One Little Word 2010

I am a fan of welcoming the new year with open arms. I love fresh starts, new opportunities, clean slates, possibilities.

Back in January 2007, as a way to celebrate these beginnings, I started a public tradition of choosing a single word to focus on over the course of the year.

Many of you are familiar with this tradition and have been joining me in selecting a new word each year. If this is your first time reading about the idea of one little word I recommend taking a few minutes to read my original post here.

Here's a look at my words from the past three years with links to the original posts.

2007 : Peace [ read my post for 2007 ]
2008 : Vitality [ read my post for 2008 ]
2009 : Nurture [ read my post for 2009 ]

Essentially the idea is to choose a word (or let it choose you) that has the potential to make an impact on your life.

Maybe you want to invite something or maybe you are hoping to subtract something. Maybe your word will be practical or hopeful or creative or fanciful. Maybe you need a big word, something in-your-face that will challenge you everyday. Maybe you need something smaller and quieter that will whisper gentle tidings as you make your way throughout the year.

Whatever word you end up with, make sure it is your word (not your sister's, mom's, partner's, child's, etc). You can share it publicly or keep it close to your heart.

My word for 2010 is STORY.

I'm planning to do a post with more details on my thoughts about this word on Wednesday (look for the finishing pages of my December Daily tomorrow). I am hoping to use my word as a springboard for a variety of different projects and inspirations, in my life and my scrapbooking, over the next 365 days.

Have you chosen your word yet?

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669 thoughts

  1. Rhonda V. says…
    01/01/2010

    My prayers are with you and your family. I think the words you have chosen are wonderful and will help you journey through this.
    (((hugs))) and blessings to you and yours.
    ~Rhonda

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  2. Shae says…
    01/01/2010

    Wonderful idea........my word for 2010 is "Forward". To move forward in life...... to hold on to the beautiful things in my life and move forward toward all that enriches!

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  3. gitz says…
    01/01/2010

    I've decided on the word gracious. I wrote about it here: http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2009/12/gracious.html
    I've loved doing this for the past few years!

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  4. Nannette says…
    01/01/2010

    I have finally chosen my word for the new year - Spirit, as "an attitude of enthusiasm." I need more spirit in my life and less of the opposite - depression and laziness. Thank you for your inspiration, Ali!

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  5. Nickolette says…
    01/01/2010

    The word that I have in my head right now is FULFILL... defined as to satisfy, carry out, bring to completion...to emotionally or artistically satisfy; to develop one's gifts to the fullest. In many areas of my life in the present and near future, this word applies. I am looking forward to what the year is going to bring!

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  6. Cherie says…
    01/01/2010

    2008 - harmony
    2009 - cherish
    and for 2010 - serenity

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  7. jenn says…
    01/01/2010

    My word for 2010 is SUCCESS. Why? Because it is going to be a very successful year. Sounds weird, but I feel it in my bones, so success at work, play and with my life all around! To a good year, my best year yet!

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  8. Leah {paperboutique} says…
    01/01/2010

    TIME...for all of the things we take for granted.
    TIME...for 2010.
    Thank you.

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  9. Noelle says…
    01/01/2010

    I too am new to the word of the year thing & I love it! After reading this post my word came to me rather quickly: COURAGE. I even looked it up & I love the definition. I'm hoping to be courageous this year as we deal with my husband's impending layoff & new job search, a possible relocation (I hope not), the new school challenges that my kids will face (junior high & first grade), & my own goal of getting stronger & relosing those 10 pounds that snuc up on me again!

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  10. Nancy says…
    01/01/2010

    Thanks for inspiring us all again, Ali!
    My word for 2010 is PLAY.
    Happy New Year!

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  11. Sandy B says…
    01/01/2010

    My word for 2010 is "listen". I didn't have a word yet and told myself I would be intentionally open to God's guiding for my word, that I would "listen" for it. Then I knew...that He was listening and I should too.
    Did you do anything special to relate "listen" to your daily life?

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  12. steph says…
    01/01/2010

    My word this year is CAPTURE. I feel like I have missed so many moments and can't remember so many events that I want to capture these things in photos and in scrapbooks so that I can hold onto the memories a bit longer and with more detail!

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  13. Photographing Mom says…
    01/01/2010

    Finally chose my word ~ ACCEPTANCE
    My why is at my blog.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Karrie Adams Johansson says…
    01/01/2010

    This is such a great challenge! I've chosen the word "SAVOR" - which is perfect for the chef in me, but also a nice reminder for myself to savor the moment and enjoy today.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Maria in Melbourne/MiM says…
    01/01/2010

    My word is 'CALM', decluttering, time to walk and contemplate, less stress

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  16. lee says…
    01/01/2010

    I was having a lot of difficulty thinking of a word for 2010 that I connected with...until this afternoon, while doing some reflection on my drive home from a friend's wedding in Michigan.
    My word for 2010 is SELF...with so many different aspects represented - self-care, self-confidence, self-improvement are just a few. =)

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  17. Caryn says…
    01/01/2010

    Balance!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Roni says…
    01/01/2010

    This is my 4th year...I can not recall my 2009 word - it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It is a chapter in my life that was written. I am glad to turn the page to the next chapter. Chapter 2010 will be titled: "Whisper" - this word speaks much to me. It is inspired by my 9month old granddaughter who loves me to whisper in her ear. I tell her great secrets... how much I love her, what we're going to do, stories of her momma, and our family...all the while watching the wonder in her eyes as I gently whisper our secrets. So more than just a word, 'whisper' is my life this year. I will listen to the gentle whispers that tell my story.

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  19. Nanette says…
    01/01/2010

    Love this project. Thank you for sharing it with the 'rest of the world!' this is my second (or maybe my 3rd??)
    My this year's word is: GIVE
    Give my time, my finances, my love + my smile...and whatever the Lord asks me to give.
    thanks again, Ali.
    May God bless you + your family.

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  20. Jenny Meyerson says…
    01/01/2010

    My husband and I just chose our word together- BALANCE. Jeff will start his own business in March in hopes to spend more time together. We are making an effort to spend more time with each other, with our kids, and with our own self interests. Last year we had our fourth child, both worked full time, got my Masters Degree, and Jeff billed over 2200 hours. Too much. Here's to BALANCE for 2010.

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  21. Angela says…
    01/01/2010

    my word is "dance" i want to revel in being with my girls (we always dance during the credits of a movie and it's such a fun memory), be close to my husband and SHOW him how much he's loved, talk to God about the little things and enjoy being in His presence, exercise regularly becuase i'm almost done losing my weight (my goal for last year)...

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  22. sarabeth says…
    01/01/2010

    my word for 2010 is MORE-
    love more
    laugh more
    forgive more
    think more
    more patience
    and so on...
    thank you for your constant inspiration-your blog is amazing to read
    :)
    happy new year!

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  23. jmbmommy says…
    01/01/2010

    I have participated the last 2 years and find that this is a great way to focus some of my energy on something that I want in my life for the year. This year I am thinking of FLOWER. As a noun and a verb I think that this word could mean a lot to me this year.

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  24. fionaken says…
    01/01/2010

    My word is FOCUS. I aim to FOCUS on my studying, my faith, my hobbies, my family and myself.

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  25. Lisa J says…
    01/02/2010

    Happy 2010 to you and yours, Ali!
    Last year's word was REDISCOVER. I needed to move backward to rediscover who I am and where I was.
    And now I am ready to move FORWARD.
    That's my word for 2010... FORWARD.

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