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.
My word is CREATE for 2009. I need to get my creative juices flowing again, and do more things with my photography.
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My word is "connect". Without my emotional connection to my husband, son, and daughter, I'm lost.
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I've been thinking for a while and reading through the comments. Wonderful! It's amazing how similar many others goals are to my own.
All of a sudden a word came and hit me. It's Noa, a Hawai'ian word loosely translated means "free" another interpretation would be "boundless".
It's perfect! Thanks for the inspiration!
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I really didn't think about using one word for the year, but while reading your blog I decided I should try it out. This is really hard, it should be easy, but I wanted something to go with some of my goals for the year. So after alot of thought and contemplation and 9 minutes from the New Year I came up with renew.
1. Me 44 years of abuse. I want to renew my mind, body, and soul.
2. Marriage 25 years this year for me and my hubby it is time to renew our relationship.
I think it fits and it is time for me to go ring in this New Year! Wishing you and your family a great 2009.
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Wasn't sure I was going to choose one word this year but reading your post and everybody's choice of their one word has inspired me to choose one. I'm not totally sure of it yet but will be meditating on that in the next couple of days to make sure it will guide me to where I need to go in 2009. Thanks for all you do Ali!
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Happy New Year Ali ~
My word is HOPE. There is so much to hope for in 2009 and it is good to feel hopeful.
Ida
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I am already seeing change and possibilities for me in 2009. My baby will graduate from high school and start college. After a meeting today, there could be a change in my work environment. Possibilities is my word for 2009.
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Happy, Happy New year Ali the best to you and yours!!
My word lasts year was "Conquer" and I believe I got to conquer a lot, even things I wasn't expecting to conquer, however I have to pick up the same word again, is a new year and lots to conquer for me and my son, at work and so many things planned, Ali I wish for you to Conquer everything you put your mind and your heart on, big hugs, Rosa.
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Happy New Year!
This is such a fun idea...I had so much fun thinking of my word. I decided on the word "Present" for 2009. I want to slow down, quiet my hurried mind, and be PRESENT in all situations. PRESENT for the little moments. PRESENT in all things. Not focusing on what I need to do next, but living in the moment.
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My word for 2009 is strength.
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Acceptance.
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Hi Ali,
My word for 2009 is patience. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and kept coming back to this. I want to be more patient with my kids, my husband and myself.
Thanks for all that you share with us, it is life changing x Janelle
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My word is embrace :-)
I'm expecting my 3rd about the same time as you are, and quite busy with a deployed husband and lots of crazy stuff- I just want to embrace the moments, find the joy and love it. No waiting for tomorrow or wishin' and hopin' just to embrace the now and embrace the joy in the now- because it will always be there- you just have to look!
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Happy New Year! I have decided my word will be peace. I am constantly striving to do more, accomplish more and be better. This year, I plan to find peace with all that I am and all that I do.
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It's not easy to pick just one word! I am tempted to say something practical ... but I'll have to think some more! I do want to work on my time management this year! :)
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Thank you for all your inspiration. I've enjoyed reading everyone's words for next year. My word is ENJOY. I hope to slow down and enjoy everyday moments, the people and everything I am so blessed to have.
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A word that comes to mind is "Thankful"
I'm thankful for so much in my life - a wonderful husband, beautiful kids, great friends and that we are all happy and healthy this coming year !!
Best wishes on the arrival of your sweet baby girl ....it is a true blessing !
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Happy New Year, Ali.
My word is 'accomplish'. I don't think anymore explanation is required for that one!
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LEARN
My "theme" for this year 2009 is based on Psalm 119:66 "Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment and knowledge for I have believed your commandments." I pray that I have a teachable heart because I want to "LEARN" from the Lord this year.
Blessings to you! Q.'
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Wow, so many great words. Mine for 2009, is FAITH, on so many levels. I love that you do this Ali, that you remind us all to stop and think.
Happy New Year to the Edwards Family.
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My word for 2009 is BALANCE. I hope that I can focus on this word and apply it to my life this year and get my life back into balance.
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I'm still trying to settle on just one word, but so far the ones I'm thinking on are:
SIMPLIFY - declutter and organize our home
FOCUS - on myself & my family
CAPTURE - I love photography
CREATE - I love scrapping but haven't really been inspired lately but I want to be again
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Hi Ali,
This year my word is BALANCE. I want to find a balance in my life with my family, art, school. More often than I would really like to admit, my life is not in balance, and something (or someone) is getting short changed. In 2009, I want to strive for a balance.
God bless you.
Melissa P.
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BLOSSOM!i need to grow and unfold myself-i have spent many years taking care of others and forgetting 'me'-i thought that this might be selfish but it isn't-it is actually good for everyone around me.i am so excited to begin a new year! happy new year to all! ann-marie
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Still trying to decide on a word. . . I love the word you chose. Happy New Year!
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