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.
cultivate.
my spirit
my family/friends
my business
my finances
my creativity
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Hi Ali. Happy 2009 from Australia. My word for 2009 is INTEGRITY.
I really want to speak and live truthfully and powerfully this year. When i speak and especially when I give my word I want it to be totally reliable.
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I knew this was coming so I've been thinking of my word and I think I've settled on FOCUS. I need to spend some time on focusing on the important things in my life.
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my word is DARE. Dare to be ME; to go after what I believe in this year; to turn 50 in February and appreciate the watershed in my life by daring to take on the things I feel passionate about and not caring what others feel about my choices. Dare to change; both personally and in my interactions with family and friends. Dare to embrace new challenges and to stick with my style and way of scrapping and feel the pleasure I get from making something for another.
I am not a daring person, so this is the perfect opportunity for me to learn to love this word!!!!
Peace, joy and happiness this coming year Ali,
Suzanne x
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I could have easily adapted my word from last year, "embrace".... again.
But I'm taking it a step further and have chosen the word ENJOY.
Thanks for the prompts, inspiration, and giveaways!
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APPRECIATE ...
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Words to live by in 2009 are enjoy and laugh.
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I love this idea. I haven't decided for sure but I think I am going to use PEACE. Peace in my home, in my family, and mostly in my soul.
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I wish a happy new year to Ali and all the friends.
My word for new year is RISE
Both with my personal and professional life I have to RISE this year in many ways. So that's going to be my word for 2009.
Thanks,
Buddhini
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Ali
Last year's word was BLOOM but that didn't sit well with me, because I didn't know how I would make this happen. I didn't know what i needed.
So
my word for 2009 is LISTEN
to myself and my body
to my family and especially my wonderful husband
to my community.
I do not intend to overstrech myself. In fact I will LISTEN to myself to ensure that I don't do too much, but I want to LISTEN to my life and make more thoughtful choices.
I am very excited about this word.
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Still not sure what my 2009 nine word is, I'm drawn to a few such as open, create, and motivate. Hmm... some more thought must be given, perhaps over a cup of tea.
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Hi Ali :) Happy New Year!
My word is a little less tangilbe this year...but it's the one that kept coming to me over and over as I read through your post today. I'm a little behind you in expecting our 4th child (a little girl too!) and as we embark on homeschooling all our kids for the very first time, as I let go of my publishing/scrapbooking/design work, as we seek new Autism interventions for our son and as we step back from youth ministry for a period of time... I realise through all of this that alot of what we are due to experience is NEW. NEW relationships and friendships through homeschooling, new experiences through the Autism journey, a new ministry experience on our homefront and a brand new bubba in the house again.
NEW.
2009 is looking to be full of NEW things for me and us as a family.
Thanks for the prompting to reflect Ali :)
Lus x
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Oh, I love this! I am such a word nerd that it is hard to choose ONE word! I think it will have to be FOCUS. I need to focus on my family, my health, my goals. That is my purpose for 2009. Thanks for the inspiration!
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my word for 2009 is BEGINNINGS...
i get married in March and hope to be pregnant before the year's end.
happiest new year to YOU Ali!
I wish you all the best and blessings with the new year!
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I love reading your blog! Wish you and your family a great new year with your new little girl.
My word for 2009 is NOW!
I need to start living in the moment and seizing the day!
Lotsa Love/Lindzi, Sweden
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I love your word - but remember to NURTURE yourself too!! I have a 2 1/2 yr old DD and she is hard work!!! I'm still pondering my word for this year, but one of my resolutions is, when I'm feeling/being critical of people, to ask God to BLESS them. Love the way it stops my tongue and heart running away with me. Still pondering though.... HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SCOTLAND - HOOTS MON!!!
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Mine all revolve around the same theme--I just need to pick my word. I'm turning 40 this year and i need to DO--ACT--FINISH.
After reading all the comments so far I also liked FOCUS and each letter of my word has a special significance. F is for family, O is for organization, C is for Celebrate, U is for unfinished projects (as in...finish some!), and S is for self
Think I will sleep on it--hope you are well.
deb
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Hello Mrs Edwards I am new to this word for the year and am really excited about starting this journey with you and all of your avid readers.
My word would have to be COURAGE..I chose this one because this year I plan on being courageous enough to follow through with things that have been keeping me back because of the fear that I have felt in failing.
Hope your New Years Festivites was that of a Safe and Happy one for you and yours
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Determination
My word was almost persevere but when writing why, all the reasons camed back to determination. So i am determined so loose weight, fix my back, get organized, be patient with me kids. and so on.
Its such a strong word and I am determined to make 2009 the best i can make it.
Thanks Ali for all the inspiration!!
Happy 2009 to you and your family
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My word for 2009 is { possibility }. Being hopeful and open to the possibility of what life may bring me.
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Happy New Year, Ali! :)
My word for 2009 is BALANCE. I have been working Overtime a lot in the past. Hope to balance my life in my work and family. Spend more time with my family.
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hi ali. happy new year.
i have always been an introvert and this year, i want to get out of that shell and simply EXPLORE what life has to offer.
my 2009 little word is EXPLORE
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My word is hello.
Say hello to someone or to something new each day.
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My 2009 word is Focus.
I'll be focusing on five areas this year: Health, House, Finances, Relationships and School.
It was tough narowing these down, but I am looking forward to finally accomplishing goals within these areas because I have narrowed down the list.
I've been discussing this idea with 2 friends. We will talk with each other about this throughout 2009.
Thanks for sharing this "one word" idea.
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Happy New Year Ali, Chris, adn Simon, (and bubs to be!)
Like Jo, my word for 2009 is BALANCE. I had thought of CREATE, but 'balance' has been popping into my head quite often over the past few days. 2008 was so busy for me that I was not giving enough time to myself or my husband.
My cousin had her 1st baby 17 Dec. Advice she would give is: Stay in hospital for as long as they will let you!
Good luck with bubs!
Kelly :-)
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