What is your word for 2011?

For the past 3 years I have picked a word to describe what I want for myself in the new year.  I started this as I was really struggling with my weight and trying to figure out how to take my life back.  I spent years trying to get pregnant and then years putting my family first.  The result was a very unhappy 308lb woman that had NO life outside of her family.  I went to work and came home.  I wore my clothes until they literally fell apart because the thought of having to shop for clothes made me nauseous!!!  I avoided doing anything in public and had  no interest or hobbies. 

The first year I chose the word  breathe… because I needed to take a step back and reflect on what I wanted for myself.  I bought myself a charm bracelet with words like joy, family, grace, love…  I have 12 of them and originally I added a charm for every 10lbs I lost.   (now each of those charms stands for more then 10lbs as I exceeded my goal!!!)

The second year ( about 6 months after my surgery)  I chose the word extraordinary and wore a necklace with that word on it every day.  I chose that word  based on this quote I found…

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.  A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.  It is a catalyst... a spark that creates extraordinary results.

Last year I chose the word integrity and I bought a bracelet that had this phrase engraved on it… “ I will never forget who I am, I will never forget from where I came, to myself I will remain true"  I had just reached goal… and I wanted to make sure that I stayed true to who I am… and not try to be someone else that I’m not.  I didn’t want to forget the “fat: me… because I didn’t ever want to go back to that!!!!

This year I have decided my word is simply….. Joy.  Awhile back I read a post where someone asked if we had joy in our lives.  Although I have so much to be thankful for and have happiness in my life…. I think joy is much deeper then that.  I knew as soon as I finished reading that post that I had found my word for 2011.  So this year my goal is to strive to find real joy in my life.  Personally, professionally, and spiritually.

What is your word for this year????