One Little Word 2009 & Giveaways

Nurture


I am so excited to embark on a new word for 2009.


My word is nurture.


Nurturedefinition


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.


Dottedline


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.


Dottedline


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.


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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


Word_necklaces_without_dark_corners


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


Serve_others


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.

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1940 thoughts

  1. Cathy C. says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is 'thankful'. I am so thankful for the many blessings that God has given me. For my family, for my health and for the peace that only He can give.
    Happy New Year to you and your family, Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. lah says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is LOVE. As the Bible says the greatest commandment is "Love others as yourself" If we all showed more love the world would be a better place.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Sue says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali,
    My word for this year is: Simplify
    Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2009... I just love blogs... peaking into other people's lives... its so inspiring.. and none more than yours... so enjoy, relax and nuture yourself in 2009
    Peace.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. DanelleB says…
    12/31/2008

    TIME is my word for 2009. I need to make more time for myself, not procrastinate, take the time to do what I want to do, not watch the clock, enjoy the time I am having with my crazy kids. Thanks!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Lisa Anderson says…
    12/31/2008

    SEEK - my word for the new year. I am looking for a better me, more healty, physically and spiritually, in 2009.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Julie says…
    12/31/2008

    Focus.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. asnipofgoodness says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is intentional. I want to be more intentional in the way I live, as opposed to the natural tendancy to just drift, and let life happen. The hours, and days, and months, have turned into a year in a flash, and I want 2009 to be full of purpose in spite of the way it will quickly turn into 2010. I can not always control my circumstances, or the pain and joy that make up my life, but I can control how I live, and work, and grow, through those circumstances, if I choose my paths intentionally.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. karen says…
    12/31/2008

    This year I picked two words that, for me, go together. "Peace" and "Bloom." I have a little one on the way, too and I want this to be the year I embrace peace and let go of the past completely and bloom into the person i am. I want it to be not about others and not about comparing myself in any way just about blooming into myself.
    I've already got one necklace from Lisa: http://www.karenika.com/individual/a_little_early.html
    but I love LOVE her art and would be delighted to win another, I can never have enough of her beauty in my life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Karin Canazzi says…
    12/31/2008

    BELIEVE
    Believe in myself
    Believe in the impossible happening
    Believe that others care
    thanks for the inspiration,
    karin
    Vancouver, WA

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Linda says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 will be FAITH. Thanks for your blog, I read it FAITHfully. My mother's name was FAITH. She had Alzheimer's Diease, it was terrible to tell her that my sister, her daughter had cancer and didn't have long to live and she didn't realize it. So sad....

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Shayne says…
    12/31/2008

    EMBRACE.
    Thank you for your daily inspiration.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. camport says…
    12/31/2008

    I think I'm going to re-use my word from two years ago. It still applies, maybe this year even more so than then.
    New baby, new career, moving for the billionth time in 3 years..."GO" it is! Again.
    :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Chookooloonks says…
    12/31/2008

    My word, which came to me on a very special trip to Oregon a few months ago, is "TRUE." It's strong enough that it continues to work for 2009.
    Happy New Year, friend!
    K.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Meg says…
    12/31/2008

    Hey Ali! Love your word, I can already see you living it. I chose my word for next year several months ago.
    "Tenderness" Ten"der*ness\, n. The quality or state of being tender (in any sense of the adjective).
    Syn: Benignity; humanity; sensibility; benevolence; kindness; pity; clemency; mildness; mercy.
    My family will be tender this year and I need to remember to share tenderness with my children.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Christina says…
    12/31/2008

    that is the perfect fit for you, Ali. Great word choice.
    Well, double thanks to you on inspiring me to choose a word and by showing me that great poster that says "keep calm and carry on". I just purchased mine a few days ago on etsy when I knew that my 2009 word was going to be calm. It's something I really need to work on and as a mom to 4 growing, energetic and crazy boys, I think a little calm is a great thing for their mom to possess!
    Happy New Year & God Bless!
    ps. Praying for Little Miss Edwards! We can't wait to meet your new addition!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Diane says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is GROW. A couple of months ago with thoughts of all the things I want to do and try the word grow popped into my mind. I am looking forward to growing in many areas of my life and excited about the possibilities that it may bring.
    Best wishes for the new year!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Tracey says…
    12/31/2008

    Happy New Year, Ali!
    My word for 2009 will be SIMPLIFY. I had chosen a completely different word, but last night simplify came to me and everything made perfect sense. I need to simplify things in my life and make sure things don't get complicated. When things are complicated, I get overwhelmed. I think simplify is exactly what I need right now.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Brenis says…
    12/31/2008

    This is a wonderful challenge! Thank you Ali!
    My word is CHOICE.
    In every action and thought we have a choice. Positive or negative? Stand strong or bend?
    I choose to put God first every day this year. I choose to be positive in every action, reaction and what comes out of my mouth. And with teenagers, I am choosing not to strangle them. lol
    I want to remind myself that there is ALWAYS a choice - and am i making the best one?!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. kim whitten says…
    12/31/2008

    I'm tossing a few words around, but I'm leaning toward: JOY! Joy in my life as relating to my faith in God my family and friends and my job and creative time.
    Thanks for all your inspo in 2008!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Joyce says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali! My word for 2009 is "HEALTHY" -
    Healthy Mind
    Healthy Body
    Healthy Soul

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. deezee says…
    12/31/2008

    don't have my word for 2009 yet, but now I will think.
    in the past, I wore jewelry that read 'balance' and 'harmony.' I think they served as good reminders.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. marianne says…
    12/31/2008

    My word is going to be humility! Challenging to say the least! I love watching your little man, Simon as he blossoms and grows! It has been a joy to celebrate that blessing along with you guys! Happy New Year

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Monica says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is BLESSED. I am so fortunate to be married to a man who knows my heart, loves my mind, and shares my dreams. He 'gets me'...and that is a blessing beyond what I dreamed for my life. I want to imbue that word with all the emotion I feel when I say it -- to let it not just be an adjective that is tired and overused -- but to fully express how blessed I feel and how deeply grateful as well.
    Thanks for gifting us so generously; you are an inspiration!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Kristyn says…
    12/31/2008

    Accomplish
    As in follow-through with ideas and complete my tasks in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible---from task at work, to projects with my family and around the house, and of course, documenting the everyday wonders that we will be experiencing in our son's 2nd year-start to finish.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. tracy g says…
    12/31/2008

    I think my word will be embrace because I want to try to embrace positive things that come my way even if they make me a little nervous or doubtful.

    Reply 0 Replies

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