One Little Word 2011
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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 comments
strong
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Mine is "firework"...I am so conservative...and the Katie Perry song makes me feel special, like I can do anything...I always underestimate myself...
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I love this. It's funny--because that song actually makes me get a lump in my throat. I think it's the perfect song to live by. Everytime I hear it, suddenly it becomes an excellent reminder of what we are worth!! Way to go firework!!!
Love this!
I love this too.
Her song is part of the reason why I chose 'shine' for my word.
Great song - fun and so inspirational!!
P.S. I underestimate myself all the time too - it's time we stopped doing that :)
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Time
In my busy world I often do not take time for the most important people or things in my life. I want my word to remind me and guide me to take time for Life.
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There have been two words entwining into my life recently- light and love. I combined them into another word I am drawn to- DEVOTION- love with vision and commitment.
I am looking forward to exploring love and light with you in your class, Ali!
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Renew - is the word that keeps coming to my mind. Renewal in so many areas of my life. Not that anything is bad, just that I need to focus in and make things new again, better, have a renewed sense of purpose and zeal!
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This word is calling to me too...so many things that I can make better.
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I had some words hovering... I wasnt sure which I should choose... I wrote them down and underneath each added my reasons/thoughts behind each one. in moments there was a clear winner - with five hundred {or thereabouts ;)} reasons and meanings for me.
My word is balance.
Balance between thinking it over and over thinking.
Between doing some art work and staying up for three hours too many after midnight
Between being letting it go and fighting them all the way
Between hearing the comment and over thinking it
Between helping out and feeling used.
Between wanting it right and setting ridiculous standards.
Looking forward to your class Ali :)
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The word that chose me was movement.
Looking back on the year 2010 I would have to say that the word that defined it was stagnant.
I am ready (and yearning) for movement. Moving my body, Moving my spirit. Moving my finances. Moving my projects along. So yeah, movement it is!
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Cultivate - the dual meaning/use of this word/implement is exactly what I need (yes, I'm a farmer's daughter!) A cultivator loosens the soil to prepare it for planting & growth... and later removes the weeds from around the growing plants. I'm looking forward to growth this coming year, but also need to weed out the things in my life that don't fit anymore.
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My word is change---it sounds cliche when I say it, but I think we are in for a lot of change in our lives this year---new city, new home, new schools (for me--I teach, my son), new friends, new church---change, change, CHANGE!!! And it's not all bad---new grandbaby!!! But I think it will be a year of change whether it's my word or not. I'm choosing to embrace the change---not begrudge it---to find the "sweet" in it, not just the negative---but the beautiful. I'm looking forward to what the Lord will teach me during this year and how I will respond---not react---to the CHANGE!! Thanks Ali for helping me focus---
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My one little word for 2011 is LESS as in consume less, spend less, weigh less, worry less, obsess less, waste less. I have taken on a lot of new responsibility and my roles have changed. I am now a working mom. I have not transitioned as well as I would have liked and need to streamline my lifestyle so I am not so wasteful. So less, it is!
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Maybe I'm just a day late and a dollar short, but the word STORY is just jumping out at me. This year's Dec Daily introduced me to the word and I'd like to continue to see where it leads.
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I just love this project Ali! Thank you for the inspiration each year!
I haven't chosen my word yet but I have narrowed it down to 3 choices. I know whichever I choose will be great for me, as my words were in previous years.)
RESCUE - Based on the volunteer work with a dog rescue organization I have been doing and will be doing more with in 2011. I have time to give and I want to use it the best I can.
JOURNEY - Enjoy the journey and focus less on the destination. Know that my specific journey in life is perfect for me.
MOMENT - Try less to capture those perfect moments with my camera instead of actually living them. Also, focus more on specific moments and what is special about them instead of the past and future.
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hi Ali,
not sure if you'll get this message, but it's worth a try!
we met back in 2005 at a CKU where I was in your class "A Week in the Life." It was an awesome project and I loved capturingn the everday minutae that made up my life.
One little problem. Fast forward to 2010 and I've been divorced for about 4 years. This year I decided this final vestige of my former marriage had to go, but with it goes my project.
I have plenty to be happy about in the here and now and would love to capture another week in my life. Would you, could you, pretty please send me the instructions for the album using the 12 x 12 Scrapworks (now called Anthologie I think) for a week in the life?
I'd love to start over, but need some help creating the template. Many thanks & hope this year is filled with light for you.
xo,
Christina Lam
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Hi Christina - unfortunately I don't have access to those instructions anymore but I do have a whole series set up here on my site for creating new week in the life projects. You can check them out here: http://aliedwards.com/2010/01/week-in-the-life.html
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I have thought about the word off and on for a few weeks, but it was a process of events and thoughts and paths that chose the word for me this year. I love having that happen, it puts great anticipation in my soul. This year it is plant, and everytime I think of how it might play itself out, tears well up in my eyes. Wish I could join your class, but as always just inspired by what you already share. Happiest of New Years Ali.
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Organize- Life, Time, Space. As a new mom this feels this most:)
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2010 wasn't an easy year for me, dealing with having cancer! But my (secret) word was 'possibilities' and i found that during the year i had many! Treatment was very tough, but every time i felt a little better i was so happy that i could do things, that i could enjoy things, that i could meet people and that i could make things! There were still many possibilities for me in life! So i was a good word!
And, now that treatment is done, and i step into another new year, i find myself hoping to achieve a lot in 2011! I don't have specific plans or goals, but i would be wonderful if i could close 2011 with a lot of things done! So 'achieve' is my word! Hope it's 'as good to me' as this years word!
Oh, and i'm signed up to your class Ali! Have my page protectors and papers at the ready! Can't wait to start!
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It sounds like you had a tough year PJ, but also that you've got a positive attitude which is so great. I'll put you in my prayers for a wonderful and healthy 2011 for you!
I love your attitude PJ! Peace to you in 2011.
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My word for 2011 is "J.O.Y" As in:
1. Jesus
2. Others
3. Yourself
I want 2011 to be the year I consciously try my very best to live my life sequentially according to this acronym. I am sure I will find true joy if I do!
Thanks for the continual dose of inspiration everyone!
Blessings for a happy, healthy, "J.O.Y.-ful" New Year!
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Ok, I just received confirmation that "J.O.Y." is the word of 2011 for me. I opened up my daily Dove Promise Chocolate piece and my daily "promise" read:
"Joy is contagious."
(Yep, that's my word!) :-)
Love this word & especially your definition of it.
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My word is Balance. This will serve as a gentle reminder to find balance in my everyday life. Family, friends, work & play.
Thanks Ali- I am so looking forward to Twenty-Eleven!
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Execute-I have a lot of ideas in my head of things that I would *like* to do and never seem to find the time to do them. 2011 is the year to EXECUTE my "to do" list. ie more charity/community work; move more eat less ; even more time with family I can go on and on... :)
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My word this year is EUCHARISTEO and is inspired by the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (her website: http://www.aholyexperience.com/one-thousand-gifts-book/)
When Jesus "gave thanks" the original language says eucharisteo which means gift or grace and also means joy. So, grace, thanksgiving, joy all together in one word: eucharisteo.
I hope to use this word as a catalyst to give thanks continually, to notice the gift of beauty everywhere and be joyful always---something that is difficult for me as a recovering cynic.
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I just changed my one little word from "enough" to eucharisteo! I am almost finished with Ann's book and it is awesome! "In all things, give thanks." "In ALL things, give thanks." I want to live a life of gratitude.
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