One Little Word : June 2010


Ali_bike

My one little word for 2010 is story.

From the very beginning my word has had a slightly different meaning for me than you might think. When I first wrote about it back in January I talked about the obvious idea documenting stories from yesterday & today but I also hinted at my deeper truth: "One of the biggest things is that I have a couple threads in my own
story that I would like to weave in a different direction.
"

The real truth is that I chose the word story because I wanted to focus on changing my story.

My secret word for 2010 been athlete.

My journey so far this year has been about finding a piece of myself that's been missing since I stopped being an athlete when I left the pool in 1994. I was done with the practices, done with the competition, done with the time it took away from all the other things I wanted to be doing in college.

For many years I didn't miss it at all. Not one little bit.

After Anna was born I started to wonder what it would be like to be an athlete as a full-fledged adult. What would my life be like if I took the time to exercise and got in shape and liked the feel of myself in my own skin again? What if I could get to the place of seeing myself as an athlete again? I began having visions of myself as a super fit grandma. I liked the idea of myself as a positive fitness role-model for my kids.

I decided I wanted to make a change in the way my story was being written.

Since January, in ways little and big, I've been returning to this unfinished piece of my own story. A chapter I want to continue and add to in the years to come.

Most of the action steps in changing my story have been small. They've been little daily choices to get up and get out and move my body again. Some days and weeks I'm successful and others, not so much. So much of it for me is a mental game.

I've gotten back in the pool. I've bought a road bike. I've started running (with some serious daily support from Cathy). And I registered to participate in the Danskin Sprint Triathlon in Seattle in August. Crazy? Yes, totally. I found that for me I needed something to aim for, something to move towards, in order to start making the changes I want to see in my story. I am finding that I love the variety of swimming, biking and running so much more than when it was all swimming all the time.

Really, I just want to show up and participate.

So that's where I'm at with my word right now. My words in years past have been undercurrents, with less real-world action. They have ebbed and flowed with me throughout the year and existed as a place for me to come back to when I felt like I am drifting too far off my path. This year has been different in a really good way for me at this time in my life. I am on my way...

If you left your word back in January or February or whenever, you can always reconnect with it. You can also always choose a new word. It's never too late.

Anyone else happen to have a secret word you are ready to share? Or a
new word that evolved out of your initial word?

Dottedline


IMG_2040
My 8x8 Rejoice photobook arrived in the mail from Shutterfly yesterday. I love it. And more importantly, Simon and Anna went nuts over it. It was all about the photos. Going to make a couple extra copies for a few other people I love.

You can view my completed book here and purchase the layered template package through Designer Digitals here.

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

124 thoughts

  1. LauraM says…
    06/02/2010

    That book is just beautiful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. kari o'connell says…
    06/02/2010

    My world started out as relax, but lately is been moving towards enjoy. I was and sometimes am worrying about too many little things. I wasn't enjoying life. These next 6 months will be all about enjoying my life. Thanks for the inspiration Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. tchrtiff says…
    06/02/2010

    What a beautiful book. I love your templates and think I need to create a similar book. Thanks for your inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Jamie says…
    06/02/2010

    This is so awesome Ali!!! Good for you for getting real and making it happen....so so awesome! I can't wait to hear about your journey.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. sansku says…
    06/02/2010

    awww, i'm so envious you're actually doing it. so i guess my word of choice would be focus. i want to do this and that... and then i lose my focus. where art thou focus? wilt thou please come and visit me... :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Heidi says…
    06/02/2010

    That is AWESOME! After I had my 2nd (my little girl) I took on the triathlon scene as something to do for myself. Just me. Alone on a run, a swim or a bike ride. I felt as though I had given so much of myself for so long, that it was time for me again. I wasn't even sure what a triathlon was, but I signed up, bought a bike and made time to do it. The first one was all about just finishing the race. Then what everyone had told me came true...once you do one...it is hard to stop. I competed for 4 years and had a blast. I still run, swim and bike, just not for competition anymore. Your post hit me like a ton of bricks. I was there at one time. Wondering where that side of me had disappeared to. Could I feel good again in my skin? Could I finish the swim leg of the race without looking like an idiot, or worse, drowning? I am so proud to hear another voice echoing those same thoughts. GO ALI GO!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Maureen says…
    06/02/2010

    My word was/is BEGIN. I have had that as my screensaver for a couple months and the undercurrent issue was fitness.
    Yes, I'd like to lose weight, get thinner, but mostly I want to be fitter - at 65.
    I started out well, joined a local gym, went daily and started to ...gasp...enjoy it. Then came the snows of February, then came a pulled back muscle and weeks of physical therapy... I realized I could begin again, which I did. A European vacation and I began again tho I noticed walking in Italy was easier than the last trip.
    I have never been an athlete, nor wanted to be one. My competitiveness comes out in other ways and still hate to have my hair soaked with sweat but each day I begin anew, and boy do I feel good about that!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Amy says…
    06/02/2010

    Thanks for the inspiration Ali. I actually never really thought about my own ability to change my story. Like "Duh!" When you've come this far in your life story, sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the past, and wallow in certain things that happened back then. I have the sole ability and responsibility to my children to change my story for the better. No one can do that for me. Wow! How inspiring! Great thought for today. Thanks!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Verbena says…
    06/02/2010

    Congratulations, Ali, on making such great progress toward your "athlete" goal. My word is "appreciate" (I wear it most days on a necklace), and it has been a great word. I have been revisiting it each month in a mini-book just to touch base with my thoughts on where I am with appreciating all of the good things in my life. You and Cathy Z make me want to concentrate more on being healthy so that I can "appreciate" the value of good health and good habits.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Susan says…
    06/02/2010

    Ali, that is so, so awesome! I noticed your "hint" about athletics and wondered what all you were up to. I too am taking on a sprint triathalon this August. I am a homeschooling mom of a dozen and our baby is now three so I am entering a new "season" of life for me. It has been a blast to get out and try some totally new things. I have worked out for years at home doing aerobics, etc, but tackling triathalon has been a real stretch for me, way outside of my comfort zone. And that is completely good~ good for me and I hope a good example for my children as well. I'll be cheering for you from Missouri! You go!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Cristina-Sweet Pea Ink says…
    06/02/2010

    when my youngest started full day kindergarten 2 years ago, i decided to pick up a tennis racquet and start group lessons. i have never looked back, and the women's team i play on has just made it into the playoffs! i can't tell you how wonderful it is to have something that is "all mine" and to watch my body grow strong as a result of the hard work and dedication i put in. if i have a "cranky" day now my kids ask me, "mama, did you get your tennis in today?" love it!
    xoxo

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Jane says…
    06/02/2010

    Ali! Congratulations on your progress!! And I have to say...THANK YOU again! Your post today has caused this gigantic [and I mean pilates-ball-gigantic] lightbulb go on for me! I am totally inspired to start directing my story rather than telling it after the fact. Looking ahead to the story I want to tell about myself rather than back and telling what's happened. Cool and empowering. Thanks for sharing this personal story and GO Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Teresa says…
    06/02/2010

    Thanks for the inspiration. Makes me realize we all can make our life as beautiful and eventful as possible if we make the choice.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Kim H. says…
    06/02/2010

    I'm not surprised at your "secret" word. I remember a comment you made on your blog right after Anna was born as you watched a marathon or some kind of event while visiting your parents. I observed that undercurrent bubbling up inside of you of wanting to be an athlete then in your words.
    Nope.
    Not surprised at all at this blog post.
    :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Beth Ann says…
    06/02/2010

    Congratulations on this Miss Ali. You always always inspire me. Hugs!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Bonnie W says…
    06/02/2010

    Go Ali! Just want to say how delighted and honored I am to be a reader of your blog. You are a great inspiration. Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Tami says…
    06/02/2010

    My word was Move! I had made a commitment to move everyday. In January I signed up for Tri training with a group of women and I will be doing my first sprint tri this Saturday!!! Good luck!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Amy says…
    06/02/2010

    Good luck with your triathlon! That is really awesome!
    amy

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Jessie says…
    06/02/2010

    Go Ali go! Have a blast doing the sprit Tri! I did my first a few years ago and it was a great time! Love reading your blog. Look forwards to hearing about the results in Aug! Have a wonderful rest of the week!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. dawn says…
    06/02/2010

    Hi Ali, I just love the way you write and express your thoughts. Good for you getting back into your groove again. My word was "move" to get me moving and my family moving. we have our ups and downs about it. I'm trying to commit to it once again now that the kids are out of school. I turned 40 last august and told myself that I wanted to be in good shape by my next birthday.Well it's not going well but I've decided to jump on the wagon and try again. Ilove reading Cathy's success with her own running. She is doing great and sounds like you are too. Thanks for inspiring us and your words of encouragement.
    I saw your book and love love it. Those two kids of yours are so cute together.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Trish says…
    06/02/2010

    I picked SELF! At first I meant it to be take time for myself, fix my hair and make up every morning when I get up, go to the grocery store by myself and try to get more healthier. I am over 100lbs over weight and I took They Year of Self to another level. It became about my weight loss journey. It became the year of getting myself more healthy and thinner. Last year I noticed that I had dropped about 20lbs, but since taking on One Little Word I can say I have lost 35 more lbs. A 55lb weight loss!! And with that weight loss came more SELF...energy, muscles, more endurance, shopping for new clothes, shoes and a new bathing suit! I have been documenting it on my blog each time I have an update.
    With 4 kids taking time for yourself is so hard, and trying to eat healthy and exercise everyday with Jillian Michaels is even harder with 4 kids. Especially when they don't finish their dinner and I throw the rest away when I used to eat it. That was so challenging!!!
    I love myself more now, because even though I have 50 more lbs to lose, I look at all that I have accomplished being more aware of SELF. There is only one me, one SELF and I want to be here to see my grandkids and I want to be able to run & play with my kids now.
    So I thank you for doing the One Little Word! It was a huge wake up call for me! Reaching deep inside myself and finally seeing me, has been worth all the hard work!
    I am excited to see what the next 6 months of SELF brings!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Becky S. says…
    06/02/2010

    Excellent Ali!!! I did the exact same thing after the birth of my daughter in 2008 - trained for and completed the Danskin Seattle Triathlon! I loved it so much, that I'm doing the Portland Triathlon this summer. I loved getting my body back, loved the training, and loved the sense of accomplishment. Triathlons are really something that even approaching middle age, busy mamas can do and enjoy! Thank you for sharing your story. Can't wait to hear more about your training this summer and see the pics from Danskin! It's a fabulous first tri - and all women to boot. SO empowering and fun. Good luck!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Carole Hepburn says…
    06/02/2010

    It is ALL fabulous - thank you for sharing

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Gabi says…
    06/02/2010

    Excellent post, Ali! Congrats on your sport's journey. I've been trying to get into shape as well, now with kids being bigger it is a lot of easier to do it. I know when I exercise I feel better in general. And it always makes me feel happier. And as I can see, exercise makes you happy too! :) I love that photo of you!
    Your book is beautiful! The photo of Simon and Anna you have above is priceless.
    Ali, may I ask you a question? How do you do that you can reply to someone's comment? I have typepad as well but I can't figure out how to set it up, it always makes another separate comment, not a reply to a certain comment. Thank you so much in advance for any tip.
    And thank you so much for your comment at DD on my 10 things right now page, you made my day!The template is awesome!! I have had this template of yours for so long and always put it away unfinished but I finally finished it today. Now I'm going to make a page about my son as well.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Amber Lee D. says…
    06/02/2010

    Hi Ali! As always your daily post is inspiring. Thank you for letting us in on your secret! My word this year has been focus. Something, that is so hard for me to maintain in a very busy and chaotic life. However, I too have a secret word that has crept into my life. It is Run...say it like Jenni says it in Forest Gump. Run, Forest Run. I have never been athletic, but for some reason my word Focus had me try something new to fully achieve it's meaning and it was running. So now as I run I chant focus and run over and over to myself. I love it...it clears my head, and has been such a wonderful addition to my life. I completed my first 5k this spring and I am working on a 10k next. I think it is awesome that you are doing a triathlon. You and your family will benefit so much. You will amaze them and yourself with your story.

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.