Last year, my One Word was detox. And was it ever a year of life changes.
Necessary endings, cut-backs, cut-outs, saying no to anything that didn’t align with the dream God planted in my heart before I was born, all helped me remove toxic waste from my life. This past year was a season of clearing out the obstacles preventing me from moving fully into the abundance I was created for.
Some of the changes weren’t planned, but rather surprised me. The biggest was a clear and specific call to leave the security of my full-time job, so I was free to help others through training, teaching, facilitating, and coaching. For several years, speaking and writing were a means to reach the people I am meant to serve. But this past year, another unforeseen event happened.
Podcasting. I’d learned a great deal listening to leadership greats Andy Stanley, Beth Moore, Dave Ramsey, and Michael Hyatt among others. But I never saw myself becoming a thought leader via podcast world. And yet, in June I joined Engaging Life and Leadership as a permanent host.
I also got busy with my business coaching partners in the Zenith Zone. We cleared our schedules so we could create several programs, new products, and enhanced processes to assist our clients in reaching the highest point possible. In their work purposes, as well as in their personal relationships. There’s no feeling in the world like knowing someone is in a better place because you gave them a leg up.
But freedom to do so requires a clear path. So detox was necessary. And for this season, it is finished.
Now the new year brings on a new One Word focus. As I described on a previous episode of Engaging Life and Leadership, I don’t choose a One Word. I allow it to choose me — or rather allow God to reveal it to me.
This is the three step process I follow:
- I resolve to open my heart to possibility, so I can see, hear, and recognize the right word. Praying for knowledge, discipline, and wisdom.
- I determine not to coerce, manipulate, or in any way attempt to choose the word via human effort.
- I look for confirmation. My dear friend, Darla, taught me to pay attention when a similar message comes from at least three distinctly different sources — as long as it doesn’t contradict the Bible.
This system has served me well, and brought many transformational One Word messages into my life. From time-to-time, I still think on past words. Joy, resolve, peace, determine, and of course detox, to name a few.
But this year’s word is very different than any I’ve ever received. I’m actually a bit embarrassed to say what it is. But again, I didn’t choose it, my One Word chose me. So what word is giving me my fresh start with fresh faith this year?
Favored. Over and over, the message was delivered through people, scripture, radio programs, songs, movies, and more. I have no idea what this will look like, or how I’m supposed to proceed. But as always, I will allow each day to unveil itself through the lens of my One Word focus. And I must admit, I like the way it sounds.
Do you have a particular word, phrase, goal, or dream you’ll filter your year through?
Anita Fresh Faith
Luke 1:28 (NIV)
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Expert, Certified Training Facilitator, Communications Specialist, and national speaker. Anita is also the author of, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market. Now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Lifeway, Christianbook.com, select Walmart’s, plus many fine stores, Christian and otherwise.
She’s a partner in The Zenith Zone, a business coaching firm. Member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, Toastmasters, and a client of WordServe Literary Group. A graduate of CLASSeminars for Leaders, Speakers, and Authors, a co-founder of The StoryWriting Studio, and speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries. Anita co-hosts a weekly podcast, Engaging Life and Leadership with Darren Dake, available on iTunes, Stitcher, and other podcast platforms.
Anita is passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research. She believes it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith.
Her favorite past time is lounging by a river or lake in Missouri, laughing with with her husband of thirty years, Ricky.
Follow her FreshFaith blog anitabrooks.com. You may contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/ or email anita@anitabrooks.com.
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