One Little Word 2009 & Giveaways

Nurture


I am so excited to embark on a new word for 2009.


My word is nurture.


Nurturedefinition


For me, especially with a new baby on the way within the next month or so, I have been thinking a lot about nurturing. It's such a soft, slow, gentle word.


There are many things in my life I would like to focus on nurturing this coming year. Our new baby girl. Simon and the transition to big brotherhood. My relationship with Chris. Photography. Patience. My business & this blog.


I am also going to be conscious of nurturing myself during this time of major transition in our lives.


There is something very special about this word for me. It represents slowing down, simplifying, and pinpointing what is really important to me in my life (not just the next 365 days). I am nervous and excited and so looking forward to what is to come.


Dottedline


The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year. As I stated in my newsletter back in January 2007, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."


Also from that same newsletter:


Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want
for yourself in 2009?


It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a
thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or
plural. The key is to find something that has personal
meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your
spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR
word.


One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow
yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing
that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into
your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now.
Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often
found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways.
Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready
for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.


I can't wait to see all the words for 2009.


Dottedline


To celebrate the new year I have three very special giveaways - all directly related to this project. Two beautiful pieces of jewelry and one piece of art to celebrate your word.


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Lisa Leonard Designs
Giveaway: One custom Word of the Year Necklace
Special for AE readers: 20% off Word of the Year necklaces with the code "myword" at checkout
Meet Lisa | Shop Lisa


Word_necklaces_without_dark_corners


Liz Lamoreux Soul Mantra Pendants
Giveaway : One custom Soul Mantra Pendant any size or design
Special for AE readers : 20% off Soul Mantra necklaces throughout January. Enter code "one word 2009" in the notes to seller and the discount will be refunded to you through Paypal.
Meet Liz | Shop Liz


Serve_others


Stephanie from Homegrown Hospitality
Giveaway: One 4x6 black or white frame with hand drawn doodle in color pallet of your choice. The doodle can include "The Word" or "A Name" and a favorite quote, verse or scripture.
Special for AE readers: Stephanie is donating $5 from the sale of each doodle to Autism Speaks.
Meet & Shop Stephanie


To be entered into the drawing today please leave a comment with your word for 2009. It's totally fine if you are still thinking about it - if that's the case just leave a comment with some of your intentions for this new year. Comments will be closed on Thursday, January 1st at noon Pacific with the winners posted shortly after.


A safe and Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

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1940 thoughts

  1. Gail says…
    12/31/2008

    Good morning Ali!!
    If I'm up early in Nebraska you are really up at the crack of dawn in OR!
    My word is "embrace"
    as in change, adventure, uncertainity..
    We are moving from our tiny burg to the outskirts of our state's big city..
    new schools, job for me, house...scrapbook stores!
    I hope to EMBRACE oall of it!
    Happy 2009

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. renee @ FIMBY says…
    12/31/2008

    Ok, I feel kind of cheesy even sharing this. Why? The first word that come to my brain for 2009 about a week or so ago is FLY. It hasn't left and I think it might stick. So many areas I am ready to fly with.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Tracie says…
    12/31/2008

    I think my word is serve. We have been focusing on serving others through church projects, doing things for our neighbors, donating time, money, etc. to causes we care about. I want to continue to serve others in 2009 and to teach my children how lasting service and love is versus material wealth. I want to raise two loving and compassionate children!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Kelley says…
    12/31/2008

    Am I seriously the first comment?? Holy cow, I've never been first. Anyway, my word for 2009 is perseverance. I always have wanted to pursue a career in photography. It's the one thing in my life that I keep coming back to when asked that question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?". But something always holds me back, that little voice of doubt creeps into my head. I am currently reading a wonderful autobiography of Walt Disney and it has helped me find my word...and hopefully quiet that voice inside my head. Thank you Ali for providing a place to share these wonderful ideas. Happy New Year to you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Amanda says…
    12/31/2008

    I've had my word since the end of October. It's DOLCE. It means sweet in Italian.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Kelly Buck says…
    12/31/2008

    I have to say that I'm going to use the word that I had originally chosen for last year. I let other life "stuff" take over and the word and it's purpose for me got lost in the shuffle. But it's still my goal and I need to bring it to the forefront again. My word will be PAUSE. Just a reminder to myself to pause before reacting, to myself, my children, my students, my family and friends. To live my live on a few second delay and hopefully avoid some of the impulses that end up being a wrong decision.
    And I adore your choice of nurture!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Samantha says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2008 was Conscious (my goal being to live a more fully conscious life) and it really brought me to my word for 2009...Intentional.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. kim says…
    12/31/2008

    The first word to pop into my head is "simplify". I find I am happier and less stressed when I simplify whatever I'm doing. I think '09 is going to be a difficult year for our country. Maybe if we had lived simpler lives all along we wouldn't be facing such a difficult financial time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. kim says…
    12/31/2008

    The second word to pop into my mind is "awesome"! The jewelry you posted is beautiful! ha

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Cara in NJ says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali, I always look forward to this!!! I too have decided on the word NURTURE!!! Feeling the need this year to nurture my family, friends and myself. The world is in so much turmoil, all we ever hear about is the "bad" things. To get myself and my family through these times, I am going to make NURTURE my word of 2009.
    Hope you and your family have a wonderful and blessed New Year!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Bonnie says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for the year is AWARE. I feel this word means so many things to me. I want to be more aware of others, the enivorment, spending money, my actions and most of all the moment I'm in.
    Thank you for the great giveways and most of all your inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Ainslie says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali from Ainslie in Perth, Western Australia. My word for 2009 is JOY - to find joy in everything I do. Good luck with the new baby and Happy New Year!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Robin in New Jersey says…
    12/31/2008

    I have actually been thinking about this for a couple weeks now. I am praying that the Lord will give me a word by the end of tonights New Years Eve service at my church.
    You are such a thoughtful person, Ali. I appreciate all you share here. You have given me much food for thought!
    Happy New Year!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Helena says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for next year is "positive". I want to think positive and try to find something good even in the hardships and endurances life reserves for each and every one of us.
    Happy 2009!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Barbara Haane says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 will be HOPE. My husband has terminal cancer, but we will never give up hope, hope for him, for us, for life, for peace, for the little moments.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Emily B says…
    12/31/2008

    Trust.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Tonya A says…
    12/31/2008

    I think my word is grow. I'd like to really take the time to grow so many of my skills...artistically, domestically and with relationships of friends and family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Paula says…
    12/31/2008

    My word is RELAX. I get so stressed out about so many things (most I can't do anything about)that I need to focus on things I that truly affect me and let go of things that I don't.
    Happy New Year!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Kathy Passmore says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is Serenity. Dictionary.com defines serenity as the state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil; sereneness. My resolution is also going to be to work towards serenity through meditation, keeping the focus on the positive in life, and letting go of what I cannot control.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. annie samuels says…
    12/31/2008

    PEACE
    I not only wish for Peace in the World, but I also want to feel Peace-ful inside.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Karin G says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali, So nice of you to do some giveaways! I have not finalized my word yet but I am toying with FOCUS. Focus on what I want to accomplish instead of getting distracted by so many things, including housework, which is never-ending. I lost my job this year and need to focus on finding a new one, focus on my exercise program, focus on some scrapbooking projects, focus on learning a new skill. I will tie it into my 2009 goals.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Sarah says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali,
    My word is realize. It has so many different meanings and connotations. For me, it has to do with learning, accepting, appreciating, and being aware. Bring on the New Year! It's going to be great!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. hanna says…
    12/31/2008

    love this idea and I so cherish my lisa leonard necklace with my son and hubby's names. My word for 2009 is going to be gratitude -I really want to focus on being grateful for what I have instead of wanting and wanting.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Rachel says…
    12/31/2008

    Hello Ali!
    My word for the year is LEARN...
    "verb (used with object)
    1. to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience
    2. to become informed of or acquainted with; ascertain: to learn the truth."
    as an almost 39 year old full time college student this word speaks for itself....as a mom of three, I think it will be a great word for all of us....to "learn something new everyday!".....even if it is just a new word, game, country on the map or recipe.
    LEARN in 2009!!!!!!
    (Thanks for your daily inspiration!)

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Jacky says…
    12/31/2008

    I've been thinking about my 2009 word since I found your blog earlier this year and I'm excited it's finally time to unveil them :) Mine is momentum...to keep up with creating and writing and running and not slow myself down with doubt or worries or fear of the unknown, to just keep going.

    Reply 0 Replies

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