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 for 2009 is BREATHE. To pause, relax, slow and enjoy. Thank you, Ali. Lisa K.
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Always...
It applies to so many things in my life and it's a word that makes me think fondly of the great memories I have of my dad.
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Believe!!!!!
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I just read about this on another blog and thought it was a great idea. My word for 2009 is COMMIT. This year I want to learn to follow through every decision I make.
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i love your 'one little word' idea and even though there are so manyw words, am thinking of re-using my 2007 word, which was 'BE' still not sure... i have a short-list of other possibilities!! xx
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Happy new year Ali!
I am picking BE for 09. There are so many possibilities.
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It always takes me a little while to decide on my word...this year, I think I have finally decided on: cultivate. It encompasses a lot of goals I have this year. As always, thanks for the motivation!
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Happy New Year, Ali! My word for 2009 is HOPE. My HOPE is not just for myself and my family, but especially for our country and the entire world. HOPE for a stable, peaceful, more compassionate world in general. Thanks for all you share with us ...
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ACCEPTANCE is my word for 2009. Being a mom of 5 adopted children acceptance has always been a challenge. I want my children to feel accepted, loved, and cherished for thier differences. Thank you for making me sit down and really think about what I want to change in my life and how I want to grow as a person and mom! I really think you ROCK!
Congradulation on the new baby!
Elise in SC
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My word for 2009 is Balance. Balance is what I am seeking this year. Balance seems to fit everything I want to achieve in 2009. So Balance it is!!!
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This is so excited! My one little word is "better". Everything wants to be better! better life, better health, better design....
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My word is propel. (To drive, or cause to move, forward or onward.) I spend a lot of time making plans, and I want to spend more time in 2009 putting those into action, going for some dreams and being a more active participant in my own life. It's going to be a great year!!
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calm.
I love that you do this Ali!
Last year my word was 'action'. It was a year that needed action. We moved from Virginia to Texas. I took action in many ways, put off procrastination and perfectionism on so many fronts and acted. I wrote letters that wouldn't have been written. I blogged, I created, I connected.
I took action.
I often remembered this word. It was powerful and yet so simple.
This is a year that needs calm. I have a 1.5 year old and a 2.5 year old and I find myself being not-so-calm too often. A lot will be better if I can just be a little more calm. This word can also help me remember that in my role as a mother I have the power to calm my children.
calm.
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My word for 2009 is ENGAGE
I need to engage more with my children, engage more with my husband, be engaged in my work instead of just plodding along the surface of everything in life.
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I think my word will be grow. It seems to be popular but I really want to grow at many things this year. Its just such an all-inclusive word. I want to 'grow' in my scrapbooking, my relationship with my husband, my relationship with the Lord, in my ability to maintain peace in my home, in becoming a better person, and possibly even our family will 'grow' by adding a new person! :) I like it!
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My word for 2009 is grow. Grow in all areas on my life...my walk with Christ, grow in my marriage, grow in being a better mother and grow into the person God wants me to be. Look forward to it.
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I'm still working on my word- I've got to let the ideas percolate a bit more- but I know that I want to work on becoming the best version of myself that I can be and cultivating a simpler and more joyful life.
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I've been thinking all day about this and I'm going with the word BREATHE. My life is so crazy everyday, sometimes i just forget to breathe and take it all in.
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patience
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Still thinking about mine. Loved reading some of the entries above. Think I'm going to sleep on it and it will come to me then. I do know that I want to spend time this year doing more than just observing what others do, however I also want to learn and hone my skills. I feel a change is coming and that 2009 is the year to do things for me instead of always worrying about everyone else. Thanks for all of your continued inspiration and guidance. Wishing you all the best in 2009 and beyond.
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My word is "Enjoy"
I need to remember to Enjoy all the small memories and moments in life. To many memories that I did not enjoy as much as I wish I would have.
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Happy New Year Ali!
My word was easy for me to pick this year:
'Simplify'
It's something I definitely need to work on!
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Conquer.
I have had a very difficult year and I feel like it's owned me instead of me living it. I am taking back 2009. This is MY year! I will conquer depression. I will fight to get my spirit back, my sense of humor and my love for life. This year, it's going to happen. I am going to LIVE instead of just existing.
So I guess I have two words: conquer and live.
I'm done being a spectator. I'm done expecting happiness to just come to me. I'm ready to make it happen. To CHOOSE happiness.
Happy New Year Allie. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing a large portion of your life/yourself with us. It's a beautiful life.
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It's has been a REALLY rough 2008 so I would have to pick my word to be "courage", in hopes of making it through another year with a brave face and hopeful heart.
Happy New year to you and your family.
Trace.
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Hi Ali, my word for 2009 is 'accept'. This year I will allow life to flow and accept what is happening - as I believe a lot of things happen for a reason. However there are also lessons to be learnt in those moments and will accept what the universe is trying to teach me and listen very carefully to its messages.
hugs,
Manola xo
Australia
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