One Little Word® 2018 | Space

My One Little Word® for 2018 is space. 

Since 2006 I've been choosing a word to focus on over the course the 12 months from January through December. My past words have included: 

  • Play
  • Peace
  • Vitality
  • Nurture
  • Story
  • Light
  • Up
  • Open
  • Thrive
  • Give
  • Whole
  • Connect

For 2018 I'm looking to get curious about the idea of space. 

The word "space" has quite a few different meanings, from an interval of time to a continuous area or expanse which is free, available or unoccupied to the dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move (outer space) to the freedom and scope to live, think, and develop in a way that suits one. 

What I'm interested in inviting into my life this year is some breathing room. I find myself regularly filling things up: time, physical space, projects, etc. I want to see what it feels like to have "room" for thinking and dreaming and learning and moving at a slower pace. I want to pay attention and begin to recognize those times when I'm unconsciously filling up the space and learn to pause before continuing on auto-pilot. 

Simply put, what I want to do this year is create more "white space" in my life to pursue what really matters most to me. 

Companion words - words that are also speaking to me - this year include: wonder, less, ease, and slow. 

I'm really looking forward to experiencing life with this word in 2018.  

TAKE A LISTEN

I recently recorded a podcast with Elise on Elise Gets Crafty where we chat about our 2017 and 2018 words. Take a listen here

SHARE YOUR WORD IN THE COMMENTS

I’d love to read what word you’ve chosen or are considering for 2018. In the comments feel free to simply leave your word as your comment or write a bit about why you are choosing this word. Next week I’ll combine all the words into a single post – it's become tradition and super inspiring to see all the words in one place.

If you’re new to the concept of One Little Word®, you can read some of my previous posts here:  2007200820092010201120122013201420152016 and 2017

JOIN ME IN MAKING OUR WORDS VISIBLE

To help keep your One Little Word® more visible throughout the year I offer a year-long workshop featuring one creative prompt per month. Read all the details and sign up here. You can watch a video walkthrough of my past album projects hereRegistration is $5 off until December 31, 2017. I've also created a selection of products to help you document your journey with your word - check those out here.

My wonderful little heart talisman in the photo at the top of this post is from Liz Lamoreux and is available on her site as part of her Pocket Talisman Collection

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281 thoughts

  1. Olivia says…
    12/28/2017

    Build

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Jeannew says…
    12/28/2017

    I'm leaning toward Whole. Want to put all the pieces together to be my best self! My word was Ease in 2015. I love Space!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. angieduncan says…
      12/28/2017

      mine too :-)

  3. jdj247 says…
    12/28/2017

    looking forward to seeing your journey with your word. mine is: GROW.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. lizelayne says…
    12/28/2017

    Love reading about your word and love all these words already shared here! My word is embody, and I'm feeling really inspired by the Jim Elliot quote: Wherever you are, be all there.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. andrialarson says…
    12/28/2017

    Less. Less stuff, less stress, less spending, less screen time, less guilt, less worrying, less spending time on things that are not important, less piles on my desk, less expectation...and the list can go on and on. So looking forward to this year.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Lexa73 says…
      12/28/2017

      Yes! My word as well👍 and what about fear-less etc?

  6. CynthiaByTheSea says…
    12/28/2017

    My 8th word is...ACTUALLY.

    I feel like I have a lot of negative self-talk and I want to turn that into positive thoughts. I've made a little 'flip calendar' with a Bible verse for each week of 2018. Every time I think something negative or false (like, I'm not good enough or I can't do this...), I want to focus on that week's verse and say to myself, "Well, ACTUALLY..." and use the Truth to combat the lie.

    Thank you, Ali, for this project!! I appreciate all the work that goes into it!

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Kimberly_White says…
      12/30/2017

      Cool idea!

    2. SilkyTenn says…
      01/02/2018

      I absolutely LOVE the way you're going to approach this! I am extremely hard on myself also. I wish you luck on your journey.

  7. jchurch2 says…
    12/28/2017

    REDEFINE. I have had a very bad year, health-wise. My word this year was RELEASE....the anger, frustration and resentment at having a chronic illness that affects my everyday life. However, in April I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. So....instead of releasing I was given more to deal with. I’ve spent the year going through the stages of depression, grief, anger, acceptance. My therapist suggested REDEFINE for my word.....my expectations, mostly, so I can move forward. Even saying this “aloud” in my post is a release. 2018 can only be better. Bring it on.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Brenna says…
    12/28/2017

    The world WILD is speaking to me.

    I want to have the courage and boldness to follow my wildest dreams. I want to get outside more and enjoy the magnificent beauty of the wilderness. I want to be wild enough to say yes and to follow my curiosities. I want to be wild enough to go somewhere new and put myself out there without overthinking every little thing. I can't wait to see where my new word takes me in 2018!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Nicole333 says…
    12/28/2017

    Grow

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. teacherlisa says…
    12/28/2017

    my word is home

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Jmfishburn says…
      12/28/2017

      That was my word for 2017 and I loved it! Hope you enjoy your journey with home as much as I have!

  11. jenjeb says…
    12/28/2017

    self-care

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. kscraps1 says…
    12/28/2017

    My word this year is MAGIC. I want to have a year full of exploration, creativity, and open-mindedness.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. neverendingjen says…
    12/28/2017

    I considered space for my word, but BE insists on being my word. I want to BE more me.. Be a quilter, Be active, Be aware, Be honest, Be hopeful, Be happy.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Shannon_Primicerio says…
    12/28/2017

    Open

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. lindalovescreating says…
    12/28/2017

    Grow.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. smultringunn says…
    12/28/2017

    Space! That's a great word, with so many areas to explore. I was going to go with a combo of words: grit & grace, but then I read this article that really spoke to me and I haven't been able to let go: http://www.raptitude.com/2017/12/go-deeper-not-wider/ - so I think my word will have to be either DEEP or DEEPER. It can apply to so many of the things I want to focus on right now. I've taken the class before but I don't usually complete the assignments, but this year I'm fired up and ready to dig deep (heh) and I got the kit and everything.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. rockinrobin721 says…
    12/28/2017

    My word his year is ACTION. There’s so many things in my life I need to take action on, my marriage, my business, my home, and this word really resonates with me.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. gina200 says…
    12/28/2017

    Embrace

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. fluidsign says…
    12/28/2017

    My 2018 word is EXPLORE :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. sophie3832 says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is Nurture.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. mindyeggen says…
    12/28/2017

    I'm contemplating the word BALANCE. Reading your post I find myself very similar. I constantly have to be doing something. I can never just Be. Between my at-home-business, kids, family time, playtime, cardmaking, and now trying to catch up with some scrapbooking I am always filling up my time. I'm looking at the word BALANCE because I think I need to find some BALANCE in all aspects. I chose to do the OLW project because I never really do something for myself. I always have the family as my main focal point whether it be in albums, shopping, how my day plays out - all revolves around the kids. I need to find me again. Whew - long winded.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. JBCarr says…
    12/28/2017

    Such a wonderful word Ali!! This year mine is 'seek'.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. dpowersfabian says…
      12/29/2017

      Had "seek" two years ago...it was a wonderful word for me! Good luck!

  23. lmctaggart says…
    12/28/2017

    Nurture

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. chasityfurse says…
    12/28/2017

    Intentional

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Lasussy says…
    12/28/2017

    My word por 2018 is INTENTIONAL

    Reply 0 Replies

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