Cassie Bustamante

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2016 Word of the Year

January 1, 2016 by Cassie 47 Comments

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Happy 2016!  As 2015 came to an end, like many of you, I spent much time reflecting the past year and pondering what is in store for me, my family, my blog, and my shop in 2016.  To be honest, it put me in a bit of a funk… I felt stuck and a little lost.  In years before I have performed the “word of the year” exercise, and last year was the most effective for me.  I had chosen contentment and every time I felt like I was faltering I remembered my own words about why I had selected contentment; they served as a beacon to me, reminding me to be happy and appreciate all of the things I had in my life.  Thanks to that word, I am much happier and more fulfilled, and I don’t play the comparison game as often as I used to (but those nagging self doubts still show up at my door from time to time).  So as I contemplated my word for 2016, I looked back gratefully at my thoughtful choice last year and hoped to build upon that and continue to grow as a person.  Two years ago I chose “dedication” and often I see people choosing words like that, words that seem to have drive and energy built right into them.  I hear dedication and I hear that “go get ’em” attitude.  I already have drive and dedication built into the very fibers of my soul, so I won’t be working on that.

 

Last week I sat down and thought about the personal growth I’d like to achieve in 2016 and the word that came to mind was “Grace.”  I chose this word for many reasons so hang tight because this post may get a little wordy. 😉

grace1PinSource

Grace in the sense of forgiveness and mercy, especially to my husband and family, is much needed in my life.  So many mornings when Chris heads to work I ask, “When will you be home?”  The answer might be 7:30 (most nights it is around then).  The kids get home from school, we have some play time, then homework which is always an argument with Sawyer, then dinnertime… As the clock ticks by 7:30 I feel frustration creep in.  It’s shower time, and now I’m dealing with an 8 year old who is suddenly petrified of being upstairs by herself.  I’m seething as I deal with these battles on my own daily.  The clock strikes 8… then keeps on ticking.  With each passing minute, I grow more irritated.  I put the kids to bed and go to bed myself to read… By the time Chris walks in the door, I’m angry and don’t want to talk to him anymore.  This scene happens all too often in our house, and I have control of how I feel and behave.  I don’t have control over Chris’ demanding schedule, but I have control of my own behavior, and I need to show him more grace.  And I need to show my children the same as we work through homework and shower time battles.  In doing so, I will also be teaching my children what it is to love without condition and to let go of bad feelings.

Earlier this week I began reading I’ll See You Again by Jackie Hance.  If you don’t know the story, it’s a memoir written by a mother who lost all of her daughters in a tragic car accident when her sister-in-law drove the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway.

PinI shared this on instagram the other day, and on my facebook page as well, and a couple people said it would be too painful for them to read.  Of course it is painful, but what kept me reading was the underlying feeling of hope and love in Jackie’s story.  I wanted to read on and see her happy again.  One scene that really shook me took place at the cemetery, where she visited her sister-in-law’s grave and said “I don’t know why you did this, Diane.  I’ll never know what happened that day.  But I always loved you, Diane.  I still love you.  And I forgive you.  I forgive you.”  I earmarked that page and came back to it.  I forgive you.  Three simple words that hold so much meaning and emotion, and oh how they can be the three hardest words to choke out sometimes.  This past year was full of a lot of hurt on my part.  I am not ready yet to go into details here, and maybe I never will be, but so many people that had come to be my “friends” at Sweet Clover betrayed me in a very hurtful manner.  As much as I have been happily moving on since then, I had not yet forgiven.  When I read that excerpt from Hance’s memoir, I decided that I, too, could forgive.  So I forgive those who have hurt me, and I will continue to forgive those who hurt me in the future, as it is bound to happen again.  That’s just part of life.  But again, I have control over how I react to negativity.  I can show grace and forgiveness and move on.

grace3PinSource

I also plan to extend that grace to myself… forgive myself in my own letdowns and failures, and understand that I cannot do it all.  I did show myself some mercy last month when I made the very conscious decision to not send out Christmas cards for the first time in years.  I was feeling overwhelmed and it was one more thing that was hanging over my head.  I decided to let it go, and forgive myself for it.  At first I was riddled with guilt. but as time went on I felt unburdened by the task.  So heading into 2016, I will show myself grace, and do the best I can do always, but understand when the best is not exactly what I had initially hoped for.

grace4PinSource

Grace is also defined as “a pleasing appearance or effect” by Miriam Webster.  Lately I’ve noticed more wrinkles, a few more grays… signs of aging.  Well, I plan to age as gracefully as possible.  I won’t fight it, but I will embrace it as I can (although I will be covering up gray hair as needed!) You may recall the holiday fashion shoot I did with Silk & Burlap.

Black Stand Still TopPin

Those photos weren’t edited, and were the real me… I felt strong, beautiful, and even sexy in their form fitting fashions.  I tend to be a girl who dresses for comfort and a little bit of fashion, but I am hoping to change that and become a girl who dresses gracefully, with a little more care and maturity in my choices.

Just as I did in 2015, I plan to come back to this post to remind myself of who I am and want to be. When frustration and anger creep in, I want to remember to forgive quickly and easily, to walk with grace internally and externally.

Did you choose a word of the year, too?  If you did, I would love to hear it!  I wish you all the best in the year ahead!

XOXO,

Cassie

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Comments

  1. Gwen says

    January 1, 2016 at 6:30 am

    What a beautiful, thoughtful post! I think Grace is a perfect word for the year.

    And I can totally relate to the weird, long hours of working husbands. It’s much easier now that the boys are older and I don’t have to watch them every second. Oh, and Morgan is driving now which is uh-mazing.

    xoxo

    Gwen

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      thank you so much, gwen! is it too early for me to teach sawyer to drive?

      Reply
  2. Sage @ Plaster & Disaster says

    January 1, 2016 at 8:52 am

    Love it! I’ve done the same for the last few years — I find that it helps keep me motivated when things seem a little overwhelming. 2014 was “change” (I got married, we both graduated graduate school, I started a new job, and we bought our first house…all within a three month period), and 2015 was “challenge” (I used the word to pep me up during a very difficult winter, a job I was really unhappy at, my second marathon, etc). So now I’m ready for what’s in store for 2016! I’m turning 30 this month, so it feels like a big year. Definitely need to spend some time figuring out my word!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      sounds like it’s going to be an exciting year ahead! i can’t wait to see what it holds for both of us!

      Reply
  3. Danielle says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:24 am

    Beautiful post and word, Cassie, I’m still pondering my word for this year. In years passed it came so easy, and I’m not sure why I’m struggling this year. Hoping to spend some time with you IRL either getting down for a visit or if you come up this way 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      yes! me, too!!! i am looking forward to a real life meet up! i do think i am going to haven- are you going this year? and i think it’s good to just wait until the right word comes to you rather than forcing it. mine came to me as i was reading that book and finishing it on 12/29… so i just ironed it out in the nick of time. 😉

      Reply
  4. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:25 am

    I love the thought and intention you put into your word choice, Cassie… I always think that if God can show us grace an mercy, why can’t we show that to others and ourselves? Easier said than done… I’ll be praying for your journey this year!
    I’ve selected “trust” as my word for 2016… or rather, it chose me! That’s usually the way with my word choices… it keeps turning up — in readings, conversations, thoughts, prayers, even art and decor in the weeks leading up to the new year! I struggle with fear — fear of failure, financial distress, disappointing others, etc. And so rather than focus on being fear-LESS, I’m focusing on trusting more — trusting in the Lord, specifically, but also in the way He’s equipped me to face those fears.
    Here’s to us, my dear, and to a grace-FULL and trusting 2016! Love you bunches ~ xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      i LOVE that heidi and i love how changing the focus and taking the fear out of it can completely change the perception.

      Reply
  5. Suzanne says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:33 am

    Beautiful post and so well written. May 2016 bring you grace. I must say, you already exude it. Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:11 pm

      thank you so much, suzanne! i wish you all the best in 2016!

      Reply
  6. Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says

    January 1, 2016 at 10:00 am

    Great word choice! I hope it brings you comfort this year!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      thank you so much, katie! i know it will.

      Reply
  7. Kirby Carespodi says

    January 1, 2016 at 11:12 am

    I chose “fat”…no, not really! I love the word you chose–it’s perfect for all of us, really.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      yes, maybe i should choose “indulge” because that would be so much more fun!

      Reply
  8. Gretchen says

    January 1, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    Lovely word! (If I had another baby, and if said baby were a girl (two things with virtually no chance of happening ;)), her middle name would be Grace). Here’s to a wonderful, grace filled year!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      HAHAHAHA!!! i will hold my breath for baby grace to arrive. 😉

      Reply
  9. Haley says

    January 1, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    I love this! Great word and I love how much thought you’ve put into it. I’ve been thinking about picking out a word for the year, but havent picked something for sure. Deciding between meditation, gratitude, contentment, etc.

    Reply
    • Haley says

      January 1, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Ps. I LOVE that picture of you

      Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      thank you so much, haley! i love all of your choices and i think gratitude yields contentment so they go together very easily.

      Reply
  10. Catherine says

    January 1, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    What a beautiful post Cassie. I love your word for the year, and the words you’ve used to frame it. Best wishes xxx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      thank you so much, catherine! i wish you all the best this year!

      Reply
  11. Ellen says

    January 1, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    You write beautifully. Very insightful post.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      thank you so much, ellen! cheers to 2016!

      Reply
  12. Susan says

    January 1, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    What a beautiful word – Grace! I chose “Nourish” – I work way to much and need to nourish myself and take care of me. Because of all those hours of work I will spend more time to nourish relationships with family and friends. Because my life is hectic as a single parent with a grown son who has Down syndrome and has a social life of 10 people combined and who works full time, I spend a lot of time in the car driving him places – I am blessed he is so successful so it is a sacrifice I don’t mind doing and being single my social life involves eating out a lot with friends which has lead to an unhealthy weight gain – so I am going to nourish my body with healthy food and hopefully lose 80 pounds this year. And last but not least as a lover of Jesus, I want to nourish my faith and spirituality and spend more time with the true love of my life – Jesus Christ! May God abundantly bless you in your year of Grace! Susan

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      i wish you all the best in 2016! i believe in karma and sounds like you are doing all of the right things! 🙂

      Reply
  13. designPOST interiors says

    January 1, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    So much goodness in this post Cassie! I can relate to so much and am really struggling myself to extend that grace to my family lately. It is so so hard during those trying daily tasks. And I love that you did that photoshoot because the photo shows a whole new side to you and you look BEAUTIFUL!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      it’s so hard- i think because we take them for granted and know they will love us anyhow. and that’s a hard pill to swallow- to admit that, i mean. thank you you SOOOO much! XOXO cheers to 2016!

      Reply
  14. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    January 2, 2016 at 6:06 am

    Cassie, you are so thoughtful. I think GRACE is a lovely thing to ponder and a beautiful goal for the new year. Wishing you grace in abundance and lots of happiness this year too. XOX

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:07 pm

      thank you so much, lisa! i wish you the same! happy 2016!

      Reply
  15. Mila says

    January 2, 2016 at 11:36 am

    Very personal and beautiful post. It is difficult to navigate social relationships sometimes, but it is a great start to have such a clear vision of your own strengths and flaws and how they are perceived by others. Have a great 2016!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:06 pm

      thank you so much, mila! i wish you the best in 2016!

      Reply
  16. Darrielle Tennenbaum says

    January 2, 2016 at 11:39 am

    I think Grace is a good word for the year and you have it. I think i can use more of it too!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      thank you so much, darrielle! cheers to 2016!

      Reply
  17. [email protected] says

    January 2, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    This is beautiful, Cassie! You’re such a sweet and gracious person, I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful year for you as you embrace “grace” even more!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 3, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      thank you so much, brynne. right back at ya! let’s make 2016 amazing!

      Reply
  18. Erika says

    January 2, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    Cassie…such a beautiful and honest post. Cheers to you and the year ahead…hope it’s your best yet.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 3, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      thank you, erika- i hope it’s your best yet, too!

      Reply
  19. Connie Brown says

    January 3, 2016 at 12:24 am

    What a heartfelt post. My word(s) are be Brave. I have survived cancer 3 times in the last 2 years and Kari Jobs song “You make me Brave” had really spoken to my heart. God is in control and loves me more than I could ever imagine and I know that He has brought me through this season of life. Many prayer warriors have intercede on my behalf and these prayers have given me the courage to Be Brave. My husband of 32 years has been my rock and he has been so brave as well.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 3, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      that is a great word, connie! sounds like you are already brave!

      Reply
  20. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    January 3, 2016 at 7:57 am

    My phrase for this year is to Calm the Hell Down. It sounds funny as I write it down but your post speaks to me so much, Cassie. I desperately need to show my children more grace. It’s all too easy for me to get frustrated and loose my cool when they aren’t listening. I’ve already noticed Izzy has picked up the “flip out” from me: fists shaking over the head while screaming, “Uggghhh!!!”. Not pretty. So instead of them learning from me how to have meltdowns all the time, I’m going to teach them how to calm the hell down 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 3, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      oh that is a good phrase- i totally feel ya on that!!!

      Reply
  21. Beckie Stanevich says

    January 3, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    This is the first time I’ve read one of your posts. I couldn’t have picked a better one! Maybe I was guided to you for a reason … I am sure, that you will grow as much this year as you did last year. Your post was refreshingly candid and honest and downright beautiful! It is a signpost to help you get back onto the path when life wants to take you another way. Good luck on your journey this year; I have no doubt that next Dec 31, you will be able to look back and read this post and feel good about how your year has gone.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 5, 2016 at 9:02 am

      thank you so much, beckie! i am so glad you found your way here and look forward to the year ahead. it’s going to be awesome… i just know it!

      Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    January 5, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    Wow! That book sounds gut-wrenching, but I love that you found a message of hope. And forgiveness – this can be very hard for me. Working on that. Good luck on your goal of grace in 2016!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 6, 2016 at 5:08 pm

      oh it was! but soooo soooo good!

      Reply
  23. Corinna - A Designer At Home says

    January 6, 2016 at 6:05 am

    I know those feelings all too well. Grace is a beautiful thing, but so hard, too! I hope 2016 is a beautiful year for you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 6, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      thank you so much, corinna!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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