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'm so excited for this year's word. This past year, I picked "strength" and I definitely embraced it in so many ways.
Now with new children and a renewed sense of life, I have chosen "connect." I'm ready to reconnect with people I've missed and ready to make new connections on many different levels!
LOVE your word choice too!!!
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Morning Ali!
Gosh, one word, it's seems that it would be so easy just to pick one, but one that sums up so much....I'll still think on it today, today the eve of a new year...
It's you who inspires me - thank you Ali!
Melle in FL
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Still thinking... Going towards something like "finishing things", I have a bad habit of planning and planning and never really doing. But I haven't yet found a beautiful word with the exact meaning I want. Typical, ha? ;-)
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Ive been thinking about this for sometime and my 2009 word is release - release the inhibitions release the creativity release the inner passion. Release - cant wait to get into 2009. Tamar
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There are so many possibilities for the new year and I have given much thought to what my word, and my focus, for 2009 would be. The one thing I keep coming back to is how desperately I need to ORGANIZE all the areas of my life...work, home, scrapbooking (I'm teaching 2 classes a month and need to be sure samples, etc. are ready on time), even my car! Life will be calmer and I will be much less stressed once I'm organized!
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My word for 2009 is "endure" - I have an 11 month old and am returning to Grad School full time as well as I have a Graduate Assistantship which requires I work 20 hrs/wk there. I will have to 'endure' this new schedule in order to reach my goal of obtaining my Masters degree.
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Ali, a few quick thoughts: One, love the photo of your home decore. Tulips are the first flower that would pop up in the spring where I'm from in Michigan. They've always been a favorite flower as they have long served as a symbol of rebirth and beginning fresh, a perfect flower for the new year. Two, the quote you shared here is beautiful. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. I was just talking to someone yesterday about how whatever you put your energy into will grow, the good or the evil. That's why it's so important to live in the moment, instead of preparing for your next step or exit. Your goal to focus on the word nurture is a beautiful one, and I just know it will bring you richness of heart. Three, you are so kind to do a giveaway. They're so much fun to enter! These are particularly thoughtful. So, thanks!
My word for 2009 is NOW. I want to do what I can now, think in the now, impact the now, spend the now wisely, find peace in the now, focus on my three monthly goals (which is my new years resolution -- to make three goals for each month). I would love an external reminder of my NOW and my intention to live in it.
Happy new year, Ali!
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My word for 2009 is BELIEVE. There are so many things about myself that I have not recognized and therefore not believed -- and in 2009 I really want to bring those things to the front and begin to let them take hold in my life. The first being that I BELIEVE I am a valuable and worthwhile person just the way I am -- I don't have to be anything other than me ... that is good enough.
Thank you for this project Ali.
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For 2009 I've chosen the word: PURE
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my word is GROW-
grow up
grow my garden
grow faster
grow stronger
grow relationships
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I haven't decided on my word quite yet. Something to do with rebirth
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My word this year is 'blossom'- to open, expand, enlarge, flourish and prosper, to grow in grace and good works, to be successful. I love your word, nourish. I want to think about that this year too, and it goes so well with my word.
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I'm going with purpose.
I tried to write a Christmas letter this year and realized I didn't have much meaningful to share. I'm afraid I kind of let the year pass me by.
In 2009, I want to live with purpose. Deliberately and intentionally live and build relationships and choose.
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My word has to be SIMPLIFY because I am still trying to do too much, have too much, learn too much. I want to simplify without getting bored. I want to enjoy what I have already invested time and money into. Appreciation... maybe that will be my word for 2010 once I simplify!
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Good Morning Ali, I want to thank you for making me think, about my one word. I revisited my one word from last year last night, HOPE. It was a very powerful word for me this last year. It help me stay grounded through some tough times last year. I'm not sure what my word will be this year but this next year is looking brighter. Thank you. Laura D.
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My word for 2009 is cherish. to cherish all that I have and to treat others in a way that makes them feel cherished
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My word, Ali, is GRATITUDE. Letting others know how much I appreciate all the things, big and small, they have done for me and my family. It is never too late to say Thank You!
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Ali, I love your word for this year! Great choice. My word for last year was Enjoy and I feel like that worked out great for me, but as the year progressed another word began to creep up on me as extremely meaningful, even in it's very simplicity. That word will be my word for 2009. "Be."
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My word for 2009 is HOPE. For me it means the hope to conceive in 2009, to make the life of me and my husband complete.
Good luck to you and happy new year!
Greetings from Germany, Melanie
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Hi Ali!! My word for 2008 was "Be" but I've been pondering this coming year. As I look back over 2008, I concentrated on 'being'. 2009 holds so many new possibilities, with the success of certain things in our lives. Explore, live, decide, courage, etc... I still have time to 'decide'. :) Thanks for your inspiring blog!!
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I love reading all the different words people have chosen and the reasons behind their word. Your word seems to fit your life right now perfectly. My word for 2009 is appreciate.
Appreciate the blessings that have been given to me.
Appreciate my family.
Appreciate the good people in my life.
The list goes on...appreciate.
Happy New Year Edwards family!
Sandi
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I think your word is excellent! Thanks for offering such unique & beautiful items in your giveaway. You are so generous!
My word for 2009 is REACH. I intend to set realistic goals & reach them. I intend to continue to give of myself and reach out to others. I will continue to blog this year with more purpose and reach my family & friends on a regular basis. And lastly, I will look inside and reach some depths that I have buried and face them. Good 2009, Ali. It will be.
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Right now I'm leaning towards BELIEVE.
Believe in myself
believe in others
believe in the possible
believe in the impossible
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I have to go with "relax"
I have noticed this year that I get way too stressed about everything, including that of which I have no control. I'm going back to school next week and I need to work on relaxing a bit, and not letting every little thing get to me
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The word that came to mind while reading your post was "purge." That's such a non-pretty word, but it represents getting rid of the clutter and mess inside and out. Maybe I can come up with an alternative that means the same thing. I don't know.
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