One Little Word® 2015 | What Students Have Learned And Last Chance To Join At The Reduced Workshop Rate

A big thanks to those of you who have shared your word on my most recent post - it's always so inspiring to read your words and your reasons why. I'll leave that open for a few more days as I compile your words to share in a new post next week. 

I wanted to give you a heads up that today (December 31) is the last day to join the One Little Word® 2015 workshop at the reduced rate of $26 (price will go up to $31 on January 1). 

At it's heart, One Little Word® is really what you make it. I re-iterate that every year in the January presentation in the classroom. I can share my journey, I can encourage you to take the next step, etc. but I can't come to your house and get you off the couch, change the thoughts in your head, or purge your closet. 

One Little Word® is about pinpointing one guiding principle and then walking with that word throughout the year. 

Last month I asked my One Little Word® 2014 Workshop Community via our closed Facebook Group what they have learned through the process of the workshop and of working towards making their words more visible in their lives this past year. Their responses were so awesome and heartfelt. I wanted to share them with you here as you contemplate joining the community this year: 

Nicole | I've learned to step back in the story and not just watch from the sidelines. And I've reconnected with how to find joy. All through action and reflection in relation to my word.

Heather | You learn to take time for yourself. That you are important and your journey is important. Even if you don't accomplish all the prompts. Even if you don't accomplish ANY of the prompts. You still learn about yourself and your journey and how your word relates to your world. OLW brings the word to mind so that you're thinking about it, you're thinking about you and your journey and we always need to take that time. We always seem to out ourselves last. OLW teaches us to spend some time on ourselves. I have grown through the process the last two years, even though I never seem to get past the March or April prompts. My word is always there, in front of me, and each year it evolves a little more.

Heather | I've learned to work on myself; improve myself. Have personal growth.

Sheri | I think you learn what you need from yourself. Whether it's from inside yourself or the world around you.

Natalie | Reflecction via different techniques, e.g., writing, art journalling, photography.

Bonnie | Living every day with a mantra (your word)... Refocusing you ideas and perspectives every month by working towards the goals you have set forth when you decided on your word. Expressing your mantra through words, reflection, photography, art, creativity. Making your word an active part of your life. This practice of choosing a word every year ( or letting the word choose you ) is empowering to me, fostering personal growth.

Dawn | At it's most basic, setting goals & intentions, monitoring them throughout the year, reflecting on the monthly, evaluating progress, making changes as needed, and year-end summary, all while linking everything to one specific word. But... oh so much more! Life-altering personal growth that is beyond measure.

Carol | This was my 4th year choosing a word and my first year taking this course. The course helped keep me focused on my goals, my intent, the purpose of my word in my life and made my word more successful than I'd ever experienced before. It's helped me reflect, journal, and go deep within to experience personal growth at a time when I really needed it.

Amanda | After taking the One Little Word class for three years, I have come to realize that learning alongside Ali and the rest of the community goes beyond documenting a word for the year. Instead, it links to something much bigger - to better understanding myself, my story, and my journey. It helps me look within and beyond myself, providing a means to continually reflect on where I am and where I want to go as I work toward goals in life and celebrate. Ali's monthly support has helped shape my perspective on life with an emphasis on - capturing what is real, celebrating what is real, thinking about implications, and recognizing that it is a work in progress. This class has complemented other aspects of my life and has been a perfect fit. I am so very grateful for the One Little Word journey. This is my 5th year of choosing a word, and I noticed a significant difference of the impact of my words once I started taking the class.

Laura | I have learned that life throws curves (our house blowing up) but having my word and your workshop and the Facebook family has kept me grounded through the worst experience of my life so far. I have learned introspection and patience and self forgiveness and that the focus I had on one little word can not only change a person but get them through some hard times. I am so glad you are doing the class again. My 2015 word is OPEN- open to change!

Wendy | This is my third year. OLW has been amazing. The monthly prompts provided the opportunity for self reflection and an outlet for creativity through some very difficult times. Ali your gentle persistent guidance to live the length and width of life has been so supportive and amazing. I recommend this project to every one I can.

Debra | How bring one specific word into your life can assist in focusing your intentions for the year and making those life changes. How to document goals, the importance of reflection and a variety of methods to document the process.

Diana | I learned to be kinder to myself and to be more empathetic to others...that we each have our own journey and to honor that. I also learned to breathe...which is really nice. I learned that I CAN accomplish things and make progress forward to the woman I want to be while still taking care of the woman I am. I also learned that it does not always go as planned and that it is ok. The last few months have been more challenging and nothing has gone as planned...nothing has felt right...I have felt completely off track and that is ok...I can breathe, focus on my word, and regroup. I love having a word of the year. My word is like my own personal lighthouse...it helps me find my way. This process is incredible Ali and I am so grateful to you for leading us on this journey... how open you are about your story is so inspiring and encouraging...thank you!! Looking forward to 2015!!

Thank you to those of you that shared your experiences with me. It meant a lot. 

Here's to 2015!

PS | A big thank you to Colleen Attara for making my word again for me this year. Check out her wonderful offerings here.