Poster print via Poster Inspired.
My word for 2012 is up.
It came to me one day last month while I was working in the kitchen and the kids were watching the movie Up. My initial connection to the word stems from the part towards the end where the old man is looking at the scrapbook his wife made and a note she wrote to him at the end which says something along the lines of “Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one.” (Found the clip here.)
That’s the attitude I’d like to be working towards and embracing in 2012 – giving thanks for the things that were great about my marriage and then moving forward and welcoming whatever is coming next.
Up | ready, eager, open, awake, into a happy mood
There were so many words I could have chosen for what I want for myself in 2012. This one simply feels like a good starting place. I will also be carrying three of my past words close to my heart again in 2012: light, story, and peace.
Are you considering selecting a word for yourself (or letting one find you)? There’s no right or wrong. The main thing to remember is that this is your word. It’s not for your child, parent, partner, spouse, sister, etc.
And what do you do with this one little word?
You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.
I’d love to read what word you’ve chosen or are considering for 2012. In the comments feel free to simply leave your word as your comment or write a bit about why you are choosing this word. In a couple days I’ll combine all the words into a single post – super inspiring to see all the words in one place.
In a couple of days I’ll post a compilation of the words as an inspirational reminder to us all.
If you’re new to the concept of One Little Word, you can read some of my previous posts here: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Above is an image of all my prompts from my album that I made for my One Little Word class at Big Picture in 2011.
Registration is open for 2012 and you’re invited to join the journey.
Each month you’ll receive a prompt with a simple creative, writing, or photography project and a gentle reminder to check back in with your word. By the end of the year you’ll have compiled the contents of an 8.5×11 album that documents, defines, celebrates and generally makes your word more visible. Workshop materials include printable elements, full-color PDF handouts, and video presentations.
People have been asking me if you have to be a scrapbooker for this class. My answer is no. Even though we are making an album it’s really more of a journaling/record keeping/thinking/exploring project. I’m excited to see how people interpret the prompts and make them meaningful for their own lives.
This is not complicated and it’s not time-consuming. It’s simply a way we can come together to share our experience with our words throughout the course of the year.
The One Little Word classroom opens on January 1, 2012.
TODAY’S POST SPONSORED BY | Simplify 101 Online Workshops
Regardless what word you select, choosing a word means you want to make your life even better than it is today. The very essence of One Little Word is improving your life, which is why this online workshop is perfect for you. It gives you the foundation, ideas and inspiration you need to dream about a life you love, plus concrete action steps to help you make it happen! Use code: ONELITTLEWORD through January 6, 2012 to take 15% off any simplify 101 workshop (may not be combined with other offers). ABOUT SIMPLIFY 101 | Founded by Aby Garvey, the co-author of The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker, simplify 101’s mission is to make getting organized fun!
![Two Peas](http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10513/24901/21775/26723/image.jpg"width="120"height="240"style="border:0px;"alt=)
I have been torn for weeks between TIME and LIFE. I chose Life. Oprah’s challenge to ‘live your best life’ helped me make up my mind.
My 2012 word is start.
Love this concept more every single year.
Can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Open
I just looked it up in the thesaurus and I realized there was so much more to the word than when I first thought of it. It seems so fitting right now.
I want to be open to new possibilities.
I want to be open to change.
I want to be open and honest.
I want to be open and uncluttered.
I want to be open to begin something new.
I want to be open and approachable.
ACT — this is the year to make things happen that Husband and I need to have done. The past several years have spent doing for our parents or our grown children. We have put many of our own things off. This is the year for us to ACT on things we need done for us or our home or our careers. It seemed selfish at first, but it’s time for some OUR/US/ME time.
My world this year will be share. I’m very close in myself and i need to all can see my like i’m so i will share my self, thougths, fellings …
My word would be “Understanding” I would love to understand where I fit in my world around me and to understand my children, husband, family and those I work with. I would also like to be understood by my family and friends. I would also like to be someone who understands the hopes and dreams of others.
I hope this is an upbeat word for me. First time I have thought about a word for myself.
This year I plan to focus on working on my SELF. I need to change some bad habits, give myself time to create, and become more mindful of my inner self. In the past year, I have worried about everyone else and not given my body and health the attention it deserves. I think my word needs to be SELF>
Ali, your word is really great and I wish you all the very best with it in 2012! My word for next year is ILLUMINATE. 2011 was a rather “dark” year for me and I just know that 2012 will be sooo much better!
My one little word for 2012 is AUTHENTIC. My 14 year marriage ended this year and I recently learned about months of lies and deception. I am letting go of the past, of the hurts and misery and moving forward with love for myself, grace and forgiveness for my part and embracing the choices I can make on my journey. AUTHENTIC choices. My OLW for last year was TRUTH and I believe that will go hand in hand for this year as well. Thank you Ali and Happy New Year. You have a beautiful spirit. XO!!!
My word for this year is going to be ENJOY….Something I haven’t had much time for over the last few years….To just simply ENJOY all that life has to offer. My life has been quite stressful over the last few years….Now that I’ve graduated from college with my BS, and I have a wondeful fiance and my life is settled, it is time to ENJOY…..
I’m coming down to the wire and I think my OLW for 2012 will be RECONNECT. I’d like to get back to some old friends (people friends, hobbies that have been cast aside, getting out in nature, etc.).
Thanks for all the inspiration you give, Ali!
Just found your website linked from Lisa Leonard’s blog and love this concept! My word for 2012 is….abide….i am already making every effort to abide in Jesus as He abides in me, a branch not apart from the vine.
PRIDE
My word is “solid”.
Safe, secure, stable, resilient, real, unbroken. Solid in parenting, in my marriage, in my life, in my job. Just a very needed word in very many aspects right now, that I will be working on.
And, I will still be working with last year’s word, which was “whole”. They kind of go together, and I think the latter is something we continue to work on throughout our lives.
Embrace. Embrace the successes, failures and challenges of goals I make. Embrace the people I love. Embrace those that need some encouragement.
My word for this year is “Balance”
Last year my word was Choose, which helped me to accomplish many of my goals. One was starting my own Etsy shop. So far my business has been keeping me very busy (which is a good thing) but now I just need balance in my life!
This is my third year to have a word, my word this year was CREATE and has been an amazing year culminating with expecting a new baby in the next few weeks. With the new baby coming and all the changes with expanding our family the words CHERISH and NURTURE keep popping up everywhere recently.
There are many aspects of my life which need nurturing this coming year
our new baby
my daughter
my relationship
my friendships
my dreams
my memory keeping and not least myself.
I just signed up for the OLW course as with so much transition looming the monthly prompts will help to keep NURTURE in focus.
ENERGY – I am so lacking in this commodity – I really need to make it my focus of 2012. What a great idea the one word is – I have loved reading all the other comments and words everyone has left.
I tried on a few words and the one fitting the best is CHARGE. Charge, like a charging rhino. Charge, like the cavalry leading the way. Charge, like electrifying excitement. Charge, as in Charge!!
In 2012, I need to take charge, allow myself to be in charge, charge forth without abandon, and also charge my batteries. 2011 for me was a year of rest and renewal; 2012 needs to be a year of action and forward motion.
I have never done this before. But THIS is the year. If Ali can do it with her unique struggles this year, SO CAN I. My word is . . . INTENT. I want to speak only (mostly?) intentional words (no backstabbing, gossip or mindless chatter) just words that improve me and my relationships and boost people UP. I want to eat with intention, not just mindfully stuff my face; eat healthful nourishing food and eat treats that I LOVE, not just pick and eat things that are unhealthy AND taste only so-so. (Does that even make sense???) I want to work out and get fit doing things that I love;
walking the dog, playing with my kids, join a soccer team.
My little word is a very big one for me: “ENJOY”.
I love all of the inspiring words everyone selected. I could chose any of them to my advantage and growth in 2012. I must admit Ali’s word “up” resonated with me when I read it. My word is “health” as I have been ill for almost a year and found myself depressed b/c I had no control over what my body. I am going to do all I can to promote my good health by putting into place all things that are healthy. In turn I hope this will change my mood into a happy and “up” state of mind. I might need to relocate away from the Gulf due to my high sensitivity to mold-I’m ready to do so! I look forward in being part of this process.
Thank you Ali.
My word will be ‘engender’. My life is moving forward but in concentrating on job, flat, relationship, the dog… I feel my creativity has been lost and in a way I’ve lost myself. I want to go back to not just creating in the crafty sense but I want to get myself back, engender a more creative and spirited life.
I’m a bit apprehensive – what if I’ve lost myself so thoroughly I can’t get this feeling back? But I’m looking forward to the journey.
I was not able to follow the blogposts last year do to finances. I did choose a word; believe. It served me well; finances are better this year and I will be signing-up today. My word for 2012 is go-ahead. I procrastinate and want to try to change that habit. This year my 12 and 14 year old daughters are choosing words as well. The 12 yo chose courage and the 14 yo chose listen. We are looking forward to the monthly challenges.
This is my first time doing OLW. I am so excited to start on this journey!
My word is better.
In 2011 I got married, became a more avid runner, started doing cross fit, started learning to sew and cook, and there are so many more adventures that I took on! I chose better because I want to become better at all of these things! I want to become a better version of MYSELF, so I am dedicating 2012 to the word better.
I’ve chosen *gumption* for 2012. I want to show gumption when choosing new career goals and planning for my future.
My word is definitely going to be enjoy this year. Last year, my word was live and I did exactly that. This year I want to go forward with purpose and remembering to enjoy the ride!
Ali,I am new to the One Little Word but am anxious to join up!! I do not use a credit card so would like to send my remittance for the class by mail. Could you email me your address so I can mail it to you soon? Oh and my word for 2012 is “NATURE”… I have so many ideas floating around in my head…ready to start the journey!!!!
Taking the class for the first time.
My word is RESOLVE
Resolve to eat healthy
Resolve to exercise on a regular basis
Resolve to spend more time crafting
Resolve to be better organized around my house
Resolve to watch far less TV (major time waster)
Resolve to go on more hiking trips with my DH
Look forward to getting to know my OLW classmates!
REACH
I think my word finall found me!
Reach new heights and try new things
Reach beyond obstacles that stopped me in the past
Reach up and stretch (literally)
Reach Out and embrace the people close to me
Reach deep within myself to listen to my instinct
I’m a bit afraid of heights, so this OLW may challenge me, but I love that! Plus I love that it is a physical action, I can really focus on it as I swim.
My word is Embrace. I’ve had a word most years since Ali started this conversation but this year I’m thinking of taking the class as well. The word popped into my mind and heart immediately.
My work is “SWEAT!” I tried movement last year and boy was there lots of movement, just not what I expected. So this year I am being more specific.
purpose.
I want more of what I spend my time on to have purpose. I considered discipline or self-discipline but wouldn’t you know it, as I was writing a post about my word on my blog it hit me that purpose is a much better fit!
thank you for creating this online space, it brings purpose to your readers and that is worth more than any possession!
My word for this year is FORWARD. I have had one of the most troubling and set backs this year of my life, i have hit rock bottom and pulling myself up and moving forward. I have personal goals got myself with a timeline that i will accomplish, it is time for this single mother of 3 to stop living I’m the past and move FORWARD
My word for 2012 is “balance”. We all lead busy lives and I have realised that busy is the way it is right now for us so instead of getting stressed about it I have decided to figure out what is important and what is not, to find balance and spend more time on the important things and not so much time on the rest.
I have chosen the word CREATE…for a variety of reasons. I’m looking forward to beginning the OLW class !! <3
Less. That’s my word… less.
I have never done this before – I’ve thought about it – but never went forward with it. I was trying to think of a word and contemplating whether I could commit to a whole year’s worth of effort, I kept thinking “LESS”. As a family we have talked about being more frugal. However, there is so much more in my life that I need to be “frugal” with beyond monetary means. The word LESS kept popping up. In design I always tell my clients ‘Less is best.” So I decided to take my own advice. And so it is… LESS. Less spending, less projects, less commitments, less stuff, less negativity… it can work for so much.
Thanks Ali. After watching this for years, I am finally deciding to do this. Actually, my husband and I plan to do it together (he agreed, less is best and goes with our plan for the year). So, we’ll see if he sticks around. But, I’m IN!
My word for 2012 is STRENGTH. I need to have strength for the changes my family is going through, strength to get back into an exercise routine, strength to care for my ailing mother, strength to mentor my business team to success, and sometimes strength just to get through another day!
Last year my word was GROW. It was meaningful in so many different ways, I can’t even begin to understand it all!!!
Looking forward to the class – this will be my first.
I am new to this, but I am looking forward to it. My word for 2012 is Organize. I intend to organize my office, my crafting area & my life. I have spent the past few years very disorganized & want/need to make the change.
My word for 2012 will be FRESH. I need to think with a fresh perspective. I need to fresh-en up my look & my health. I need to not be bogged down by people who don’t want to see me fly.
Hi Ali,
Could you tell me what ‘C -line Memory Book 4×6 flip pockets are. Is this a 4×6 photo album?
They are 4×6 page protectors with an adhesive strip along the edge – they hold 4×6 photos or papers. The supply list has a link you can click to see them at Scrapbook.com.
I have thought long and hard about my word for 2012…faith, truth, strive, gratitude, commit, acknowledge…but for me, CHERISH, is montra for 2012.
..Cherish my family (and furry family) for they are my life.
..Cherish my faith and the strength it gives me.
..Cherish my friends for being there over the last 20 years.
..Cherish each day and make that day special.
..Cherish myself and remember to treat myself with kindness.
..(not necessarily in that order!)
My word is variety. This is my fourth year to participate in your idea and it’s really changed my life. Thank you.
I’m using one of your words from prior years: LIGHT. It will help me through the changes I am anticipating for 2012… physical, a relocation, a possible career change… I want to rid myself of the unnecessary and become light. I want to feel light as I move through the different stages… I want to get through it with incredible lightness. This will help, I know it.
I didn’t do well at all in 2011 keeping up with the class OR my word but my word has come to me over the past couple weeks and it is FAITH. I’m going to have a go at it again in 2012.
Thanks Ali!
I am in the process of deciding on a word…I have a couple that I am considering…truth or real…my family moved about 6 months (a good thing) and a lot of changes have come with it…it has sent me reeling a bit. My ego is getting the best of me…I tend to make assumptions about situations, people, etc…and what I am realizing is that they are not factual, not necessarily real or the truth. So I really want to focus on what is true, what is real.
Hi Ali, what a wonderful word you have chosen and I didn’t fully understand how a word could choose you until tonight. While driving home and reflecting on this year and what I want for next year the word UPLIFT came to mind just out of the blue. When I got home I looked it up and it is perfect:
a bettering of a condition especially spiritually, socially, or intellectually
NO resolutions this year – just one little word. Loving it already – see you in class.
finally, ‘we’ (my word & I) have decided!
LIVE!
I had a good friend (tho of relatively short acquaintance) die this year. Several people spoke at her memorial service & the resounding message was that “Elaine always said to LIVE LIFE!”
For that & several reasons, I want to make sure that I am not just ‘existing,’ but LIVING!
to me, this word will encompass ‘be present,’ ‘intention,’ ‘mindfulness,’ ‘now.’
Never done this b4. Looking forward to it.
Ali, thanks & YOU ROCK!!!
Well, I chose my little word a few days ago. I confess I need to change some things, be less perfectionist, care less with the faults of others and with the lack of time to do whatever I want.
Finally, in 2012 I want depth peace! Only peace!
My 2012 word is reduce. I thought this word would be appropriate because there are so many things I need to reduce … weight, Diet Coke consumption, stress, waste, and even reduce to save the earth … just to name a few! I have never done One Little Word Before and I am really excited!