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 ACTION.
I want to DO all of the things I have been holding back on. Instead of just thinking about things, talking about things, being afraid of attempting things I will use my word ACTION and fully participate in my life!
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This new year will bring me home after 7 months of deployment. I will focus my time on family and enjoying the simple things in life.
I haven't decided on my word. I am considering family, simplicity and nuturing.
Happy New Year, everyone.
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Not too sure on my word yet, been thinking a lot about that one. Last year it was DO. Very simple. Maybe that will be it. SIMPLIFY. :) Got it. Thanks Ali.
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Happy New Year Ali. I couldn't decide between Sparkle and Play so I decided to add some sparkle to my play.
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BE...... that's it. Just BE ! if we accept who we are - fat/thin - pretty/ugly - published/or not :) then I think we would all have happier lives.
I think it's important to BE .
Sam Ellis
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Happy New Year Ali! My word for this year is RELAX. I spend so much of my time running around doing things for people or doing things for school that I never find time to just sit and relax. And I find that around the end of the semester all I can think about is when my next chance to relax is going to be. So this year I'm going to try and focus on me a little bit and just breathe and relax.
Jenn
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Can't decide between two words - TRY and TIME. Maybe I need to TRY and make more TIME for me and my family.
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What an awesome giveaway!!!
Believe it or not, I put a lot of thought into this!!! :)
There are so many words I like because they evoke positive emotion. One of my favorites is simply "family".
However, like you having your word be "nurture" this year, I am thinking mine should be "simplify".
I also like Inspire, Create, Dream Big, Imagine, Faith, Believe, Trust, Strength and Love.
Thanks for the thought-provoking blog entry!!! :)
Happy New Year!!!
Shari :)
__________________________________________
www.ShariSuzuki.typepad.com
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have a happy new year, ali! all the best for xou and your family.
my word for 2009 is REALIZE. i can´t wait to start and hang it up on a canvas or something.
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Pray. Our church has been encouraging families to pray together. H.O.P.E. (Homes of Prayer Everyday)Even just saying the Lord's Prayer together is a nice way to start. Hearing each other's prayers is very powerful and it reminds of my daily blessings!!! :)
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No word yet but in the new year I would like to make the time I have with my kids more productive. I have a few ideas of what I want to do and really hope I can realize them.
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My word for 2009 is AWARE. I want to live in the moment and pay attention, but also simply and purposefully. For me, "aware" covers both. Happy New Year, Ali!
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Happy New Year! I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2009!!
My word for this year is 'MIRACLE' I am hoping my son has a better quality of life after his surgery in a couple of months time. It has been a tough few years and especially hard in 2008 so I am hoping 2009 brings a miracle and makes him a lot better.
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My word is TRUST :)
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My word is patience.
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For 2009 I need an attitude adjustment. I need to be happier. I need to remember to count my blessings, no matter how small. I need GRATITUDE... so there you have it! GRATITUDE is my word for this year and I love that it has the word attitude in it (minus one letter 'T'). This will be a constant reminder for me to keep a positive attitude throughout my day and since I love quotes I'll end with this one from Henry Ward Beecher: The unthankful heart...discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
P.S. May God bless you and yours as you prepare for the arrival of your baby girl. Clearly, nurture is the perfect word for you this year! Your blog is an inspiration to me.
Warmly,
Stacy :-)
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My word is SEEK.
seek: go in search of, look for; make search; try to obtain or bring about, try to do, ask for, request.
I want to seek new experiences.
I will seek new skills.
I will seek beauty in people, in places, in art, in music, in words.
I want to seek my future - maybe I'll need to plan for my future.
I want to seek knowledge.
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Happy New Year Ali
Focus...is the one for me
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i always enjoy your one word posts ali - they get me thinking about what i want to achieve. my word for 2009 is BLOOM - to grow, develop, flourish; to be radiant, a picture of health. thanks!
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I like the idea that you have of "nurturing". I feel that i need to nurture my relationship with my family more this year. I am soooo busy and sometimes i lack in that area. Thank you for the inspiration!
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Love your 2009 word. I'm still thinking about mine, I saw your idea last year but never got to choose any word.
This year I want it to be different, and defenetely need to get me an inspirational word!!!
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I decided on my word a while ago - HABIT. Although now I am also leaning towards CHANGE. Basically meaning the same thing though, I want to try and rid myself of my bad habits and introduce more good ones.
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still deciding on my word....
love your word
what an exciting time for you and your family
deb
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My word for 2009 is "simplify". After a year of focusing on "balance" in 2007 and "time" in 2008, simplify is perfect. Slowing down and focusing on what is truly important without getting so caught up in the details. In the end if the things I do are meaningful they're going to be just as, if not more, meaningful (and enjoyed) without all the "extras". Christmas was a perfect example!
So, simplify it is :)
Happy new year to you and your family Ali!
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I love your word Ali, and almost picked it for myself. But I have decided that my word for 2009 is LOVE. Like the Beatles said, "all you need it LOVE."
For me it will mean, the LOVE I have for my husband and daughter, and hopefully more soon. LOVE for the things and life I have, to not take them for granted. LOVE for the way I am, so that I have the ability to change and be OK with it. And finally, LOVE for those around me; to have compassion and charity when it is needed and to do it with a truly LOVING heart.
Thank you for putting out this challenge each year and for sharing your goals and challenges with us.
Happy New Year!
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