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.
I could not decide on a word at first - kept thinking it should be something like gratitude or compassion. Both would be really good choices but what I really want at this point in my life is adventure. After reading some of the other comments, I decided. Adventure it is!
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NOW.
A good word for staying present.
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Forward
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I have never done "one little word" with you or otherwise. I was very intrigued by the process when I read about it. I feel that I am in a good place right now on so many levels. My word is "Crescendo". I chose it because I want to continue on my current path, I want to grow more creatively, personally, spiritually. I want to improve myself, I want to challenge myself, to make a bigger splash, to be a little louder. "Crescendo" -- I think we will have fun getting to know each other for the next year!
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Presence is my word for 2011. I spend a lot of time regretting the past and worrying about the future that I don't enjoy the moment. I also think that this is caused by the fear of being vulnerable and maybe feeling in front of others and myself.
So in 2011 I want to be as physically, emotionally and spiritual present as I can to all things.
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What a powerful idea. It is fascinating I was just listening to Brendan Burchard and he suggested 3 words. However, the one that jumps up for me is "confidence".
I deliver magic to my clients in the work I do but sometimes lack the confidence to "go for it" for fear of how they may react. To feel "confidence" in my day, in my life and in my work is such an exciting concept. I look forward to playing with my "one little word" this year.
Thank you for your wisdom. Love this.
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I intend living 2011 COURAGEOUSLY AND FEARLESSLY: I see those as two sides of a coin.
I'm excited to find you again (this time on your blog), Ali. I tapered off scrapbooking during the past year or two, but remember your presence in the scrapbooking world well.
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Intention is my word for 2011.
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[...] no cards, just goals and my one little word for this year. In the past I have seen many following Ali Edwards and always thought of a word but never really talked about it. The las two years my words were [...]
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I have had a word for 2011 since 2009. Whenever I have thought of this year, it has been accompanied by one word, ABUNDANCE. This is without a doubt my word for 2011.
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Connect, i've been feeling rather disconnected and it's made me very aware how I need to feel being part of the whole again.
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My word for 2011 is GRACE.
Ali, it's an amazing concept, I just can't wait to start!!! Thank you for offering it!
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My word this year is going to be Journey. After my divorce last year I have decided that I need to start a journey to...
Find myself, Find a new definition of home, Find my passions, and above all find my health. Of course I am hoping that my journey will include new journeys to new places too.
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I can't believe it! Light was my word for 2010- as in travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. I lived it and loved it, and this year I'm going with TRUST as in trust myself!
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This is my first day to read your blog, and I love "one little word"! My word found me yesterday,so I guess I was really supposed to read this today. My word is LEGACY. What legacy will I leave for my children...my grandchildren? As I journal and scrapbook and live my life every day, I want to be reminded of the impact of my life on my family. I want my life to reflect God's love. I want to leave a legacy that points to Him.
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What a great idea. I have just been having fun reading through your "one word" posts from the last few years. I love this concept and I think it is just the thing I need to kick start my year and change my focus. I'll have to be thinking about a word that "speaks" to me. Maybe my goal for Jan can be to find my word and apply it before the month is through. Thanks for the great inspiration!
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focus
I have ADD, not diagnosed until my early 30s, and here in my late 30s I am still struggling with being able to focus long enough on one thing to be successful. I've given each month this year one thing to focus on. January is marketing my administrative consulting business. It's only day 4 and I'm off-topic a lot! yikes! Maybe, as the year progresses, I'll get better and better at being able to focus. :)
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ENJOY! That is my one little word this year. I made some goals and they all revolve around enjoying life every day so what better word for me!!
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PAUSE...that is my word. Too often I just get through, I don't stop and PAUSE long enough to arrive.
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my word is Feel . .
I'm truly experiencing it for the first time
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[...] came across a cool site that talked about choosing one word for the year (http://aliedwards.com/2010/12/one-little-word-2011.html?replytocom=264084#respond). It didn’t take me long to think of my word: FUN, for obvious [...]
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My word for 2011 is COURAGE. I am seeking the courage to go to places in my heart that I have not faced before. Also seeking the courage to disappoint others and their expectations of me so as to NOT betray my own heart. Not as easy as it sounds. Courage is my word and I've already made a small plague with the word that sits over my fireplace as a reminder. Thinking seriously about taking this class though.
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I may be a little late to this project, but feel grateful to have found it. My word for this year is STEADFAST. I want to be unwavering in my confidence and artistic convictions in the face of rejections and acceptances. i want to be steadfast.
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[...] started this before signing up for Ali Edwards’ One Little Word Class so there will be lots of exploration around my word (Allow) and intentions this year, but [...]
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My single word for 2011 is .... H A P P Y! Last year was a difficult year, one that I don't want to repeat. I've chosen HAPPY to remind myself everyday to be HAPPY, don't take life so seriously. And, when something just isn't going right-remember HAPPY to keep me strong and balanced! And, HAPPY because life could be a whole lot worse!
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