Last month, instead of making a goals list for the year, I decided to embrace a particular word.  This year’s word is anticipation.  I shared a few things I was anticipating in January, so I wanted to do the same thing for February.

But first, I want to look back in January at a few of the things I shared.  It wasn’t the slower, quieter rhythm I thought it would be.  In fact, that very first full week was one of the busiest social ones I have had in a while.  But as the month progressed, the rhythms did slow, mostly as a necessity to my anxiety.

And I did get into a rhythm of time with God each day, including some devotional time and prayer journal time.  This has also been a necessity with my anxiety in this pregnancy.

We did have some cooler temps, but no snow.  But there were definitely some cozy nights and comfort foods throughout the month.

Now, in the month of February, I am anticipating a few things as well.

• An elevated state of anxiety.  Over the last few weeks, my anxiety has gotten higher and evolved with an addition of agoraphobic tendencies.  These next few weeks, especially, are going to be hard, as they were the same weeks in my last pregnancy that my daughter passed away.
• A celebration of anniversaries.  Valentine’s Day is this month.  Surrounding this holiday are a few little anniversaries in our relationship – namely when we began dating and when we got engaged.  It’s neat to reminisce about the beginnings of what would become our life together.  I am very grateful to have this man in my life.
• A few bits of entertainment.  This month, the Black Panther Marvel movie is coming out.  I’ve been looking forward to seeing this since I saw the first trailer.  But in addition to this, my book binging has continued.  I’m finishing up a book right now, and I already have four books in my TBR (to be read) pile.  Plus, a friend of mine has put me on to another author, so I have that to check out as well.  I don’t suspect that I will finish all of these books this month, but a lot of reading in my future makes me smile.

Like every month, I suppose, this one will probably have ups and downs.  I look forward to seeing how this month will unfold!