One Little Word 2009 & Giveaways
I am so excited to embark on a new word for 2009.
My word is nurture.
For me, especially with a new baby on the way within the next month or so, I have been thinking a lot about nurturing. It's such a soft, slow, gentle word.
There are many things in my life I would like to focus on nurturing this coming year. Our new baby girl. Simon and the transition to big brotherhood. My relationship with Chris. Photography. Patience. My business & this blog.
I am also going to be conscious of nurturing myself during this time of major transition in our lives.
There is something very special about this word for me. It represents slowing down, simplifying, and pinpointing what is really important to me in my life (not just the next 365 days). I am nervous and excited and so looking forward to what is to come.
The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year. As I stated in my newsletter back in January 2007, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."
Also from that same newsletter:
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want
for yourself in 2009?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a
thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or
plural. The key is to find something that has personal
meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your
spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR
word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow
yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing
that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into
your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now.
Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often
found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways.
Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready
for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
I can't wait to see all the words for 2009.
To celebrate the new year I have three very special giveaways - all directly related to this project. Two beautiful pieces of jewelry and one piece of art to celebrate your word.
Lisa Leonard Designs
Giveaway: One custom Word of the Year Necklace
Special for AE readers: 20% off Word of the Year necklaces with the code "myword" at checkout
Meet Lisa | Shop Lisa
Liz Lamoreux Soul Mantra Pendants
Giveaway : One custom Soul Mantra Pendant any size or design
Special for AE readers : 20% off Soul Mantra necklaces throughout January. Enter code "one word 2009" in the notes to seller and the discount will be refunded to you through Paypal.
Meet Liz | Shop Liz
Stephanie from Homegrown Hospitality
Giveaway: One 4x6 black or white frame with hand drawn doodle in color pallet of your choice. The doodle can include "The Word" or "A Name" and a favorite quote, verse or scripture.
Special for AE readers: Stephanie is donating $5 from the sale of each doodle to Autism Speaks.
Meet & Shop Stephanie
To be entered into the drawing today please leave a comment with your word for 2009. It's totally fine if you are still thinking about it - if that's the case just leave a comment with some of your intentions for this new year. Comments will be closed on Thursday, January 1st at noon Pacific with the winners posted shortly after.
A safe and Happy New Year to each and every one of you.
SIMPLIFY
All the other words sound great... but I'm working on streamlining my life so I can do all the other things better... with a baby coming in March, the pressure is on to get rid of what doesn't work and replace it with what does... including clutter, habits, and activities. We're doing the same with our schooling, too. Back to basics. Focusing on priorities. Putting the big things first.
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My word for 2009 will be BALANCE. I want to work better on balancing work, family, friends, hobbies, etc. Thanks for the inspiration.
I wish you the best in 2009!
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I love this concept, my word last year was simplify and although I lost my way a couple of times, I was able to keep focused on this! My word for this year is going to be believe. I BELIEVE that things will be better in 2009, I BELIEVE that everything happens for a reason and will bring about the good!!!
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I am still going back and forth about a new word for 2009. I'll probably make a decision today. I recently read a book by Debbie Macomber called Twenty Wishes and decided that it sounded like a great idea. 20 wishes for things I'd like to do or start in 2009. So I have been focusing on that and would like my word for the year to relate to it as well. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Nuturing New Year!
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I've been thinking that my word for 2009 will be CREATE. I feel like I'm finally at the point in my life (and my kids' lives) that I can take my creating to a new level - learning new crafts (embroidering for one), scrapbooking MORE (maybe even teaching a class at my LSS?), opening an etsy shop?, giving MORE homemade gifts than ever before, and the list goes on!
PS I LOVE your word and it seems PERFECT for the wonderful adventure you and your family are embarking on in this new year!
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"No new, make do" has been circling my brain for about a month now. I've been stuck home with sick kids in the house since the days before Christmas, so I have had LOTS of time to think about it. I guess Not A Word per se, I know but it speaks to where I am at trying to cut down on all the stuff in the house and clogging my brain.
Peace
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ENJOY
family, friends, job, my new home & the time given to us
Keeping it simple with times like these, now is the time to just enjoy everything given to us.
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Ali, I was so surprised to come and find that you have chosen Nurture as your word.. as that is what I have chosen also! I have been doing soul searching over the past two weeks. I feel short with my word last year, which was Pause, and really feel like I need to take care of me so that I can do a better job of taking care of others, hence my word. Thanks for this.. I am going to really put my word first this year.
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Hi Ali,
My word is ACCEPTANCE. The last year has been a difficult one for me and I am just now starting to really accept and embrace the changes in my life. It's something I need to keep working on. I don't want to be sad anymore.
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The last time I chose a word it was RELAX, and boy did I need it then?
This time around it's "SIMPLIFY" and I'm hoping to apply it to all aspects of my life (starting with tackling some serious clutter).
I wish you and your family a New Year filled with many blessings.
Liz
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Hi Ali,
This is my first year choosing a "word", and I think my word will be "balance". I'm in grad school, and will be looking for ways to balance my roles as student, wife, daughter, friend, nurse, athlete, scrabooker, etc! Thanks for the chance to win, and thanks for the great inspiration. Here's to a happy, healthy, 2009!
Lori
SLC, UT
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Mine has to be ORGANISE. not just the obvious things - organising photos, scrapbooks etc . . . but also organising my time so that I can fit in something other than working, eating and sleeping. hopefully organisation will help me get back to the stuff I enjoy :)
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My word is HEALTHY. It can bring many ideas to the front but, for me it translate into the following.
Healthy body
Healthy thoughts (no negativity)
Healthy foods
Healthy exercises
Healthy choices
Healthy lifestyle
I have spent the last year working with a mental health therapist to free myself from a lifetime of doubt. Now it is time to free myself from the the unhealthy habits I have developed. The ones that weight my body and my mind down. I love this idea of one word reflecting all that I want for myself in 2009.
Happy New year!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think my word needs to be BALANCE this year. Last year was for focusing on me and my personal health - as a Mom I always focus on my family first, but I needed to take care of me - and that was difficult but uplifting. This year, I need to find the BALANCE between what is best for me, and what my family needs. Between all the volunteer work I do and time for myself. It will be a challenge, but just the thought of it brings a sense of peace.
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Thanks for encouraging me to think about this. I need to learn PATIENCE. I need to slow down and accept the natural pace of life and of others. Show respect for things in their own time.
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Hi Ali, Thank U for having this great inspiration for myself and everyone. i have thought about the one word and came up with a few, such as Forgive, Communication, Relationship, Cherish, Focus, Future and Forward. A peek into my life - i have 4 beautiful children who have not seen either families on both sides because neither one of us were accepted in to each other's. Therefore, the word i'm thinking of at this very moment is RELATIONSHIP. i wish i could choose them all, but have to say i would like to nuture the relationship i have now with my children and husband. I hope for the best.
Happy New Year 2 U 2.
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My word for this year new year will be seasons....There are so many seasons of life and I am about ready to face a new seasons of my life this next year with lots of changes. They may be a little hard but I know I can do it if I enjoy the season that is to come....
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Still mulling over the possibilities. Happy New Year!
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my word will be "grow"
I hope my love to my family will grow more and more..
I hope my creativity will grow...
I hope my thoughts will grow to embrace those who need my help and my friendship.
have a good last year for 2008
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The first word that came to me was FOCUS, and it seems I'm not alone. This year I want to stop be so distracted by things and focus on what's important in my life, my family, creating and my physical health.
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Hi Ali. I was thinking of patience, but then read a couple entries where the word is pause. I like it better. I'm pregnant with my fourth baby and I think I'm going to need to pause a lot and focus on all my kids - take the time to really enjoy each one!
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I haven't had time to mull over this until I read your post and everyone else's comments. I am considering: change, focus, commit, intention, time, order, simplify, prioritize, unload, moment. Thanks for the giveaways and have a Happy New Year!
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I don't know my word yet. I keep thinking something along the lines of "strive" but I don't know that strive is the best word. I want to strive to be a better mother, strive to be a better wife, a better homemaker, and more. Little by little, step by step.
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Patience.
With my children, with my husband, with others.
And with myself.
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I just wanted to thank you for sharing this idea with all of us. My word for 2008 (LEARN) really has made a big impact for me. I FEEL different at the end of this year than I did at the end of the last one. This year's word feels Huge to me, in a good way. My word this year is FAITH, and I'm really looking forward to the changes it will lead to. It's been percolating in my head for a couple of weeks now, and for the first time, I'm excited for the new year.
Thanks again, Ali.
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