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.
After much thought, I've chosen the word simplify. I know I need to declutter my house and my surroundings, as well as my emotional clutter. It is time to simplify my schedule and my commitments. By doing so I will be taking care of ME, which in turn will be a positive influence on my family and friends as well.
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CHANGE
In 2011, I hope to look on change as a positive and embrace it rather than fearing it. In 2011, my divorce will be finalized, my business will close, I will move across the country leaving all of my wonderful friends behind to start a new life, I will find a new job/career, I will transition from 10 years of being a full-time Mom to being Mom and working outside the home and will be entering the dating world again after 14 years - lots of changes in store.
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My word for 2011 is intent. Like "something that is intended, purpose, meaning, significance" I loved last year with my word and I am excited to try to live with more purpose this year--to play, work, love, live with intent! I can't wait.
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I have participated in one little word for the past 3 years my words have been simply, bloom and capture. For 2011 I have chosen "fearless." It is time for me to move forward in my life and live my dreams without fear. I deserve it and I am worth it.
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Believe is my word. . . . believe in God, believe in myself, believe in other's love for me.
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Though I've been aware of One Little Word, i've never chosen a words for myself. My first word will be (re)Discover.
I want to rediscover things of myself that I've allowed to lay dormant as I focused on being a Wife and a Mom. I also want to discover new things, not just about myself, but about, well, anything!
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less
this is my word. less stress. less "stuff". less waste. less consumption. less time wasted.
less is always more and this year i am focusing on more joy-filled, intentional living.
this begins with less.
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My one little word for 2011 is reduce.
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After much thought and reflection, my word for 2011 is SLOW. I thought as I got older I would slow down, take things slower, not be the hyper person that I am. But I still find myself running 100 mph and sometimes I feel like I'm missing things along the way. So this year, I want to slow down. Take on less commitments, say no more often and spend more time in slow motion.
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Space:
Space to live, breathe and relax through the choices I make.
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DARE. I'm naturally a very "safe" person and I've found so much prompting me to make 2011 a year of daring :D
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ABUNDANCE - It captures the way I want to live in all aspects of my life. With an abundance of new ideas, creativity, love, passion. I want to really approach all aspects of my life with an abundance of whatever is required at the time. Hopefully this word can remind me of the approach I hope to take in 2011.
http://erynmorgan.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/make-room-for-abundance/
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My word is breathe. That's all I really have to do while I'm here on Earth, but I forget that. So for me, breathing is simplifying, it's natural, it's slowing down, it' being aware...I could go on and one. For me, 2011 is about breathing...perhaps for the first time in my life.
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DABBLE is my outward word for 2011 (I also have another word that I'm keeping to myself). I'm challenged by perfectionism and often don't even attempt some things that sound like a lot of fun simply because I tell myself that I won't be able to do them as well as the person who sparked my interest. So this year, I'm going to dabble in things because it relieves some of those expectations.
Can't wait to see the full list when you get it compiled!
Love "dabble" - cool word.
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I am looking forward to the class too!
My word for 2011 is
SPARK
Happy New Year!
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My word is balance and it too seemed to choose me. It applies to all aspects of my life. Finding balance in work and play, finding a spiritual balance, nurturing my family and myself, conquering yoga posses and even balancing my checkbook. For me, 2011 is all about finding balance. Happy New Year everyone!
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My word is DO; as in just do it:
Make significant and positive progress on my dissertation
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I have already signed up for the class and really excited about it. 2011 is going to be a very challenging year for me. I am losing my job and moving across the country where my husband is already living due to his new job. I have never been out of work before and I am so career driven that it feels like it defines who I am, which I know it doesn't. My word is CHANGE for 2011 and learning how to cope with a new routine in a new city.
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This is my fourth year doing this and it has been instrumental every single year. This year: PRAISE.
http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2010/12/praise.html
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JOYFUL. As the mom of four young children, I often just "exist" through the day, not taking the time to find joy in much of anything and trying to remind myself to breathe. And this, after praying for 10 years to HAVE children! I want to be the Psalm 113:9 mom - "He makes the barren woman the joyful mother of children" I plan on starting a JOYFUL journal tomorrow and try to note things each day that bring me joy - even the *simple* things!
Gina--
Your words could have easily been MY words.
Joyful wasn't on my list of options, but now it is.
If you see this, please contact me. We have a lot in common.
xoxo.
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My word for 2011 is.....open. I want to be open to all that life has to offer, I want to open my eyes, my heart and my talent.
I will be more open.
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Love the one word thing! My word for 2011 is focus.
Happy New Year to you and your family Ali.
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Hi Ali,
My word for 2011 is daily. I want to focus on each day and make it the best I can.
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My one little word for 2011 is SHARE. Share knowledge, time, moments, skills, love, fears, lessons, faith...
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My little word is Focus. For the past six months I feel like I've just been sliding along. I want to live each minute of 2011 in the minute and not on the sidelines. I want to focus on my family, my health, photography, writing, and NOT procrastinating. I know I can do this. Looking forward to class starting tomorrow and what the next year will bring.
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