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
[...] have big plans for 2011. Ali Edwards, a scrapbooker and blogger, chooses one word every January for the year ahead. A word that is [...]
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My word is PURPOSE. Since quitting my job a few years ago and not not being able to find another during this economic slump, I've been feeling adrift, aimless. My job (writing, reporting) gave me some sort of purpose. I want to find purpose again.
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My word for 2011 is MORE. I want to do more, be more, see more and so MORE is it. Last year it was change and boy did I for the better! I think that this year will bring MORE changes into my life and I want them all to be very positive. I am looking forward to the BPS class. I asked for it as a Christmas gift, and can just see myself doing more this upcoming year. Thanks Ali for all you constant inspiration. I have been following OLW since the beginning and each year it just gets better.
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I have choosed "remember". I want to start 2011 off remembering my friends a families special days and remembering to mail them cards and do phone calls.
I also have been working on our geneology. It still has a way to go but I believe that people are never forgotten, no matter how many years go by, as long as they are remembered.
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my word is rhythm and i already made my own necklace with that word in it.
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My word is "Release". The word kind of found me...so much that needs to be released inside of me; hurt, pain, love, forgiveness, gifts, the perfect will of God on my life...
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I found you through Joy Tanksley, who introduced me to Christine Kane's Word Of The Year. Until recently, I had never heard of this practice, but I love it! I am not a traditional resolution-maker or goal-setter and so I often resist stuff like this. But choosing a word (and creating a vision board around it) speaks to me. And so my word for 2011 is AWE! In all areas of my life, I want to feel and experience AWE.
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My word is HEAL.
2010 has been an amazingly rough year, and in 2011 I need to heal again...
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Your idea of "one little word" inspired me so much last year. More than making New Year's Resolutions ever has. That word sat in the back of my mind throughout every situation that arose.
This year my word is Flourish. 1. to thrive; prosper 2. to be at the peak of condition 3. to be healthy
While in the middle of hardship I want to know deep down in my bones that it will be o.k. and I will come out a better woman. A stronger woman. A wiser woman. The best woman I can be.
This year, I will flourish.
Thank you so much for this beautiful concept, it has affected me in such a positive way.
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I'm going with purposeful this year. There are many things I want to accomplish, and I'm going to have to be purposeful and intentional to accomplish them. Celebrations, organization, physical changes, revitalizing areas of my life--all will take acting on purpose. Looking forward to taking charge and seeing some things through!
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After much thought my word fo 2011 is 'pray'. There is much to be grateful for in my life but there is also a lot to pray for in our future and the future of our country so 'pray' seems to be the right word for me this year.
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my word this year is HONESTY.
Not in the way that I should refrain from lying (which we all should) but in the sense that I need to be honest with my ability to accomplish things, with my goals, be realistic with what I can get done in this short year, be honest about what my needs really are, my families needs, our financial needs, honest with myself about being a good deserving person,honest with my goals to MOVE MORR and EAT LESS journey (thanks CathyZ), honest with my faith life, and also to be an honest friend, wife and mother.
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2009......."simplify"
2010......."persevere"
2011......."accomplish"
So looking forward to your class Ali...can't wait!
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I'm also new to the One Little Word. I read about it last year, but was a scattered mess & didn't commit. However last year I did immediately know which word I would do if I ever did it. So this year I will use that word,as I am certain it is still an element of my life I need to be more aware of. I saw that some others already chose a word very similar.
My word is INTENTIONAL. For so many reasons. Summed up, I believe that life is directed by the decisions we make, and I must be intentional in making those decisions. My thoughts and my words will take me where I am going, and I should choose them intentionally.
thanks for the inspriation!
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My word for the year will be CHOICES. This is also my first year with the one little word journey and I am excited. I am 46 and have struggled the past several years with an eating disorder. CHOICES chose me. I'm hoping for a life changing experience.
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My word for 2011 is believe.
Believe that I can do all that I want to do.
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I'm still debating and thinking about it, but the word COURAGE comes to me. My Dad passed away leaving me in charge of his businesses. I typically avoid complicated situations at all costs (just my personality). But now, I'm thrown into this and have to make the best of it. I know my Dad would want me to have COURAGE to see it through, and not give up. So, COURAGE comes to me.
Also, the word REJUVENATE appeals to me. I feel like I've been through a sausage grinder this year. I would like to be more like myself, like the person I was before. I may never be exactly the person I was before, but maybe closer. So, REJUVENATE appeals to me as well.
I love looking through all of the other choices!
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Simplify. I think it speaks pretty much for itself (and I mean it in every sense of the word...stuff, life, social networks, friendships, everything.)
Peace & Love,
~Barb~
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I have been waiting for my word for 2011 to find me... several words have been swirling around; but the one that has "landed" in my spirit is {HOPE}. I am OPEN to what it will mean to fully embrace hope in my life this year... there are few areas in my life in DESPERATE need of it!!!
I am REALLY looking forward to your BPS Class Ali!!!
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Simplicity. I thought simplify at first, but simplicity evokes more feeling for me. And it's not all about decluttering, but really about connecting to WHO I am at my core, as well. So simplicity.
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