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. Fabiana Mattos says…
    01/04/2010

    Thank you one more time to reminder me about this tradition.
    I have felt a great will to eliminate unnecessary things and situations around me.
    So my word is going to be: SIMPLIFY.
    Have a great 2010!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Vickie says…
    01/04/2010

    I'm a first time word chooser - For 2010 I chose Treasure. I think it will be fun to unearth the hidden treasures in my life as well as be a reminder for me to treasure everyday moments.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Claudia Azucar-White says…
    01/04/2010

    I have been following this tradition along with you for the past 3 years.
    This year, just like you said a word chose me. I had been reading a Zen book, a book that is helping me see the big picture, to see what is important, what I need to focus on, what I need to do keep my life simple and untangled. As well as, the importance of reflection, meditation and acceptance. “Enlightenment” is my word for this year and it encompasses all of these things that I want to have in my life.
    Thanks for inspiring me to do this every year. It truly has helped me.
    Claudia

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  4. Peg Graham says…
    01/04/2010

    My word is....CHANGE.
    I recently, (2 weeks ago) became a Vegetarian, trying to carefully become a Vegan. I am making big changes in my life right now...for me, at least. Changing my attitude, my direction, my thinking....changing focus, feelings, understanding.
    A CHANGE is going to do me good.

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  5. CityMamaPhD says…
    01/04/2010

    Hi There!
    I'm a bit late to join the convo, but wanted to add my 2 cents. I chose my "one little word" in Sept, as it aligned w/ the Jewish New Year and my bday. Last September, I chose "invigorate", and I'm still working on it! Much luck to all of you on your 2010 journeys.
    Happy 2010

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. serge the concierge says…
    01/04/2010

    Ali
    Blame it on Christina Katz for getting me started on this path.
    My word is Authentic.
    I explain why in '2010 Will be the Year of Authenticity' on 'Serge the Concierge'
    http://www.sergetheconcierge.com/2010/01/2010-will-be-the-year-of-authenticity.html
    Serge
    'The French Guy from New Jersey'

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Marnie says…
    01/04/2010

    Kristi-I am with you on this one-my word this year is also focus!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Bec says…
    01/04/2010

    Love all the words and reasons so far! Fantastic!!
    I'm stuck, hope someone can help me.
    I want a word to describe 'pushing boundaries' ' stepping outside the box' really testing myself to try new things.
    I can't condense this into one word.
    Any ideas?! ;o)

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Est says…
    01/05/2010

    Wow have just found this and what a fabulous idea, We had a lot of heartache in 2009 and I often tend to worry too much about things that although seem important at the time don`t really matter in the greater picture, so my word for 2010 is APPRECIATE...I am going to appreciate what I have; my beautiful children, wonderful friends and my health and appreciate that my worries are usually unjustified and a waste of time that I could be using to appreciate something beautiful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Jennifer Lavender says…
    01/05/2010

    I've enjoyed reading about different words people are using as inspiration over the last few years. I've thought about words to use, but haven't really let them sink in and motivate me to action. I'm hoping that this year will be different.
    This year I am choosing the word LEARN. I'm hoping that thinking about this word all year will help me to try new things and get excited about learning along with my children.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Afusomax says…
    01/05/2010

    This is thought provoking. My first instinct was to choose FINISH. Because I have SO MUCH to finish this year. A kitchen remodel, classes I'm taking, Conferences I'm planning. . . But I am not one to leave things unfinsihed. And I need to remember WHY I do what I do. Why I work, why I play, why.
    So my word for 2010 is FUTURE.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    This made me giggle.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    Love this - I am really trying to live this way too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    Peace to you and your little boy Kristina.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    I love this idea of a letter to your future self - I think I will include this in an upcoming post. Thanks Lynnelle.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    I am so, so sorry for you loss Sandy.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    Thanks for this link Dawn -

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    This is awesome.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    That is a lovely word Maggie Ann.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    Hi Lisa - as I read through your comments the thought that came to me was to close your eyes, take a really deep breath, and embrace the first word that comes into your mind. Take that one and run with it...

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    Love that sentiment.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    Yes - in the middle of Storycatcher and really inspired by the way she talks about story.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    I think this is a wonderful word. Let me know if you start forgetting yourself again :).

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    I love the thought behind this one Roni.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Ali Edwards says…
    01/05/2010

    How about expand?

    Reply 0 Replies

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