Sandra Hudson

Inspiring Women in Life & Business

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5 Tips for Choosing a Word of the Year

Word of the Year vs. Resolutions

 
I don’t know about you, but each year I like to pick a word of the year instead of making a New Year’s resolution.  I ponder and pray about a word that I want to define my year.
 
It can really help bring clarity and focus to what we want to create in our lives. 
 
 
Are you struggling to pick your word for the year? Have no fear because I am here to help you along the way. Let’s start with these 5 tips:
 
 
 
 
word of the year 2021

1. Reflect

The first thing I like to do is reflect upon the year. 

  • What could I use more or less of?
  • What characteristics could I use more of?
  • How would I like to feel?

 

2. Visualize

I recommend that you sit in prayer or meditate to think of the word you would focus on for the upcoming year. This works best in a relaxed state, so go ahead and light a candle, or burn a diffuser with your favorite essential oil. Maybe even take the time to write it down in your gratitude journal. Take the time to tap into your feelings. 

 

3. Make a List

Spend 10 minutes creating a list of the words that come to mind. No self-editing! Need some help? I created a free Word of the Year Ideas for you that you can download to help. 

 

 

word of the year ideas

 

4. Review & Narrow Down Your Options

 
After you make your list, narrow it down by highlighting or circling your top 3-5 choices. 

Chances are you will see a theme going on between the words you highlighted. Do any of the words jump out at you, make you feel excited, nervous, scared, uncomfortable, or at ease? Sometimes the words that scare us most can mean we’re on the right track because change isn’t always easy. At the same time, I think finding your word can also bring peace and empowerment.

Think about the words, try them on, and see what feels right. No need to over-analyze this process, trust your gut instead.

 

5. Ask Yourself Questions

 

Ask yourself if you are interested in the word or committed to the word!

If you’re merely “interested” then chances are you’ll make excuses as to why you’re not putting forth the effort to actually make changes. But if you’re “Committed” to your word, you’ll do whatever it takes to implement that word and bring more of it into your life.

If necessary, allow yourself a day or two, even a week to really think about this.

 
 
Last year the word was balance. In the year 2020, balance was definitely found, but not in the way I intended it to be. When everything was canceled, closed, or quarantined, I was definitely forced to balance what I had and survive.
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My word of the year for 2021 is: PURPOSE
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It means the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists.
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My hope is to do everything with purpose. Don’t live life aimlessly, but face every aspect of life with a purpose. I want to be a more loving, resilient, faithful, adaptable, courageous, and giving wife, mom, friend, leader, and daughter.
 
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I’ll remember 2020 as the year when chapters closed and new doors opened. Where pivots and priorities took the place of things that really didn’t matter.
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What if the year 2020 was a year of balance in preparation for the year 2021 – a year of purpose?! Read more about life lessons learned in 2020. 
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I’m declaring it over my life and encouraging you to declare your word over yours.
 
 

Please share your word for the year ideas with us in the comments below! ✨

the sandra hudson blog

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4 Simple Changes to Improve Your Daily Life

4 simple changes to improve your daily life

 

All of the commitments and the never-ending list of tasks that come with life can be overwhelming. If you are like me, then you feel the heavy burden of day-to-day activities. Your stress may manifest itself in different ways. That’s why I came up with the list of 4 simple changes to improve your daily life that I must share with you also. 
 
You may feel tired all the time, or your joints may get achy. Your thoughts may be all over the place. (hello #mombrain)
 
Maybe you get a splitting headache when you get stressed out? Stress itself can keep you up at night and wreak havoc on your sleeping schedule. Even to the point where you seem to be a zombie for most of the working day.
 
If you can relate to any of the above conditions, then you can most probably relate to hundreds more. We are not going to get into all of them one-by-one because it would just make you feel further anxious or depressed.
 
Let’s face it. Life is hard!! If you’re like most people, then you work an average 9 to 5 job. You come home after work wishing you didn’t have to go to work the next day.
 
What can you do to change this dreary outlook on your daily life? Let’s take a look at 4 practical steps you can take to improve your daily life and get back on track.
 
 
 
 

 

 

sleep to improve your daily life

 

1. Get Your Beauty Sleep

This may sound basic, but getting the correct amount of sleep each night can change your daily life instantly. Losing sleep can turn into a vicious cycle pretty quickly and it is hard to rebound. Tired and unproductive days make you lose sleep, therefore you wake up tired once again! Stress happens often when we are at the end of our rope. When we are so tired, we cannot continue to deal. Having a regular sleep schedule is crucial in order to deal with stress. Even taking a short nap during the day can help, although this isn’t an option for most adults. By simply adding more sleep to your daily life routine, your state of mind will get happier and healthier. You will be making a positive step to change your life. I always try to keep the same bedtime on the weekends to stay in my sleep routine.
 
 
 
meditate for stress relief to improve your daily life

 

2. Get Moving!

You have been ignoring the treadmill in your garage for months, or the gym membership that you’re still paying for every month. If you truly want to change your life, then it is time to get moving. There are so many studies that show that physical activity and exercise will literally make you happier. So, get moving, do a workout, and get physically active. There are so many great workouts to do to combat stress. Try yoga, pilates, weight lifting, or even a dance class. The most important thing is that you are on the move towards lifting that cloudy disposition in your daily life. I personally love to walk because you can do it anywhere, and I can listen to my favorite audible book or podcast while I’m doing it.
 
 
 

eat more whole food to improve your life

 

3. You Are What You Eat

If you want to truly change your life, you have to alter what you put into your body. And no, that does not mean you should switch a cappuccino for a latte. Changing your diet is one of the most important decisions you will make to improve your daily life outlook. Certain foods that we eat can directly cause us to feel depressed (sugar, highly processed foods, bread & pasta). These types of foods, especially gluten and wheat, can be inflammatory foods, additionally taking longer to digest and leave us feeling fatigued. There are tons of research out there about this if you don’t believe me. In fact, one of my favorite books that really opened my eyes to all of this is called Wheat Belly. You can even find it on Amazon here or check it out at your local library.
Anti-inflammatory foods and superfoods may actually calm your nerves on a biological level. Believe it or not, dark chocolate can help regulate your cortisol and hormone levels. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may promote nerve cell protection. This will increase our energy levels and therefore decrease stress. So, think twice before you gobble down those three donuts every morning. They may be contributing to your stress and downward view of daily life. I have also been reading about and participating in intermittent fasting lately. I can’t wait to talk to you more about my experience with that in upcoming blogs.

 

4. Take time out to Improve Your Daily Life

 

improve your daily life

 

As cliche as it might sound, sometimes all we need is a time out. Doing the same things every.single.day can be taxing. Going to work the same way, seeing the same shops, seeing the same people, etc. It can most definitely wear us down over the years. Especially if you don’t already incorporate semi-regular vacations or getaways into your schedule. While the average vacation to a beach destination can help to get you re-charged and back on track, it is sometimes not enough for long-lasting results. Remember to take time for yourself so that you can be the best version of YOU. Take the hot shower, read the book, go to the spa for a massage, watch Hallmark movies…….you get it!
 
 
If you are reading this article, you are already taking the right steps to change your life. You are not alone when it comes to feeling overwhelmed about the burden of daily life. However, if you make these few changes, pretty soon the rain will stop and the sunny side of life will be in the forecast.
sandra hudson blog
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please seek professional help if needed.

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To the Struggling Woman This Mother’s Day

To most people, Mother’s Day is a joyful celebration, but my heart aches for those who struggle during this holiday. This day can be exceptionally hard on those who are hurting and grieving. I know this pain all too well, which is one reason why I sympathize so deeply.
There are women who long to conceive and carry a child, but this day is a reminder that your womb is empty. Don’t lose hope! I’m going to tell you exactly what you don’t want to hear. I know, because I DID NOT want to hear it almost 6 years ago myself. Be patient and faithful in the plans that God has for your life. We always think we know what is best for ourselves and our family, but I will always put my trust in God to lead the way. The timing is usually all wrong and the process of the valley you are walking through is usually more important than the end result. Just know that I love and celebrate you on this day as a woman, and not because you can carry a baby in your womb. You are strong and brave. Infertility sucks. The whole process of not knowing……sucks!
To the woman who has had to bury a child…… I can not fathom the pain. I celebrate you because the scar on your heart represents the love of a child who was welcomed into heaven’s gates sooner than anyone could have imagined. I know you are grieving, Mama. I celebrate you because it takes so much bravery to bury your child. There is not enough “I’m sorries” in the world to make the pain tolerable. To the woman who lost your baby before you even got to know him or her……well that just sucks. I celebrate you because even though your baby left your womb far too early in pregnancy, you are still a mom. After suffering 3 unexplained miscarriages, I was left with so many “what ifs” and ideas about being a family of 4. I am so sorry for your loss.
To the woman who is going through a tedious adoption process, and is so desperate to meet or hold her child, I celebrate you. Adoption is such an amazing process that many of my friends have gone through. It is not for the faint of heart, but oh so rewarding. I pray that you are connected with your little one soon.
To the woman who is a foster parent, I celebrate you. We desperately need more hearts like yours to step up and take in children until they can find a forever home.
To the woman is missing their own mother this Mother’s Day, I am so sorry your mama is gone. I know it must be hard carrying on life without her support, wisdom and phone calls. I am sorry you can’t share this day with her and tell her how much you love her.
On this Mother’s Day, I celebrate you and empathize with you. I want you to know that are not alone and you pain is not forgotten. To the woman who is struggling to make it through Mother’s Day, I’m thinking of you and sending you hugs.
So on this day, I choose to celebrate all women. You can be a mom, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother, spiritual mentor, etc. It takes a village and I celebrate you for reaching out and loving on your neighbor. This world is tough and the only way we can make is through is with love and kindness.
From my heart to yours,
Sandra
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