an end + a beginning + my word
In between working on projects, still battling this ear infection/cold, getting ready for tonight's festivities, drinking coffee, etc, I cleared off the boards above my computer. I do this every so often and today seemed like a pretty good day to invite something new. I am also changing things up by adding some clipboards on the other wall next to my desk for project organization (inspired by Lotta Jansdotter's studio tour).
A fresh start. A new beginning.
I took everything down, put the things worth keeping in an inspiration notebook, and am now ready for new images, new words, new things to motivate + inspire + help me grow in 2008.
For me, in 2008, I am looking forward to getting to the heart of the matter - whatever that is. Clearing away excesses. Focusing on the most important things and not worrying about the rest. Taking a deep breath and beginning one foot in front of the other.
My word for 2008: vitality.
Vitality is the state of being strong and active; energy. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. Creatively.
Here's to moving forward. To fullness of life. To you and yours.
If you have decided on a word for the year I would love to read what it is - feel free to share in the comments.
Also: Loved this post over at Photojojo on Photo Resolutions. And I think this is the year I will do a 365 project.
Ali- you are so inspirational. I think I'm taking on calm as my word for the year-I need to be more restful, reflective and patient, and I think calm embodies these elements, I look forward to what you have for "us" in 2008. Happy New Year.
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Thank you for all the inspiration - my word is "Focus." I've got so many things I want to focus on and really stay commited to so this word really covers a lot of basis for me.
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I really enjoy reading your blog. My word for this year is NOW. I think this is what should be important for me. I need to stop thinking of "when I have time, or when I...." and think about NOW! Because NOW never comes back!
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I have been having trouble deciding, but am sure that SIMPLIFY is my best choice for 2008. My resolution is to organize my life and cut-out things that make me stressed. If I can reduce my stress even a little maybe my blood pressure would lower and I could quit taking medication (I'm 31 and have had hypertension for two years)
Thanks for inspiring all of us!!!!!
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Happy New Year!
My word this year is LIVE. A couple weeks ago, I saw a car commercial with the tagline: "Live like you mean it" and it really stuck with me. That's my plan - to live like I mean it. To me that means taking better care of my health, enjoying more of the everyday instead of just trying to muddle through, and being more selective about how I choose to spend both time and money.
Also, good luck with the 365 project. (Or, 366 as it's a leap year!) I joined a 365+1 Flickr group and even though it's only been two days, I'm obsessed! :)
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My word for 2008 was so clear to me: CONTENT. Defined as "satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else." I struggle with this constantly, always wanting more, planning for the next big thing... and this year, I want to be content, to just BE.
Happy New Year ~
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As a fairly new scrapbooker, my problem is that I have so many ideas jumbling around in my brain that it's been difficult to finish anything! So, my word for 2008 is FOCUS - focus on what I'm currently doing and not thinking about the next project until I'm finished with the current one! Will let you know how I do. Thanks, Ally, for your inspiration and your caring for others. I wish you and your famil a VERY happy new year!
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My word for 2008 was so clear to me: CONTENT. Defined as "satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else." I struggle with this constantly, always wanting more, planning for the next big thing... and this year, I want to be content, to just BE.
Happy New Year ~
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SIMPLIFY
There are so many things in my life that I need to simplify which I think in turn will cause other things to be better.
So I will be organizing, reorganizing, try to look at things in a different way to simplify my life in all aspects.
Thanks for all your great inspiration in 2007 and looking forward to your inspiration in 2008.
Happy New Year.
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Last year my word was BREATHE - thinking about not being so in a hurry and just breathing ..then the word became more real as I had blood clots in both my lungs and found that simple act( breathing) to be almost impossible. But, by the grace of God, I made it.
So this year, my word is GRACE.
Happy New Year!
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my word is: PEACE
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My word for the year is HONESTY. I am a very honest person but I sometimes over commit to others. This year I need to be HONEST with myself about just how much I can accomplish in a reasonable amount of time. I go, go, go, like I'm in hyperdrive and I'm so overextended I don't have time to enjoy anything. So, this year, I will be HONEST in my committments, HONEST in my capacities, and HONEST in my abilities. Hopefully 2008 will be a less stressful year because of that. Thank you for the inspiration!
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GO -- I want this word to guide many of my actions -- I want to get out there - be active - I want to act more and think about it less. I want to work fitness into my life -- regularly. I know that focusing on losing weight will frustrate me - but focusing on fitness -- on GOING! -- I think I'll be able to feel better about myself if I focus on fitness and activity. GO! can be a part of my life in other ways too -- like going to events, the movies, getting out there. GO! do -- GO! create -- GO! walk -- GO! listen -- GO!
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GO -- I want this word to guide many of my actions -- I want to get out there - be active - I want to act more and think about it less. I want to work fitness into my life -- regularly. I know that focusing on losing weight will frustrate me - but focusing on fitness -- on GOING! -- I think I'll be able to feel better about myself if I focus on fitness and activity. GO! can be a part of my life in other ways too -- like going to events, the movies, getting out there. GO! do -- GO! create -- GO! walk -- GO! listen -- GO!
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MY word for 2008 is Enjoy. Enjoy what I'm doing at the moment & not think of everything else I need to do. Enjoy scrapbooking-just for the fun of it, not trying to make every page "perfect". Enjoy cooking because I want to, not because I have to. Basically, just enjoy the everyday things of my life.
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ABSORB. To drink it all in at root level.
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I thought really hard about my word for this year. Last year, I didn't have a word and I had a really rough year. I battle depression which caused me to watch as my life went by, I was disconeected and not actually living. I was separated from my husband for several months. This year, I am ready to EMBRACE life! I will embrace my marriage, my family, my creativity, my life and my happiness (among many other vital things)!
My word for this year is EMBRACE!
Thanks Ali for being an inspiration everyday!
Stephanie
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Last year, my word was GRATITUDE. I feel so very grateful for my life, my husband and children, my family and friends, my health. This year my word is CHERISH. Cherish each and every moment I have on this earth no matter how small or insignificant the moment may seem. Cherish my family, my home, my students at school...cherish those everyday moments. Here's to 2008! I wish you and your family all the best Ali!
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Last year's word was inspire and I made a journal of things that inspire me. It made an impact on me all year. I reflected on that word and those who 'inspired me' off and on all year. Thanks for the 'kick in the pants' to do that, Ali! This year, my word will be simplify. I NEED to do that in all areas of my life and hopefully the result will be less stress and more enjoyment of the simple things in life. Happy New Year to one and all!
Sue
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My word is FINESSE. It is defined as Refinement and delicacy of performance, execution, or artisanship.
Skillful, subtle handling of a situation; tactful, diplomatic maneuvering
Why I need to work on FINESSE, is I am good at doing lots of things and have been better at balancing different aspects of life, but there is always a last minute thing I am running to do or just that final touch that I cannot make go smoothly. So by refining what I do, working to make it better and make the process better is my goal. All that in turn helps with my organization and sanity.
Happy New Year!
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I've been thinking about my word for a few days. I had a few that I was considering but they all seemed to lead back to another word: accomplish. So I'm going with that for 2008.
Thanks for all your inspiration~
SusanB.
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I have been doing quite a bit of thinking regarding resolutions and changes for the new year. And after much metal tossing around, I decided on BALANCE. A simple word, but one we all strive to acheive, but not so easy to accomplish. And it seems that my imaginary teeter-totter has been out of whack for the second half of 07. I must get back in balance in 08 so I don't go crazy as I try to fulfil all my committments and try to go back to school part-time. So BALANCE in '08 will be critical for me and will be my mantra.
Jennifer :)
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Hi Ali! I came across your journal from Jen Dera and I must say I love it! You do great work and have a wonderful family. I saw that your son has Autism. I work with children who have it and they are all certainly little blessing and the most amazing children. But, I thought I would share this link with you, it's from the band Five for Fighting and I read somewhere for every view they get, they will give .40 cents. I'm not too sure about that information and if it still applies, but it's a great video and I hope you will check it out!
-Sarah
Here's the website:
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214
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my word for this year will be PRIORITIZE
http://dandelionsarepretty.blogspot.com/2008/01/one-little-word.html
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Happy New Year Ali! I have really enjoyed reading your blog and being inspired by you. You are such an amazing woman, mother, wife, artist, human being. Last year I didn't have a word. I couldn't seem to pick one. I have battled depression most of my life and last year I couldn't gather the strength to fight anymore. Last year was the worst year of my life. Your word Vitality is a great word. I wish you a year of health and vitality. Today I have made myself narrow it down to strength. I need to do whatever it takes to grow strong and overcome my physical health issues and depression. Thank you for being a life line to me and so many others.
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