listen to him. He has things to say to me that are always what I need to hear, even if it makes me uncomfortable. And as I heard Pastor John Piper say, “Fight for your holiness.”
Pause- Take the time out. Breathe. Color. Write. Watch an old favorite TV show. Pause to do things that you know are restorative.
Remember- Read and memorize God’s word. Meditate on it.
I’ve not mastered anything that I’ve mentioned here. I am a work in progress. I’m learning what works for me. Through practice, I am learning how to relate to the Lord, my neighbors and myself. Mastery isn’t the goal; peace, stability and joy are.
