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
I selected FINISH as my 2011 word. My goal this year is to finish organizing, finish simplifying, finish many projects and finish scrapbooks. I considered BEGIN as a word until I realized I have begun many things, but haven't finished as much as I would like. I look forward to the class!
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My word for 2011 is STRENGTH. I had a cancer scare earlier in the year, and this is the year for me to concentrate on getting and staying strong...physically, spiritually, mentally.
I've ordered my necklace from Meredith Fenwick designs.
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i'm thinking "wholehearted". i have a lot of healing and acceptance work to do, and Brene Brown's work is so encouraging to me. i also keep seeing hearts everywhere i turn, so i think it's a sign.
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My word for 2011 is "quench." As I have reflected back on the past year, I find that my soul is thirsty for many things......more time for my art, more time to just be quiet, more time with my God and in His Word, more time to nurture my body with good food and regular exercise, and more time to nurture my spirit and my family's spirit.
In 2011, it is my goal to quench my soul's thirst for these things.
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I totally love this word.
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balance
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"Now" is my word for 2010. No more time wasted looking back or anticipating/worrying/dreaming about the future and missing out on what's happening right in front of me. In 2010 I will honor, respect, and celebrate Now.
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Wonderful choice! Inspiring word!
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Hi Ali, I love the "one little word" idea. I have to say it really helps when you have personal goals you are trying to achieve. This year my word is Challenge. Every spring and fall I have really big challenges to get through, and so having this word in the back of my mind will help me to get through those very challenging months. Also I am starting a new business and have some fitness goals that I want to achieve so challenge also works nicely. I am hoping that Challenge will take me from my last year of my 30's and transition me nicely into my 40's! I can't wait to see how your word will play out this coming year!
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I love your word, Ali!
My word for 2011 is create. I've thought about it for some time and I hope that it helps to remind me throughout the year that sometimes I just need to take a break from what's happening in life and just go create for myself...
Have a lovely day!
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Complete. I would not have thought of it I don't think....without scanning through this great discussion. But now that I have it I love it. As in I will complete my schooling, and will work to be complete myself. There are always one or two areas that I slide in the service of others. Time to make myself complete!
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My word is "believe." Believing that all things are possible.
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I was stuck on gratitude and then blessing. For some reason the word "REFLECTION" found me. It fits perfectly as I'm turning 50 in 2011 and I would like to reflect upon the last 50 years. I see a lot of pages based on "reflection" this year.
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Funny, I had light choose me about a month ago after brainstorming a decent sized list of words & then when I read it was your word for the year I knew it was meant to be. I want to be light as in healthy, a inspiring presence to people around me & most importantly, I want to follow the light of inspiration wherever it leads me this year. I start a new job on January 4th so I'm guessing there will be lots of opportunities to follow " light" in my life in the coming year.
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My word is BEAUTY. I am going to look for it everywhere. Last year my word was positive. It was a good word and I wish that I had had this class last year.
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Blessed. Because I am, so very much, and have been reminded several times throughout the last two weeks just how much I have to be grateful for. Thank you for this activity. Last year, my word was Accept & I kept it in my mind all year. I'm looking forward to finding more ways to bless others & be blessed in 2011.
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I'm considering: unleashed, healed, new, or remade. I'm hoping my word will choose me in the end, too.
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My word for 2011 is going to be Embrace -
There are so many things I want to embrace - imperfections, the moment, my personal power ... the list goes on.
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My word for 2011 is IMPROVE. 2010 I spent in a little of a rut, so many problems and things going on and no time to take care of some of the important things, so I want to spend 2011 improving myself. SPIRITUALLY, I want to get back to reading the bible again and find answers to questions that I have, I want to improve myself MENTALLY, clear my head, deal with one thing at a time, just pull it all together without making myself nuts, and actaully accomphish something, and finally PHYSICALLY , I want to get in shape and start taking better care of myself, I am not getting any younger. I know all of this may sound a little selfish but I don't mean for it to, I just want everybody's everything to be better in 2011.
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My word since I can't get it out of my head is EXCEL. 2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
This could be a very frustrating word, but excelling also means really taking a look at everything and doing it with the right attitude, prioritizing and always with a giving heart.
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I am so looking forward to the One Little Word class.
My word for 2011 is present. With many meanings...I want to make sure that I am present and in the moment, no time like the present (procrastination) , making sure that my actions are presents for others, ect.
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My word is balance. I am looking forward to your one little word class at Big Picture Classes.
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