Weekend Creative : February #3 : Revisiting One Little Word
yoga self portrait : camera sitting on floor using the timer
Hello mid-February, what have you done with my word?
This morning I decided to go looking for it again. We were doing nicely, my word + I, for the first month or so and then things (also known as the crazy business of life) got in the way.
Last year my word was peace. What I liked about that word was that it lived just beneath the surface and it was perfectly comfortable there. I could whisper it to center myself or simply call it up in my mind when I needed a reminder to take a deeper breath or to take a step back from a situation. It simply existed within me - which was what I really needed at that point in time.
This year my word (vitality) requires more action. I want it to require more action. I want it to get me into the gym each morning after I drop Simon off at school. I want it to guide me in making healthy choices for myself. I think I need something a bit louder than a whisper this year. I think I literally need to say my word out loud when I need that push to take action.
Which brings me to Seinfeld.
Remember back in the day on Seinfeld when George's Dad would say/yell out "SERENITY NOW" when he gets frustrated in an effort to keep his blood pressure down?
So why not "VITALITY NOW." And seriously, this sort of life action needs some humor as a partner to get me to change my ways.
The only person who can make this happen for myself is me. One choice at a time. One day at a time.
Your creative prompt this weekend is to check-in with your own word. (Don't have one yet? Read here for more info on the one little word concept.) Where does your word live? Is it a beneath-the-surface or in-your-face sort of word? What are you doing to actively reflect on your word if yours is one that needs something a little bit more participation? Or maybe your word is simply percolating which may be just the perfect place for it to be at this time. Either way, take a bit of time this weekend for a mid-February date with your word.
(You can see the entire Serenity Now episode here.)
After reading your blog this am..reminding myself to recheck the Jenni Bowlin site, I practiced my WORD...Selective. Yes, instead of the fifteen items I wanted I only bought ten. I'm making progress don't you think? Cindy
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I know what you mean about needing to hear your word 'a bit louder than a whisper' - right about now I think I need a megaphone but somehow that doesn't seem to jive with my word - SOUL. Trying to cut out all the chatter in my head and focus on my word and what's important. You're right... we have to make this happen for ourselves with every choice - everyday.
Thanks for reminding me - thanks for being my mini-megaphone!
A.
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Such a funny episode!! I need to watch it for a good laugh! Hope you are feeling better since CHA!
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Love the yoga shot! And the Seinfeld comment made me laugh! Thanks!
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Ali
Your blog has been so full of eye-candy lately, and inspires me every time I visit. This has nothing to do with my word, I just wanted to let you know your time and energy (and vitality) is appreciated.
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Ok so I have to face it, my word is Conquer and is not a choice this weekend I do need to conquer everything I have in a long list to prepare for a Wed-Sun scrapbooking retreat, that means packing, laundry and leaving it all ready, I need to start chanting my word and as yours mine demands action so i have do more than i have, best of luck Ali, hugs, Rosa.
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My husband and I have laughed and said "Serenity Now" many times! My word is "pilgrimage" and I think I've already veered off the road a little.
Thanks for the reminder and laugh.
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ah a reference to one of my favorite seinfeld episodes. My word this year is delight. But it doesn't sound good yelled (costanza style) like vitality...
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i'll be chanting VITALITY NOW right along beside you. for you. and for me.
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My one word is Enjoy and I am living the word. I loved the idea of the letters and art and have been taking photos of the things I enjoy. I am spending time enjoying the moment and experiences, I am taking some time to slow down and enjoy life. I am surrounded by my word from my blog and my wee collection of photos and I carry my word (scrabble tiles) in my bag with me....
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That was a great Seinfeld episode!
So far I've been doing exactly what I had in mind when I chose my one little word...Time. I have been more deliberate in the use of, balancing, cherishing and capturing time.
There are tangible things that I can show for my use of this one little word but for the most part it is something I just feel.
And I made this as my constant reminder for those days when life tries to get in the way...
http://jillconyers.typepad.com/life_as_i_see_it/2008/02/creating-with-c.html
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Serenity Now
Excellent YouTube.... Thanks for posting it. I am laughing and hope to use that phrase all day and for the next while....to cute.
ava
cottagerca
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PATIENCE!
My word, shouting it out.
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Ali - you need to send me your mailing address so I can send you one of my momme planners - it has a space for ME Time and exercise tracking column and healthy meal planning - all to help with your vitality! email me -
Jenny :)
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Ali - you need to send me your mailing address so I can send you one of my momme planners - it has a space for ME Time and exercise tracking column and healthy meal planning - all to help with your vitality! email me -
Jenny :)
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great self portrait, and nice downward dog!
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Just found your blog-click, click, click, - there it was. LOVE your philosophy on life in general and apparently your work ethic. It looks like YOU GET EVERYTHING DONE!!!!!! I'm going to pick a word-it's NOW. Get up and just do it NOW.....I'm such a procrastinator (sp?) hopefully this will help me.
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Mine word this year was FOCUS. I'm working through the last bit of my didactic phase in my strive to get my master's to become a physician assistant. I definitely need to focus in this. It's so easy some times to get side tracked by all the fun and friends...but I need to remind myself to focus on the main goal in my life right now, my education. I made a sign that I hung on my door of my apartment so that every time I leave I am reminded to focus on what's important. This weekend (and the next two weeks) is a really good time for me to bring it back in full force as I am studying for my midterms. FOCUS on the learning...on the medicine. Thanks Ali. Perfect timing, as usual!
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Ali, I'm sitting her snickering because that episode of Seifeld is probably my most favorite one to quote.
I'm taking care of 2 flu people in the family...
SERENITY NOW!
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Great downward dog! :)
You've inspired me to take a similar self-portrait.
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Grace is my word this year, and I have to say I've had two situations this year that I really believe I would have mishandled without my focus being on Grace so Ms. Ali thank you for not only encouraging us all to be more creative but in my case you have encouraged me to be a better person! Thx!
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i have chosen my word for 2008...
you have inspired me...
you can read it here
if you like...
http://itsacanadiangeek.blogspot.com/2008/02/looking-for-clarity.html
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My word is consistency. I feel that I have been quite consistent since I established my one word. I quilt and I usually don't start a project and finish it within a year or two. Well, this year I started a wall hanging and finished it last night. I am proud of myself. I still need to work on my word especially with teaching. Thanks for the challenge!
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My word for this year is "Play". Here's my entry for today in my Project 365+1...and it revolves around my word:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16878889@N05/2270454758/
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Love Seinfeld, LOVE yoga. What a fun post.
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