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.
hi ali, my word for 2009 is CHANGE. there are so many elements in my life that need work. i believe that for me to feel fulfilled this year, there is so much i need to CHANGE. this includes all aspects of my life, especially my business and time with my little girl. this is a great initiative and obviously one that many blog readers following judging by the number of comments. cheers brigette.
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My word for 2009 is GIVE.
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My word for 2009 is going to be "Heal". Heal my body that I have not been taking care of for a long time. Heal myself emotionally from a past issue I haven't gotten over with. Heal myself so I can properly care for those around me.
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My word this year is "me". I know that might sound selfish, but I refuse to apologize for it. Everything has always been about/for the kids, my husband, my work, my students, my family,etc. There just hasn't been time or energy left for me. I have decided that this year I will focus more on me; my body, my soul and my spirit. I hope that this will translate in a better me for everyone else as well. Thanks for being such an inspiration! Happy New Year!
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PLAY. I need to work on play more. With my scrapbooks, my kids, my husband...HELLO! Innocently really. Good challenge!
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I've been trying to come up with a good word for 2009 and I think I'm going to go with EVOLVE. 2008 was a difficult year for me. I think for 2009 I want to focus on dealing with the changes that I've been faced with, making positive changes in my life, moving forward, and improving my relationships and my life.
Happy New Year!
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For the past couple of years, I have done something similar...I had 2 words for the year....
So for 2009....Rejoice.....
S.
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Oh, Ali. I remember this one word idea from last year. I've been working on a post about my word. Thank you for sharing the wonderful idea and providing the inspiration. My word for this year is YES!
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I am 99.9% sure my word for 2009 will be "delight". I keep trying to think of other words, but just keep coming back to that. :)
-Carrie Morley
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My word is Charity.
Merry Christmas!
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Happy New Year to you and your family...My word for 2009 is VIRTUE for the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity...Thanks for the great contest...
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My word this year is "courage". My husband will be in Iraq for a majority of the year. It will take alot of courage to take of 4 kids ages 5 and under while he is gone.
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I'm thinking that my word for 2009 is JOY. It is going to be a challenge because it's two-fold...finding/creating JOY (hard part) and spreading JOY (easy & fun part).
Thanks for the give-a-ways!
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Love. (It's all you need)
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I'm leaning towards COMMITMENT as my word. Not 100% sure, though...letting it 'percolate.'
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guess it is that time again...
2008's word was Persevere
i think for me, 2009's word is fearless. i'm tired of not doing things i want to do for "fear" of reaction from others or from basic failure. so this january, i am going to start taking taekwondo with my youngest dd! a couple of my friends were like "are you crazy" but others are like "cool!"
best wishes for a wonderful 2009 ali! thanks as always for the inspiration!
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I love your word! It's beautiful :) I haven't settled on a word yet - but I do plan on continuing to make time for creativity in my life. Happy New Year!
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my word for 2009 is simplify. I have three jobs and am raising a teenager by myself. I need to find a way to slow down and simpilfy my life.
Happy new year.
donna
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LOVE
The world needs more love!
Happy New Year!
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Committment is my word for 2009.
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My word for 2008 was "Intention." This year I think it will be "discipline. I really need this in some areas of my life to achieve the goals I've set. Although it is the opposite of my creative side.....I need to balance my life with more with a little discipline!!
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My word is KINDNESS. I saw a sign that said "be kinder than necessary" and that really hit home. I think it is easy to take important people in our lives for granted. I will be getting married this year and I want to make the extra effort to always speak with kind words to my future husband. I think he and our relationship deserves that kind of care.
Happy New Year!
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EMBRACE the good, the bad,the happy, & the sad....not just skimming through life but growing from it in ways I sometimes I won't want to at the time but will be happy I did after it has happened........Happy New Years!
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Hi Ali,
My word for 2009 is 'IMPERFECTION'. I've been re-reading your Life Artist book and have decided that I need to accept my own imperfections as being just part of who I am - remembering that it is okay to be me.
Looking forward to another year following your blog.
KazT
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My word is "Serenity"
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