One Little Word 2011
My 2011 necklace from the lovely Lisa Leonard. Get one for yourself here.
My word for 2011 is light.
This year my word sure seemed to choose me.
Most years I start thinking about my word for the following year in November or December. I think about it in passing and start listening, looking, and being open to the possibilities of a new word.
This year the word light seemed to be trying to catch my attention.
I found it in books, in magazines, in music, in conversations and in quiet moments.
So I'm going with it. It's already surprised, delighted, challenged and sparked some new things within me.
Some years I've had to look harder or listen longer or simply choose one that fit with what was on my mind and heart at that moment. There's no right or wrong. The main thing to remember is that this is your word. It's not for your child, parent, partner, spouse, sister, etc.
And what do you do with this one little word?
You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.
I'd love to read what word you've chosen or are considering for 2011. In the comments feel free to simply leave your word as your comment or write a bit about why you are choosing this word.
In a couple of days I'll post a compilation of the words as an inspirational reminder to us all.
If you’re new to the concept of One Little Word, you can read some of my previous posts here: 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
NEW FOR 2011 : ONE LITTLE WORD at BIG PICTURE CLASSES
I'm excited to be offering a brand new One Little Word online workshop through Big Picture Classes in 2011 as a way to connect with and honor our words throughout the year.
Each month you'll receive a prompt with a simple creative project and a gentle reminder to check back in with your word. By the end of the year you'll have compiled the contents of an 8.5x11 album that documents, defines, celebrates and generally makes your word more visible. Workshop materials include printable elements, full-color PDF handouts, and video presentations.
People have been asking me if you have to be a scrapbooker for this class. My answer is no. Even though we are making an album it's really more of a journaling/record keeping/thinking/exploring project. I'm excited to see how people interpret the prompts and make them meaningful for their own lives.
This is not complicated and it's not time-consuming. It's simply a way we can come together to share our experience with our words throughout the course of the year.
The One Little Word classroom opens on January 1, 2011.
My word came to me when I looked up "create" in the http://www.visualthesaurus.com - and my word will be PRODUCE - it has so many different meanings and directions - to create, make, green goods, develop, acquire and bring on or forth.
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My word for 2011 is CONNECT.
I hope to connect more with people I've not seen or heard from.
Connect with feelings of those around me.
Connect with volunteer programs in our community
To me, the word "connect" means to reach out.
I will be reaching out
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I'm enrolled in your class and looking forward to it and I'm still chewing on words... One possibility is "tribe" and another (which I think I chose another year) is "stretch." We shall see what the new year brings.
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After reading everyone's responses, I have chosen 'release'. Such a perfect word for me. I have so much baggage both psychologically and physically. I need to release hurt, anger, anxiety, clutter, etc. If I can release, I can be happy!
Thank you for all the inspiration to be a better person!
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I am thinking about the worth Strength. I would love to start running, lose weight, do project 365 again, read and play with my boy even more then I did this year and well lots of other things. Strength is what will help me this year. I know for sure.
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Last year the word that chose me was Accept. I focused on accepting things in a more positive frame of mind. As a result, I'm happier, not tossed by sudden surprises, and did not resist a huge change that has moved us across the country. Lesson learned? Embrace your word!
In 2011, I'm hearing Vibrant a lot. It resonates in my art, in my health, in my relationships, and even in my surroundings. I'm thinking this is the word. Others I've considered (to help those still stuck): action, experiment, wonder, transparent, soar, seek, glow, challenge, transform, laugh and strong. Cheers!!
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Hi Ali,
I signed up for your class as soon as the first email hit my inbox. I am so excited! I went out shopping for supplies the other day and can't wait to start on my title page. The one thing holding me back was my OLW!
I have had several swirling around my head since your initial "call to arms". Each seems to fit where I am right now so well that choosing one has been hard. Maybe I can incorporate them all throughout the year!! The words I've been grappling with are EMBRACE, RESPECT, MOVE, and RELEASE.
I've decided to go with RELEASE as I think that's where I need to focus the most. In 2011 I want to release my anger, my resentment, my weight, my pain, my fears, my inability to finish. I want to embrace life, embrace love, embrace intimacy. I want to move more, create more, love more, finish more. I want to face my fears, embrace my fears, overcome my fears.
Sounds like it's going to be a busy year!!!
Thank you so much for your inspiration. I've been a regular blog visitor all year and look forward to your class and your guidance in 2011.
Alison from Ladner, BC
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This is my 4th year joining you and others with One Little Word. My word came to me quickly too, when I allowed the time to ponder on it. BLESSED is my word for 2011. I want to be continually reminded that what I have and who I have become, what I have accoplished is a blessing. That God is there for me to continue to offering me Blessings. I know that I an BLESSED. I'm heading over to sign up for the BPS class right now!
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My word for 2011 seemed to choose me, as well. I wasn't even thinking about picking a word, but when my husband and I had a talk about what we wanted for our family in the coming joy, one word seemed to surface again and again. JOY. Looking forward to finding new ways to bring joy to our family in the new year.
My husband and I are going to do the OLW class together. He's often feeling out of the loop with my scrapbooking, so I'm really excited to do this project together. Can't wait to get started!
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GRACE. It presented itself abruptly one day and there was no debate.
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PEACE. Need to find it. Need to embrace it. Need to allow the quiet and the calm that come with it. Hoping I can do just that.
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I think my word is going to be HOPE, but also SIMPLFY and CHANGE keep popping up as well. I really need to simplfy my life and clear out the clutter and negativity. I am hoping that by simplfying and make change in my life that 2011 will be a happy year. So, any thoughts or I will have to see what speaks to me the most. I also just signed up for your BPS class today.
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RENEW!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Simplify. I have a penchant for "stuff" and it needs to stop! I want to live by the idea that there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Ah, wouldn't that be nice?!
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I haven't quite decided yet - but I think it will be "Do" - such a small word with such a big reminder - stop thinking about things and just get out there are do it. Stop sitting on the sofa watching TV, do something productive.
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My word is LOVE like learn to love myself and love my family, my friends.
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I've chosen the word joy. I need to learn how to find some again. In the stress of everyday life I've seemed to have lost it
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My word is positive. its time to make a positive change in my life, for better health and fitness, and to be optimistic, I'm tired of being negative... this is the year to change it, I'm positive!
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Peace.
I need to seek it, be "at", feel it.
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I am thinking that I am going with Present. Live in the present. Be in the present. Not sure if that is the word but am really feeling it today.
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I wanted to choose organization . . . but instead PEACE chose me.
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it´s my first year with one little word an it just seemed to choose me: authenticity.
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My word is action. 2011 is the year I want to make progress on my goals as a crafty entrepreneur.
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Determined
A big word but it is mine, and I will live up to the challenge.
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"Simplify." I actually chose this word about one week into the holiday season. Interesting to see how popular the choice is.
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