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.
I think that nurture is a great word for you Ali:) I have been thinking about a few words and have narrowed it down to a couple. Goal is one because I have many things that I want to get accomplished this year. The other one is accept because there are things that I have to accept like moving 800 miles from the state that I grew up in. I haven't quite decided on which one.
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Wonderful giveaway! My word for 2009 is Believe.
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My word is simplify - know that I need to slow down more and just keep life much simpler.
Happy New Year
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My word is "persevere". It reminds me that no matter what, you should keep moving towards your goals...throughout life's up and downs.
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The word I've been thinking about was PEACE and I keep coming back to that word but I'm not sure if that's it. I really want to focus on being in the moment as well as not putting things off. I'm a great procrastinator so I really want to change that. The reason I think of PEACE is because if I focus on gettign things done and being in the here and now, then I will feel peace, but I'm not sure if that's the right word. Is there an opposite word of procrastination? If so, that's my word!
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I've had a tradition the last couple of years to sit by the Christmas tree on New Year's Eve and reflect on the year that's past and write a letter for my son. It's then that I pick my focus for the year. This year, though, I think that {create} will be my word. I'd like to spend more time creating the relationships I want, the home and work life I want, and the art I want.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Julie
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Time is my word... Instead of saying when I have time, I will make time for family, friends, being creative.
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For 2009 my word is STRENGTH - Strength to stick to my goals and stay on track.
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My word of 2009 is going to be LIVE. I want to try and be better about "living in the moment", being aware and appreciating each day with my family. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. I will LIVE each day as best as I can.
I got to meet you the other day. What an honor! Blessings to you and your growing family!
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Hi Ali,
This is my first time to do this and I actually found my word for 2009 by reading the comments before me, but EMBRACE really fits.
I just turned 30 in December, my husband will be finishing school in June and we'll be moving somewhere and we're trying to decide if we want to have children in the next year or two. Some of these changes I'm ready for, some I am not, but I think EMBRACE is the attitude I want to have with everything that God puts before me.
Happy, happy New Year!
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I took your challenge last year and it was amazing how that one little word changed my perspective and my year. My word last year was Miracle. I always wait until my birthday to do all this type of resolution thing, which is next week. I'm definitely leaning toward Momentum this year. It keeps sticking in my mind, but will see if something else comes to me. I must have a thing for M words. Thank you for this beautiful offering and mostly for the inspiration.
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I'm considering two words this year. An action word and a contemplative words. For sure my action word will be PRINT. To print and keep up with my digital workflow. I hate being at the end of the year with none done and family calendars to create! I'm still working on my other word. The past two years I've used MOMENT. I might just use it again! Since I certainly haven't mastered it!
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been thinking long and hard about this....I am still trying to acheive "Peace" which was my word two years ago...I think somethings you just need to continue to work on....so....
for this year I am going with " Present". As in be "Present in the moment", Live in the moment, and enjoy each moment.
peace
Kim
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Happy New Year!
I have decided that this year my word is STRENGTH. I need the strength to take care of my children while their dad is at war. I need the strength to help me finish my studies. I need the strength to not forget to take care of myself despite feeling all alone. I need the strength to get through all those days I know will come when I feel like doing absolutely nothing.
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Hi, I just found your blog yesterday afternoon through the CRAFT blog and love it!
I haven't really thought out a word for the year, what a great idea though, must start thinking...
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I think my word for 2009 is going to be RENEW. I'm about to start on a new path in life and want to renew my energy, my relationships that I've been neglecting, my creativity, my joy, so many things. In trying to think of a word to encompass all that, I keep coming back to renew, so I think that's it. I love your word - perfect for the changes you will be making in 2009!
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I haven't completely settled on a word as of yet. I am liking "believe" & "know" which relates to growing in the knowledge of who I am, and who I was created to be.
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SEEK...the person I want to be...healthy, energetic, creative, happy. "To go in search of myself". To commit to that search.
This is so motivating and empowering, I love you Ali!
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my word is pause...i want to pause and just "be." just live in the moment for what it is.
rosa
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I think my word for 2009 needs to be "focus". I have so many things swirling in my head- things that need to be done, things I want to do, ideas to create, stuff to organize, a teaching job to do.... because I don't focus, nothing gets done. I need to remember to slow down to the task at hand, so I can get it done and on to the next.
Happy New Year to all of you!
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I am thinking on the concept of "gathering near" ...in my mind it's like me wrapping my arms around my family both immediate and extended. Concentrating on supporting the harmony in our home and within myself. I'm sure THE word will come but this is the concept I feel most important to work towards as we begin 2009. Thanks!
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I still haven't finalized this yet, but possibly my word will be "grateful". Instead of focusing on all the bad and downward trending things in the world and in my life, I will focus on what I have to be grateful for and try to instill this perspective in my children and grandchildren as well.
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I have been thinking long and hard about my word....I am still trying to acheive "Peace" which was my word two years ago. I think somethings you will always have to work for.
so...
This year my word will be "Present" as in "Be in the Present", "Live in the Present", "Live in the moment", and "Enjoy the moment"
Happy 2009
peace
Kim
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I am sorry...I posted twice. My first post did not appear right away so I thougt it was not there...so I retyped it...so sorry.
peace
Kim....and here I am posting again...LOL
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My word for 2009 is *let go*. It's actually two words, but it has so much meaning to me that I want to just go with it. *Let go* speaks volumes to me.
Enjoy this special time before your baby girls arrives. Wishing you many blessings in 2009!
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