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.

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1654 thoughts

  1. Robin says…
    12/29/2010

    My 2011 word is "RENEW"!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Newfie Princess says…
    12/29/2010

    Hi, I signed up for your class wondering what word I would pick. As soon as I finished the thought the word BALANCE appeared in my mind's eye. Specifically internal balance. I am so looking forward to where my soul wishes me to go with this. It's always a wonderful ride when I am mindful of my voice. Thank you Ali for this opportunity to explore.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Adrith says…
    12/29/2010

    My word for this year is THRIVE.

    I'm going to be spending this coming year alone, thanks to the Army. I need to make it through, but I don't want to simply survive - I want to reach the finish line with some energy to spare.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. cinback says…
    12/29/2010

    My word for 2011 is REALIZE, as in fulfill, achieve, accomplish, make a reality, make happen, bring to fruition, etc. I don't have trouble dreaming or making plans, I just have trouble seeing them realized.

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. cinback says…
      12/29/2010

      Ali, I too have signed up for your class and am wondering if you have a badge available for the class to put on my blog?

    2. Ali says…
      01/03/2011

      I do - it's now available in the Message From Ali section on the class message boards.

  5. Suzie says…
    12/29/2010

    2011 will be a year of courage for me, a year of not being afraid to step outside of my personal comfort zone & take chances in life.

    Happy New Year!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Miriam says…
    12/29/2010

    my one word for 2011 is {CREATE}, 2009 & 2010 have involved us selling our home, moving into a new one this year, at the same time trying to keep working from home so to cut the story short I just havent had a moment into which to be creative!

    2 months ago I resigned from my job as it was becoming bigger than ben hur. For my own sanity, general wellbeing I need to be more creative, so 2011 is going to be the year for more painting, scrapbooking and anything else I can squeeze in :)

    I have really enjoyed reading everyone's comments and what their one little word will be. So to all of you a big hug for 2011!!

    xxMiriam

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Amy says…
    12/29/2010

    My word is Home. . . just blogged about it today. It means so much for us this year. Some potential changes this year may mean moving or us not being home together as much this year. I want to finally settle into our home. I want to be a better homemaker and build my fledgling home-based business. And so much more. I've already gotten a necklace with my One Little Word on it and its helped me think about moving on in 2011 in some tough moments this month.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. kat-in-texas says…
    12/29/2010

    Prayer

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Julie M. says…
    12/29/2010

    Last year I picked renaissance because I wanted to try new things and get more involved in my art, in hopes to "recreate" myself. Well, of course, time went on and I forgot all about my word, but still I did a few things to accomplish this goal. As the year was drawing to an end, I realized I needed a new word and heard about your class. I was so excited about this because I wanted to pick a great word and then have more follow through with it. So I've signed up, gifted the class to my mom and a friend, and we have another mutual friend also taking the class. We can't wait to begin. My word is Flourish!!! I've already thought about how many ways this word could possibly help me in the coming year! Thanks Ali!!! Looking forward to the journey.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Lonely Scrapbooker says…
    12/29/2010

    My word for 2011 is FOCUS.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Melinda Kirk says…
    12/29/2010

    My word this year is BALANCE. I had no idea why it kept popping into my head at first, but everytime I asked myself what should my word be there it was. Once I started thinking it made sense..

    I have just started working part time after the arrival of my second son in June and the balance of it is a new skill for me. I want balanced eating, work/life balance, balance in giving to others and giving to myself... and balance as I try to walk the tight-rope that has become my life!

    I will be signing up for One Little Word, in the hope it will help me keep the balance of creativity and work in 2011 :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Delanie says…
    12/29/2010

    My word is AUTHENTIC and it definately chose me.

    I have never participated in One Word before and wasn't really planning to. But as I was typing a message on the TwoPeas forum about scrapbooking goals for 2011, the word kept coming to mind, first in relation to journaling and memorykeeping but then in many other aspects of life.

    So AUTHENTIC it is.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Sandy says…
    12/29/2010

    my 2011 word CONTENT: content with what I have, when I have it and enjoying both of those things. I found this quote on Ali's blog a couple years back and its has helped shape ME over the last couple years:

    To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.
    -William Henry Channing-
    LOVE IT!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      01/03/2011

      That is one of my all-time favorite quotes.

  14. Brenda says…
    12/29/2010

    this is a year of new for me..my daughter gradutates high school and starts college, I will be entering my first 5k and focusing on my healthy/fitness/and soul..
    my one little word for 2011 is COURAGE

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Madeleine says…
    12/29/2010

    Trust. This is my first year of OLW and I was really struggling to find just one word to focus on. I home ed my two children and my son is severly disabled, life is hard, stressfull, hectic, frustrating and I was trying to find a word to 'fix' all my worries. Finances are very difficult too then out of the blue an old friend I've not seen in years turned up at my door this evening with an envelope full of money she had raised to help get my son some treatment he needs. She said to me "trust that everything will be alright." So trust it is. I trust in myself to make the right descisions, I trust my children in the way they choose to learn, I trust that no matter how bad things can get there will always be a silver lining. Can't wait to start and thank you Ali.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      01/03/2011

      What a wonderful blessing. The kindness of others...wow :).

  16. Olivia says…
    12/29/2010

    My word for 2010 was 'plan' & remembering it throughout the year really helped me get things done more efficiently. I think my word for 2011 will be 'dare', hopefully that will help me try new things & get out of my comfort zone more often.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Queen Mary says…
    12/29/2010

    My word is courage. I need it this year in my on-going struggle with and recovery from a more severe than I realized depression. I too am signed up for the class and I'm really looking forward to it! thanks everyone for sharing your words! I'm also planning on treating myself to one of the necklaces Ali linked -- to which Ali linked -- sorry that old English major comes out sometimes.....

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Janet says…
    12/29/2010

    My word for 2011 is FEARLESS. This is the 1st time I will be doing OLW and I have signed up for Ali's class at BPC and can't wait! I chose this word because I am afraid of making that first step to change what needs to be changed...from re-entering the field of medicine after 10 years at home with my kids to losing weight and committing to change in the long haul. I'm afraid of what people will think of me, of what changes will happen and if I'll be able to handle it all. Have already started reading "Feel the fear and do it anyway" by Susan Jeffers, in preparation for the year ahead. Can't wait to see how putting my focus on this one little word will change my circumstances in the year ahead!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Laura says…
    12/29/2010

    I really do love seeing everyone's word inspirations for the upcoming New Year!

    So far I am really contemplating the word "change" as my one little word for 2011. Haven't completely decided, but it does seem to be sticking in my mind. =)

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Katherine M says…
    12/29/2010

    My word is Peace. It found me last year and won't let go this year. I keep finding it everywhere in places I've never seen it before. I think I need to let this word live with me a bit longer
    and I'm okay with that.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Michele in Texas says…
    12/29/2010

    My word is contentment or content. I'm taking the class at Big Picture Classes! I can't waiat

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jane T in NW Louisiana says…
    12/29/2010

    I chose the word "give" as in helping someone with simple things like letting them in line in front of you, reaching something that is out of their reach on a shelf in a store, opening and holding a door for someone, being kind to an older person, etc. Just giving of yourself to make someone's life simpler or easier for them.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Juanita says…
    12/29/2010

    Thanks Ali. My one little word is "INSPIRE". Inspire myself and inspire my daughter to be everything she is, especially heading into the first year of high school.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Nali P. says…
    12/29/2010

    My word is ACTIVE. I think this word will take me to a lot of good places. This is my first 'one little word' experience and i am looking forward to it. I have all my supplies and am ready to take on 2011.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Kim B says…
    12/29/2010

    I've been on the fence going back and forth on a word. But, I think for this year I will go with the word Enjoy. I'm hoping to just slow down this year and enjoy the everyday moments that we sometimes take for granted.

    I'm really looking forward to your class, Ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies

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