One Little Word : Mid-Year

Simon

My word for 2009 is nurture.

I am nurturing a young boy's love of Star Wars & leogs &
reading & Harry Potter. I am nurturing an inquisitive mind by answering a lot of awesome seven-year-old questions about the way in which our world works. I am nurturing his social skills as I encourage and model and role-play.

Anna

I am nurturing a baby girl's enchantment with the world around her. I am nurturing her physically as I nurse her and emotionally as we engage in all that great mama-baby bonding. I am nurturing her natural rhythms and helping her adapt to life in our home.

I am nurturing my relationship with Chris as we navigate the waters of being busy parents (with passionate professional lives).

I am nurturing myself as a second-time mama with as much patience as I
can muster. I have been taking things slow and focusing on the projects I
think are most important and letting the rest go. I am trying to live
fully present in this season of my life without hurrying on to the
next.
It's a minute by minute choice.

I am finding that a lot of my creative energy is currently going into
nurturing
my relationship with my kids. I feel really good about this. Life with two kids is a very creative
endeavor. Creativity in focus, in juggling, in entertaining, in attitude, in setting up a day that
is "full of life" for each of us. To me "full of life" means a
combination of healthy things: play, rest, work, nutrition, etc.

I may not be producing as many layouts and projects right now as I have in the past, but I am exactly where I want to be in terms of being available & active in the lives of my children.

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How are you and your word getting along this year?

Did you write anything about your word back in January that you can review now? One of the reasons I love having a blog is being able to go back in time and see what was documented. Reading what I wrote then vs. how I am feeling today is a gift to myself.

Don't feel bad if you haven't really connected with your word this year. It's been my experience that some years I have a strong connection with my word and others not so much. Have you really given your word a chance?

Take some time today to reflect or reconnect with your word. Consider posting an update on your blog or here in the comments.

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58 thoughts

  1. Wendy says…
    06/29/2009

    I actually have two words for the year: Live Simply. I am realising that life is too short to be complicated and focused on the future. I am still processing what that means for my family, but having that in the back of my mind has helped us to make family vacations a reality (and a priority) and deciding to keep our smaller house in lieu of a bigger one so we'd have more time/money to spend on each other instead of our stuff.

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  2. cheryl yelverton says…
    06/29/2009

    My word was "SELF". Being new to the "empty nest" I felt lost and deserted and found myself floundering like a fish out of water. I bought a framed doodle of my word (linked from you) and it sits in my studio where I spent 95% of my time. I asked 10 of my friends to send me "definitions of me" the way they see me for a journal and that was enlightening. I have scheduled activities for myself that did not include kids. I have attended GASC. I just got back from a weekend with Cheryl Darrow and Tim Holtz at Ten Seconds Studios. After 6 months of crying and pondering I am happy with where I am and realizing my "SELF".
    ms.cheryl

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  3. marg says…
    06/29/2009

    I am so impressed with your thoughtful and thorough response, Ali, to Rebekah's comment. You share so much with your readers, including your example of being true to yourself and your family. I appreciate your honestly and candor. Thanks.

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  4. Lydia says…
    06/29/2009

    Thank you for revisiting your word! I've been thinking about mine lately, wondering if it really fits. I choose 'courage' and planned on taking on challenges and pushing myself creatively. I imagined myself learning to fly, so to speak. Instead I've been learning to look fear in the eye and creating anyways. Baby steps. Still hoping to fly a bit by the end of the year!

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  5. Jeni says…
    06/29/2009

    Thanks Ali - It's good timing for me to reflect on my word for 2009: ACT. I have been doing a lot of "taking action" this year and it is good for me to remember that because I am always down on myself for not getting enought done. In 2009 I have really gotten into actually scrapbooking instead of just collecting scrapbook supplies. I am getting married and trying to get pregnant (big big ACTS). I took a financial planning course. I connected with a bunch of local creatives. I started a serious exercise program. Thanks for the reminder Ali.
    PS - I am happy that you wrote about your creative focus these days (your children). I noticed that you haven't been on your blog as much and I was hoping that you were doing something fun and satisfying (even though I miss you).

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  6. Diane says…
    06/29/2009

    First, I can't even remember what my word is/was. :-( I'm thinking it might have been patience. If that's the right one then I'm not doing good at all. Thanks for the mid-year reminder!
    Second, PERFECT post! Sounds like you are right where you want to be and are loving it!
    Kiddos look adorable as usual.

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  7. Marnie says…
    06/29/2009

    as with many others, I think your timing is perfect with this post. My intentional-ness has long disappeared back into the chaos of my life. I need to refocus adn redirect.
    I work a short week this week and then move onto vacation for three. A good opportunity to renew!
    thanks

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  8. Alison says…
    06/29/2009

    Perfect timing to come visit your blog today:) Thanks for the inspiration. Now to figure out just how to do that.

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  9. Paula says…
    06/29/2009

    My word was/is professional. Of course I chose this before I knew I was going to be a mama again! While it's been a struggle with all the restructuring and mistakes made around the workplace, I'm overall pleased that I've been able to make this word mine.
    Thinking about another word for the second part of this year...

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  10. rebekah says…
    06/29/2009

    ali, thank you for your response! you are awesome! i really love your work, your vision, everything. i'm glad you took my comments as an honest inquiry, and not as an attack. i find the business end of the creative world to be fascinating, and since this is a somewhat new industry (as far as blogging goes), i take interest in seeing how things evolve.
    again, thank you so much. i was really looking for your views. thanks for taking the time to respond and answer my questions.

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  11. darlene says…
    06/29/2009

    what a great post, thanks for encouraging thoughtful care of children and reflection!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Jackie says…
    06/29/2009

    Oh Ali! As always...I love to visit your blog. You are truly an inspiration. My little word is "Hope" and it has helped me tremendously. I constantly surround myself with "Hope". Thank you for inspiring us with "one little word", and for inspiring us with "your world"! I have appreciated so much more since I started to visit your blog (Fall 08).

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  13. Barbara says…
    06/29/2009

    Simplicity was my word for this year. I chose it as I was getting ready to come home from a 6 month deployment. Although, I experienced several new and demanding activities while deployed my life was simple. Now home with a full time job, two beautiful boys and a wonderful husband I find it a daily struggle to simply live.

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  14. kathy@dirtandsunshine.com says…
    06/29/2009

    Ali,
    I love that you remind us about our yearly words! I decided to repeat my word from last year (create) since I didn't do as much creative stuff last year as I wanted to. Guess what? Reusing it again has really made all the difference! I finally finished my book, "Dirt and Sunshine" and got it printed, now it's on Amazon! So there is much power in focusing on a word. The past few months are a testament to that for me! I would love to send you a complimentary copy (for you and your family) if you wish to contact me offline. There is a section about 'living in the moment' that I feel will resonate after your post today. You are always such a breath of fresh air and it's a pleasure to visit your blog!
    All the best
    Kathy Besser

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  15. Dee says…
    06/29/2009

    Ali - Can I pick a word mid year?! My word today is JOY. As a frequent reader of your blog..(but a very infrequent poster of comments!) I have to tell you..you inspire me...in many different ways. You seem to balance everything so well. I am inspired by the way you create. The way you love what you create. The way you nurture your children. And your husband. I love the way that everyday life is reflected in your blog. And I love the way you share that you are many things. A wife, a mother, a woman, an artist. I am amazed by very few people...you amaze me!
    Today I had week 12 of a 12 week chemo treatment...There were days I didn't think this day would get here!! Reading your blog really was calming for me...just that you are living life with a joy that is clear in your pictures and your postings. Thank you for sharing your world, your talent, and your own inspiration with all of us. I hope to continue to find joy in the little things..because after all...that's what really matters.

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  16. Sarah George says…
    06/29/2009

    Love the post today Ali!
    Thanks for revisiting this topic because I never picked a word for the year and now I feel inspired to do so for the rest of the year. Don't know what it'll be but I'll decide on one in the next couple of days.
    Thanks and so glad to see that your family is doing well.

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  17. Ali Edwards says…
    06/29/2009

    Peace be with you Dee :).

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  18. Enjoli says…
    06/29/2009

    My word this year was Tenacity. Just like last years word (possibility) my whole year has worked really close to the theme of each respectively. Last year was full of possibilities that either blossomed or they didn't, but they were there, and I embraced both outcomes. This year has really proven challenging which has meant I needed to call a lot on my tenacity to make it through. I can see where I need to be more tenacious no matter how uncomfortable or scared I might be to face it. And in other areas of my life I feel like my tenacity is record breaking. Thank you for all that you are, Ali. You have really made a wonderful mark in this world. Best wishes to you and your family!

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  19. ACHA says…
    06/29/2009

    I´ve never thought about words but I would choose ENJOY. Enjoy life, time with my family, enjoy being healthy, having work... I really love reading about your kids. My little boy looooooves legos and Stars Wars too!!. Elena (Spain)

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  20. Elizabeth says…
    06/30/2009

    Hi Ali, I'm not sure I have commented before but I am now. I just wanted to say that I had originally read about having an inspirational word on a blog called 'Goodness' as it's a Japanese tradition to start the year with a word that has reflected or reflects the year! On re-reading Leslie's post I realised you were the inspiration behind a new word for the year! I love it...So I Have adopted donethis process for the past three years. So my word that I chose for 2009 was & is GROWTH. It celebrates a great many changes that I was prediciting would happen, as it has happens 6 months later there have many significant changes in our lives that have stimualted 'Growth' and some of them most unexpected...it certainly has been an interesting and inspiring year to say the least and it's only half way...I wanted to Thank you for your continual inspirational words on your family, creativity and balance of life work. Also echoed through your readers with some of their wonderful thought provoking responses made in relation to this post. I am constantly amazed at empowerment fo words!...thanks everyone. cheers, Lil

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  21. Andrea says…
    06/30/2009

    My 2009 word is "Downsize". Not just the amount of stuff that I have, but also my weight, my temper, my impact.
    I have lost 15 lbs this year taking pilates and a class through my local community college called "boot camp" and jogging. It has been so much easier than I imagined to muster up the energy to make it through a class. I've also downsized the amount of junk I eat, and by exercizing regularly, I've been less angry and sad, and I've learned to walk to the store rather than drive. It's weird how changing one habit changes so many things in you life.
    Congratulations on doing so well with your word and for just having a beautiful family. Thank you for such an inspiring post.

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  22. Samantha Piette says…
    06/30/2009

    Hi Ali! You have inspired me to blog about my word for this year, which is exactly what I did yesterday. My word is AWARE. Thanks so much for the CONTINUED inspiration! I may just have to turn this blog post into a scrapbook page!
    http://www.allsamsidea.com/2009/06/one-little-word-half-time-report.html

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  23. Meghan says…
    06/30/2009

    Ali, you are an incredible inspiration. I am new to your blog and new to all the creativity that abounds here... but thank you for sharing all of it. I figure that I still have time for a word in 2009 and I am going to pick it and scrap it today-- mmmm... maybe that IS my word... TODAY... thank you for sharing with the world as you do!

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  24. Katie F says…
    06/30/2009

    I didn't pick a word this year, but, over the last several months, I believe it has picked me. Patience. After losing his job last year, my very brave better half joined the US Army at 37. He did end up working in another state for a time before leaving for basic training and AIT. We have spent more time apart this year than together and it has been really difficult. One month down, five to go. Patience.

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  25. Laura Lee says…
    06/30/2009

    My word is Appreciate. I'm not sure I'm doing enough to appreciate what I have. So, I am trying very hard to be appreciative of a nice day, a chance to play with my dog or cat, and to help where I can. I am really trying to appreciate that I am alive and comfortable in my world.
    Things I really need to document. :) Have a great Day Ali and thank you for making me think about my word. Although Appreciate is my word, I'm still looking at last year's word on my wall. Is it ok to use the same word next year? I really like LIVE!

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