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.

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481 thoughts

  1. Angi Smith says…
    12/31/2007

    Reflect. Something I don't do nearly enough and something I would like to record. So I intend upon reflect upon the things to happen to me, that I make happen, that inevitably will happen.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Amy Hummel says…
    12/31/2007

    I love starting new. It gives you such a fresh perspective on life, and what's important to you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. natalie says…
    12/31/2007

    My word for this new year is LESS.
    LESS clutter; LESS stuff; LESS time wasters; LESS focus on what isn't important; buying LESS...
    Doing LESS so I can BE MORE.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Kathy (kathyb) says…
    12/31/2007

    Hi Ali,
    I see you are looking for a 365 day challenge. Just wondering if this may interest you...
    http://scrappingangelsuk.typepad.com/365_days/
    I'm still having ear / cold trouble too, but finally today 10 days later feel I may be turning the corner and becoming human again.
    I love your word for 2008...still ponderin mine, though must get a move on!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Kirstie MacGowan says…
    12/31/2007

    My word(s) are "Slow Down" - in my actions, my thoughts, just my life. Think more, enjoy more, live life.
    Happy New Year Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. giosmama26 says…
    12/31/2007

    Great word you chose Ali. I have been going back and forth with my word the past few days now. I have so many so I need to narrow it down to just one. One that I will make sure to hold dear and stick with. Once I have found my choice, I'll let you know. One thing is certain though, I can't WAIT to go through the New Year with a great person like you. Can't wait to see how your word is working for you throughout 2008 and see your 365. I did make a promise to myself to do the 365 also. So fun and exciting.
    Have a Happy one!!

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  7. Jessica K. says…
    12/31/2007

    My word is STILLNESS. I have a quote in my blog banner that is going to be my sort of mantra for this year.
    Happy New Year!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Leauriy says…
    12/31/2007

    i've been cleaning all weekend for a party tomorrow on the first. i want to begin the new year with a clean start. And sitting here, in our office/craft room, reading your blog in my "clean" - should've seen it a few days ago- room. i can really see that i have a lot of STUFF! But i'm always wanting more and having what others have. You know if only had That i could really make something neat. Whatever. So as much as i don't want to have to take a look at this for myself, i think that my word for the year will be- ABUNDANCE: plentifulness of the good things of life. It's time i take at look at all that i DO have and give thanks.
    Abundance + Gratitude.
    Thanks for the inspiration, Ali
    Leauriy

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  9. Christi says…
    12/31/2007

    My word for 2008 is "GENUINE". Like you, I'm wanting to get to the heart of the matter this year - in all areas of my life. I want to be 'me'. It's taken a long time for me to be comfortable in my own skin, and to realize that who I am is okay.
    You are a tremendous inspiration to me!
    Happy New Year!

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  10. jen paddack-hyde says…
    12/31/2007

    I'm ready for some changes in my life so this year my word is CHANGE.

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  11. donna jean says…
    12/31/2007

    hi ali--
    i love this idea- my word for this year is SAVOR..
    i want to savor more things i do in life especiallty with my 3 kids- i am rushing too much- missing what is truly important..
    thanks for giving me this inspiration for my scrapbooking and mainly for my life...

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. AliB says…
    12/31/2007

    Hi Ali - love this and love the 365 project - I just received a very nice new camera for Christmas - what a great way to break it in and learn all the features.
    So here is my word AM - as in I AM...
    I AM Strong
    I AM Independent
    I AM Worth IT
    I AM...
    thanks for the inspiration!
    Here is to a fantastic 2008!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Olga says…
    12/31/2007

    Ali, you amaze me. And I thought you already had all the energy in the world. Look out 2008!
    I have choosen "EMBRACE" for my word in 2008. I need to stop and enjoy all I already have. Starting from grandchildren, Children, health, a stable job, a cozy home and last but not least, a room full of supplies. :-)
    Looking forward to seeing you again in Chicago and wishing you a Happy New Year and may this year bring you lots of Joy, Happiness, Vitality and above all Health!
    xoxo Olga, Miami, Florida

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Heather says…
    12/31/2007

    My word is ENOUGH.
    I have enough.
    I did enough.
    I said enough.
    I am enough.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Daniea says…
    12/31/2007

    Almost instantly after reading your post my word came to mind.....I am new to the concept but I think it is amazing. My word is CHALLENGE. I need to challenge myself everywhere in my life. I tend to shrink to the background when I am uncomfortable or unsure and I need to challenge myself to be seen and heard and to trust in my own power as a person/woman. I need to let go of the fear that rules my daily life not only at home but at work and just go for it! So here goes.....

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Liz S. says…
    12/31/2007

    My word is PATIENCE.
    And, thanks for your wonderful days of Christmas. I really enjoyed it. I found your blog at the beginning of the month, I can't even remember how it happened now. Anyway, it's a joy to look at your creativity. Thank you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Shannon says…
    12/31/2007

    Mine is KISS - but it's an acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Sandi says…
    12/31/2007

    I need to think about what my word will be.
    Thanks for the links to the 365 project.
    It sounds good. I also like the blessings idea and the self portrait.
    Happy New Year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. ELLIE says…
    12/31/2007

    I am have been thinking about ONE WORD since you mentioned it recently - I think the one that covers it all for me right now is PEACE!!
    Peace with myself - believing in myself and being at Peace about it
    Peace with my surroundings...not worrying so much for getting wound up about things that I cannot control or fix
    Peace with what I create - being happy with it - moving forward with it...
    Yes I think PEACE is it!!!
    I also think that project of 365 days of photos is something that I definitely want to try....one of my goals for 2008 was to take more pictures and this is definitely a way to help me on that road...
    Thanks for inspiring so much!!!
    Peace--Ellie

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  20. Robin says…
    12/31/2007

    I have been thinking about my word since I read your post on Dec. 27th. I feel like I need my word to be a verb(action oriented). I have chosen... LAUGH. After a 2 year struggle in our home that has affected us medically, financially, and emotionally, I feel as though I can once again laugh. I never want to take that for granted again. I want to look for the joy in each day, to find something that is happy, and to laugh a lot!!

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  21. Robyn says…
    12/31/2007

    Thanks Ali. I wrote about mine here
    http://3peasinbrooklyn.blogspot.com/

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  22. Linda says…
    12/31/2007

    My word for the year is "peace". With all I have going on in my personal life, not to mention work, peace of mind, spirit and soul is critical. I have printed the word in big letters and it's posted above my screen.

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  23. Lisa Pate says…
    12/31/2007

    Hmmmm........ been thinking on this onbe for a while :)
    My word for this year is PURE
    Pure of heart, pure of mind, pure of spirit
    Pure Fun :)
    Pure Laughter
    Pure energy
    Pure Creativeness
    A life lived with pure motives and pure love.

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  24. Holly Tibbles says…
    12/31/2007

    My word is "Sustain". I have spent a lifetime starting things and never really finishing. This year it's all about learning how to sustain. Joy, balance, effort, faith...whatever.
    Happy New year to you ALi,
    Holly

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. april nowotny says…
    12/31/2007

    my word? Achieve...
    achieve my goals, achieve happiness, achieve personal successes....achieve being a mom for the first time, Achieve balance in work, home, and church

    Reply 0 Replies

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