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. Jill says…
    12/31/2008

    I am definitely still mulling over which specific word I will choose. I think it's between JOY and PLAY. I tend to be very practical and goal-oriented which often means a lack of spontanaeity and playfulness; that is where play comes in. But those qualities also mean that I'm so caught up in the reality of situations that I forget to focus on the joy of them until later; after they've been processed internally. I want to find a balance so that I can feel the joy and be more playful but still be true to my God-given nature.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Michelle B says…
    12/31/2008

    FOCUS
    Focus on what matters, focus on the task at hand, focus on the people I love.
    Have a Happy New Year Ali!

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

    my word is EMBRACE
    I plan on embracing a lot of areas in my life this next year =)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Betsy

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

    I haven't quite centered in on one particular word yet, but I know it will emphasize the need for me to take better care of myself. I appreciate that you've made me take the time to think about this and to think about how I should have a focus for the coming year.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Laurie says…
    12/31/2008

    My word is "Hope"...Hope that 2009 is better than 2008 =).

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

    My word is going to be LIVE. Seems simple enough but I tend to shut myself in, am high strung, and generally miss out on some of things that I would like to experience. So this year I vow to live, and not just exist.

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

    WELCOME - to receive or accept with pleasure; regard as pleasant or good: to welcome a change.
    I want to appreciate and "welcome" all changes in my life - good or bad. New President, tighter budget, changing personalities in my little rascals, hubby's graduation from MBA program - everything : )
    Thanks Ali!

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

    My word for 2009 is renaissance. In the process of *rebirthing* some areas of my life, I am also including *downsize* as a secondary word.
    Wish a blessed 2009 for all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Cindy McAllister says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for the 2009 year is "I'm Okay." I heard this being said on several movies I wtched over the holidays and it just stuck in my head. I am surprised at how many times I find myself saying "I'm Okay." I think for me it means that I should not bother with the everyday trivial stresses that I seem to get worked up about and I instead should focus my energy on the fact that "I'm Okay" things are not so bad. I am going to be saying this alot in the next year.
    Cindy (Texas)

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Sandi K says…
    12/31/2008

    My word is DARE.
    1. To have courage for; to attempt courageously; to venture to do or to undertake.
    I was a bit scared of this bold word and that convinced me that it was exactly what I need.

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

    My word this year is ORDER.
    With all the economic chaos around us and all the clutter and "stuff" of life swirling around us, I want my life to be simple, grateful, and joyful....to make that happen I have to get things in order first.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Katie Scott says…
    12/31/2008

    I really like your nuture word. I may just use that :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Carol E. says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for this year is "trust." Rather than fighting for my own control of situations I want to sit back and trust more in God and those around me. I think this will encourage more relationships with others, because trusting in others requires interaction. Controlling things myself is insular. I look forward to "trust" leading me deeper in relationships in 2009.

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

    My word for 2009 is...BELIEVE
    -I will strive to BELIEVE in myself when I think something is impossible.
    -I will BELIEVE in my husband & children and encourage them when they are frustrated.
    -I BELIEVE in my religion and try harder to live it.

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

    I think my word for 2009 will be LOVE...not very creative, but I think that's what we need around here. Just love, no more anger.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Karen M. says…
    12/31/2008

    my word for 2009 is health. health of my body, mind and finances. this is the year i will be in control of all three of those!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Kim Edge says…
    12/31/2008

    I love this project! My word for the year is Patience. I really have a problem in this area, with all aspects of my life. Literally from the TV remote to the hubby and kiddos. I plan to focus on having more patience with everything. Maybe placing some reminders in the car and around the house as a gentle nudge to practice Patience and thereby showing grace and love to my family.

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

    my word for the year is growth.
    i spent last night blogging about what i had done on 2008 and I was actually quite impressed with my accomplishments, and once i got them written down all together, it became quite clear to me that my momentum was picking up and 2009 would be a big year for personal growth for me!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. René says…
    12/31/2008

    Hi Ali,
    My word for 2009 is "Accomplish". As a scientist it is all about publishing new, exciting research. I have several projects that have been sitting on the back burner and it is my intention to finish the writing on those and get them published.
    Other goals to accomplish include adopting a healthier lifestyle, attending two major scrapbook events, and ziplining across glaciers on my summer cruise to Alaska.

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

    My word is the same as yours, nurture. I need to take time to nurture my family as well as myself this year. Thanks!

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

    I think my word for this year is going to be Faith. I need to learn to have more faith in myself, that I can actually do the things I want to accomplish. Last year my word was change...and I am pleasantly suprised with what I did change and stuck to it!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Linda Ford says…
    12/31/2008

    T R U S T is my word. I will continue to trust God that my family and I will make it through good times and bad. And I'll trust that He leads me where I need to be in all aspects of life.
    Thanks so much, Ali, and Happy New Year!

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

    I'm not 100% sure yet, but I think my word might be something like acceptance. Strange maybe, but after a crazy topsy-turvy year last year I need a word that centres and grounds me.
    Valerie
    Ottawa, ON

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Elle Fitzpatrick says…
    12/31/2008

    My word for 2009 is simple but completely needed.
    Focus.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. R Lander says…
    12/31/2008

    "Believe"
    Easily the best word to help me get through 2009. We have lots of changes coming and I need to believe.
    :)

    Reply 0 Replies

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