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
[...] never read prior to, oh, Friday night but that’s gonna change!) has a tradition of choosing one little word that she uses to frame her year ahead. I think I’ll be reading her more soon, as it seems [...]
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Sometimes I overthink things... Noooooooooo, really?? My word for 2011 came to me yesterday out of the blue after thinking on it for a month. I dwelled on the word 'change' because there will be a big change for me this year. Then, I thought of 'fearless', because I need to be fearless with the new year and the changes it will bring. Then, the real word came to me, the one I needed all along.... 'dance'. It fits in with everything, for me anyway, and isn't that what my one little word is supposed to do. With this word, I can change and be fearless... If you know the songs I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack and Life's A Dance by John Michael Montgomery... that's what my word is all about... DANCE!
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My one little word for 2011 is HOPE. I'm hoping (no pun intended) my little word will lead to wonderful things this year.
xo
jeanne
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[...] photo from Ali Edwards [...]
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Hi Ali, I was inspired by you last year as I chose a word for the year and loved how it impacted my life in so many ways. This year I have chosen a new word, "rest". I'm looking forward to seeing how it shapes my actions and interactions in 2011!
Seriously wanting a "rest" necklace too!!
Thanks so much!
Jenny
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I am a new visitor who was not familiar with this one word concept for a new year. I embrace it. After a couple difficult floundering years, I need a word. My word is DIRECTION and in capital letters. I actually wrote this 3 weeks ago, and in finding your blog today, reinforced for me, my goals for 365 days. Direction..it is fitting.
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ABUNDANCE.
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CONNECT
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My word is surrender - as in letting go the need for control
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[...] with last year, I am adopting Ali Edward’s One Little Word for my own personal use, and for 2011 have chosen (or it chose me) , the word [...]
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My one little word for the new year is "LEARN"..After reading your blog, and LEARNING about "one little word" and LEARNING what one little word can do for you, and wanting to LEARN many more techniques for my love of scrapping, it hit me that LEARN is the perfect word for me. I am very excited about this word, and all the wonderful things that are going to come my way this year because I will be "LEARNING". You can never learn to much!!!
thank you
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My word for 2011 will be: "Clarity."
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[...] For more information about One Little Word, check out this post by Ali Edwards. [...]
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My word is simply FAITH.
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I'm stuck between two words at the moment. Possibility and Opportunity.The end of 2010 and the start of this year have already presented some things that are very difficult to understand the why and I am thinking something to remind me that every closed door is a new start might be just what I need in the coming year.
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A little late with this but my word for 2011 is believe. To believe in myself, to believe I can do anything and achieve all that I want to achieve.
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Mindful. It's taken me a few days to find my word. This year I want to simplify, organize, and enjoy life more. Working full time for the first time in 5 years, being a mom and wife, going to grad school makes time very limited and precious for me. This weekend while cleaning the garage the word finally came to me.
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My word is STRENGTH
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[...] the word came to me while I was cleaning out the garage with my husband. I explained the one little word thing by Ali and how I wanted a good word, that was more than inspiring. And he really got into and as we [...]
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[...] your One Little Word? [...]
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