Hmm. My word for 2026 is engage. To engage in life: relationships, work, ministry, and self-care. The thought occurred to me this past week that if I need to engage, I must have somehow become disengaged. How did that happen? It might prove to be very important as I figure out my new focus.
I lay awake at night, thinking. Pondering. Studying. And slowly the pieces fell into place. Over the last two years, I’ve dealt with more sickness than in my whole life. Sixty seemed like the year I physically fell apart. And with sickness came the struggle with anxiety. Problems I normally worked through became more difficult. Add in relationship issues in the family, divorce, an aging parent, and retirement, and all of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe.
Focus.
Move forward.
So, with my introverted, melancholy personality, I did what came naturally. A slow disengagement. Not something that most people could see. But I hid more at home. Stayed away from town. And worst of all, I retreated within myself where I felt I could be safe.
The only problem is that there is no safety in self-absorption. Safety, I learned over the last two years, comes first from turning to the Lord and second, to turning to friends and family. We were not created to live life on an island, taking care of ourselves.
But, Jennifer, you may say. You said you are going to engage in self-care in 2026. Totally true. But self-care is different than self-absorption.
Self-care means saying no and yes. Taking time to be alone and with others. Exercising and resting. Eating healthy and enjoying a carb now and then.
Balance. That elusive word I’ve pursued my entire adult life.
Life really boils down to loving God and loving people. And I can’t do that in a void. God let me have some time to disengage. Turn to Him for answers like I never had before. But now it’s time to return.
I’m so thankful for the friends and family who have known my struggles and still stick with me. Their perseverance humbles me. Because I’m definitely not easy to live with at times.
And God, who is so totally for me.
That thought alone boggles my mind.
For me.
And for today, that is enough.
What struggles do you have in relation to engagement? Is it easy for you to stay connected in life, or do you find it difficult? I’d love to know.
I struggle with this too, my friend. Being an empath with a creator’s sensitivity, my circuits get overloaded easily and I just crash. Everything is an effort. Draining. Nothing sounds better than going to bed and pulling the covers over my head. (#disengaging)
BUT…it’s amazing how easily the burden lifts when I let GOD do my fighting for me. Why does it take me so long to remember that every time??
I’ll let you know when I figure that one out. 😉
Thanks, Valerie. Glad to know someone else struggles with this. And please let me know 🙂
Dear Jennifer,
I’ve been sick, too, most of 2025. I’m feeling stronger at last. After neglecting everything, I have been writing again and improving my home. My 2026 word is CREATE.
Prayers continue for you, your loved ones, and your writing.
Rosemary, I’m so glad to hear you are writing again. High five! And I love your word. Thanks for your prayers. I definitely need them 🙂
I also struggle with withdrawing from people. I have to rely on my Father to guide me when it’s appropriate and when it’s not.
That is so true. But it’s really hard being introverted at times. But God has our backs 🙂