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
Love this idea. This'll be my first time - very exciting. I'm thinking of going with TRUST. Trust that I have what it takes to achieve my goals. Trust in the goodness of others.
Can't wait for the workshop! Looking forward to it!!
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I ended up choosing LUCK as my word. Not just because I'm hoping to bring some luck into my life, but that I need to focus on all of the things in life I am lucky and blessed to have. I just got a necklace with the word LUCK and a wishbone on it, which inspired my word choice. :)
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Mine is change. I feel like I'm on the verge of so much change this year....jobs, family roles, possible move. I typically don't deal well with change and am a bit of a control freak, so I'm trying to learn to embrace it. I also want to make some changes in myself, learning to forgive and let go of some things, change my outlook, and be better about fitness... Here's to 2011!
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My life is full of confusion and sadness at the moment. I feel that I can't make a decision on which word to chose. I am thinking about create but I don't want to add pressure on myself thinking I have to keep creating so I may not go with that. I love reading all your suggestions here. I will make a decision my next week I think LOL.
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I am so excited to pick FLOURISH:
to be in a vigorous state; thrive: a period in which art flourished.
2. to be in its or in one's prime; be at the height of fame, excellence, influence, etc.
3. to be successful; prosper.
4. to grow luxuriantly, or thrive in growth, as a plant.
My husband and I chose it together... it beat out essential, together, and thrive- it has such a nice ring to it:-)
Off to sign up for your class- now that I found my word!!
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Wait. It's such a patient little word that we seem to detest as a society. I want to learn to wait, think, set aside emotions and respond, rather than react. To wait on the Lord. To be still and to quiet my heart.
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reconnect
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My word for 2011 is CONFIDENCE.
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Last year my word was Treasure. My One Little Word for 2011 is COMPLETE. I'm turning 39 soon and there are things I want to complete before I turn 40 - scrapbook the stories from the past three years, lose weight, start a walking habit, rediscover reading. My unofficial words are Space - that's a really good one - and Simplify.
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ENGAGE
engage in my roles: child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend
engage in courage
engage in using my voice
engage in doing something with good ideas I let fall to the side
engage in love
engage in joy
engage in giving in secret
engage in 2011
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After much thought, I've chosen the word simplify. I know I need to declutter my house and my surroundings, as well as my emotional clutter. It is time to simplify my schedule and my commitments. By doing so I will be taking care of ME, which in turn will be a positive influence on my family and friends as well.
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CHANGE
In 2011, I hope to look on change as a positive and embrace it rather than fearing it. In 2011, my divorce will be finalized, my business will close, I will move across the country leaving all of my wonderful friends behind to start a new life, I will find a new job/career, I will transition from 10 years of being a full-time Mom to being Mom and working outside the home and will be entering the dating world again after 14 years - lots of changes in store.
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My word for 2011 is intent. Like "something that is intended, purpose, meaning, significance" I loved last year with my word and I am excited to try to live with more purpose this year--to play, work, love, live with intent! I can't wait.
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I have participated in one little word for the past 3 years my words have been simply, bloom and capture. For 2011 I have chosen "fearless." It is time for me to move forward in my life and live my dreams without fear. I deserve it and I am worth it.
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Believe is my word. . . . believe in God, believe in myself, believe in other's love for me.
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Though I've been aware of One Little Word, i've never chosen a words for myself. My first word will be (re)Discover.
I want to rediscover things of myself that I've allowed to lay dormant as I focused on being a Wife and a Mom. I also want to discover new things, not just about myself, but about, well, anything!
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less
this is my word. less stress. less "stuff". less waste. less consumption. less time wasted.
less is always more and this year i am focusing on more joy-filled, intentional living.
this begins with less.
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My one little word for 2011 is reduce.
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After much thought and reflection, my word for 2011 is SLOW. I thought as I got older I would slow down, take things slower, not be the hyper person that I am. But I still find myself running 100 mph and sometimes I feel like I'm missing things along the way. So this year, I want to slow down. Take on less commitments, say no more often and spend more time in slow motion.
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Space:
Space to live, breathe and relax through the choices I make.
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