Weekend Creative : February #3 : Revisiting One Little Word
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yoga self portrait : camera sitting on floor using the timer
Hello mid-February, what have you done with my word?
This morning I decided to go looking for it again. We were doing nicely, my word + I, for the first month or so and then things (also known as the crazy business of life) got in the way.
Last year my word was peace. What I liked about that word was that it lived just beneath the surface and it was perfectly comfortable there. I could whisper it to center myself or simply call it up in my mind when I needed a reminder to take a deeper breath or to take a step back from a situation. It simply existed within me - which was what I really needed at that point in time.
This year my word (vitality) requires more action. I want it to require more action. I want it to get me into the gym each morning after I drop Simon off at school. I want it to guide me in making healthy choices for myself. I think I need something a bit louder than a whisper this year. I think I literally need to say my word out loud when I need that push to take action.
Which brings me to Seinfeld.
Remember back in the day on Seinfeld when George's Dad would say/yell out "SERENITY NOW" when he gets frustrated in an effort to keep his blood pressure down?
So why not "VITALITY NOW." And seriously, this sort of life action needs some humor as a partner to get me to change my ways.
The only person who can make this happen for myself is me. One choice at a time. One day at a time.
Your creative prompt this weekend is to check-in with your own word. (Don't have one yet? Read here for more info on the one little word concept.) Where does your word live? Is it a beneath-the-surface or in-your-face sort of word? What are you doing to actively reflect on your word if yours is one that needs something a little bit more participation? Or maybe your word is simply percolating which may be just the perfect place for it to be at this time. Either way, take a bit of time this weekend for a mid-February date with your word.
(You can see the entire Serenity Now episode here.)
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61 comments
Ha! Too funny! They just got done with a contest over at CK regarding your mantra. Here is mine! Think you will get a laugh.
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/gallery/details.ihtml?idx=91553
Thanks for the giggle!
Jennifer
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My word this year is determined. I have decided this is my year. I am 40 and I am ready to push myself beyond my own knowledge, expectations and beliefs about myself. I have decided to pick just one thing each month to focus on to get to my ultimate goals. In January, I gave up soda FOREVER. I drink pretty much water all the time and I dropped 15 lbs just with that. February working out consistently. I haven't done as well. My best friend lost her husband and life has gotten hectic. I am thinking March might find me continuing this focus. I just ordered to COOL tennis shoes from Nike.com that you can personalize with anything you want. I put my name on one and determined on the other. I will send you a photo when they come.
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That episode is hysterical!
I havent had a strong focus on my word, believe, but after the shooting at NIU, which is where my son goes, I do believe! Then again, I also can't believe it.
He's fine and got home.
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"Serenity Now" - just what I need!!! My husband has been laid off for 2 months. He applied for the school district job, thought he had a great chance, but justt heard that it was filled. My positive, optimistic attitude is slowly deteriorating. "Serenity Now" Please..how about a gallon of that.
Maybe I just need to yell it out!!
So, for today, I am going to eat a half gallon of ice cream- and pretend for just that moment- that that is "Serenity". Tina
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Mine was "ALIVE" as in "to be alive" or "act alive" or all manner of ALIVEs. As of last week, it's "glad to be ALIVE" becuz after ignoring women's heart symptoms for 2 weeks, having perfect cholesterol, HDL/LDL, etc., I finally got to the ER and then a heart cath where it was found that the LAD artery, 1 of the 3 large arteries on the outside of our hearts, and affectionately called "The Widowmaker," was 99% blocked. The doc told my husband I was "this close" (holding his thumb and index finger together about 1/2" apart) from having a massive heart attack which I probably wouldn't have survived. I sure feel more ALIVE with my bright shiny new stent holding the artery open. No wonder I was concerned about not seeming ALIVE when I chose the word and needed some incentive to act more ALIVE. So ladies, memorize your heart symptoms; they're different than the signs that now we know were men's rather than ours.
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After reading your blog this am..reminding myself to recheck the Jenni Bowlin site, I practiced my WORD...Selective. Yes, instead of the fifteen items I wanted I only bought ten. I'm making progress don't you think? Cindy
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I know what you mean about needing to hear your word 'a bit louder than a whisper' - right about now I think I need a megaphone but somehow that doesn't seem to jive with my word - SOUL. Trying to cut out all the chatter in my head and focus on my word and what's important. You're right... we have to make this happen for ourselves with every choice - everyday.
Thanks for reminding me - thanks for being my mini-megaphone!
A.
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Such a funny episode!! I need to watch it for a good laugh! Hope you are feeling better since CHA!
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Love the yoga shot! And the Seinfeld comment made me laugh! Thanks!
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Ali
Your blog has been so full of eye-candy lately, and inspires me every time I visit. This has nothing to do with my word, I just wanted to let you know your time and energy (and vitality) is appreciated.
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Ok so I have to face it, my word is Conquer and is not a choice this weekend I do need to conquer everything I have in a long list to prepare for a Wed-Sun scrapbooking retreat, that means packing, laundry and leaving it all ready, I need to start chanting my word and as yours mine demands action so i have do more than i have, best of luck Ali, hugs, Rosa.
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My husband and I have laughed and said "Serenity Now" many times! My word is "pilgrimage" and I think I've already veered off the road a little.
Thanks for the reminder and laugh.
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ah a reference to one of my favorite seinfeld episodes. My word this year is delight. But it doesn't sound good yelled (costanza style) like vitality...
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i'll be chanting VITALITY NOW right along beside you. for you. and for me.
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My one word is Enjoy and I am living the word. I loved the idea of the letters and art and have been taking photos of the things I enjoy. I am spending time enjoying the moment and experiences, I am taking some time to slow down and enjoy life. I am surrounded by my word from my blog and my wee collection of photos and I carry my word (scrabble tiles) in my bag with me....
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That was a great Seinfeld episode!
So far I've been doing exactly what I had in mind when I chose my one little word...Time. I have been more deliberate in the use of, balancing, cherishing and capturing time.
There are tangible things that I can show for my use of this one little word but for the most part it is something I just feel.
And I made this as my constant reminder for those days when life tries to get in the way...
http://jillconyers.typepad.com/life_as_i_see_it/2008/02/creating-with-c.html
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Serenity Now
Excellent YouTube.... Thanks for posting it. I am laughing and hope to use that phrase all day and for the next while....to cute.
ava
cottagerca
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PATIENCE!
My word, shouting it out.
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Ali - you need to send me your mailing address so I can send you one of my momme planners - it has a space for ME Time and exercise tracking column and healthy meal planning - all to help with your vitality! email me -
Jenny :)
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Ali - you need to send me your mailing address so I can send you one of my momme planners - it has a space for ME Time and exercise tracking column and healthy meal planning - all to help with your vitality! email me -
Jenny :)
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