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
[...] keep me on track with my resolutions, I decided to focus on one word for the year. Like Ali Edwards, and many other, focusing on one word helps give direction towards goals. For me, I hope my [...]
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I've been following your blog now and then, but this is the first time I comment... My word of 2010 was SMILE and it totally was a year filled with laughter (even better then smiles huh!)
My word for this year is AWARENESS - I thought I'd let you know this time. Happy New Year!
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[...] 2011 is here. And I have decided to choose a word/theme for the year, thanks to Ali Edwards and other bloggers. I like the idea of having one word in the back of my mind to learn from and [...]
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My word for this year is going to be "action." I have lived most of my life being afraid to try new things and even putting off things I know how to do for some unknown fear or just pure procrastination or laziness. I am determined to make this a year of action! :)
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my word this year is COMPLETE. you can read about it here: http://katemadedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-all-about-words.html
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oh! if only i'd known of your existence prior to this very minute, now much i would have loved to register for your workshop! it sounds like just the way to celebrate this entire year.
since i can't be a part of it, though- here is my word: abundance.
so glad to have found this space.
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Hi Kitchu - just so you know you can register for the class anytime throughout the year ;).
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I wasn't planning on choosing one word for the year but with my resolution this one makes sense and it's been in my head for the past few days: Finish
My resolution is to be a finisher - finish the laundry instead of leaving it sitting folded in the basket, finish cleaning the kitchen instead of leaving the counter unwiped, finish that scrapbook project, finish that quilt, etc.
I hope to put the word "Finish" in a few different places as a reminder for me.
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[...] A Ali vem propondo essa ideia desde 2007 e você pode clicar nos links para ler e compreender melhor: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. [...]
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Rejoice is my word for 2011.
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My word for this year are Vitality, and i hope be with it.
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My one little word for 2011 is "story". For me this word can take on many forms, from listening the stories of others, documenting the stories of my family to writing my own story for my life. I am excited about this little word and am looking forward to how it will take shape in my life and the types of stories that will be uncovered.
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As I think about the things I want to do in 2011 - the word that came to me is FUN. if this is a word I focus on all year, it looks like we will certainly be enjoying this year to come!
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[...] years ago, I was inspired by Ali Edwards to choose “One Little Word” for New Year instead of writing a long list of resolutions which I probably wouldn’t [...]
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Hi Ali, I have a question. I live in South Korea, is the One Word workshop still available for overseas 'one little worders' or is it not suitable? Thanks for the great idea, it makes me so expectant for this year!
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Sure! It's open to anyone :)
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I think I'm actually going to get into this in the new year! I looked for my word but actually, I think I need to seek this out for myself this year. Last year was soooo crazy. I felt that I was always stressed out and running around. So, my word this year is CALM. I need to seek out CALM for my soul, my family, and even in my hectic schedule. I need to remain calm in times of stress and disorder. If I can find some CALM this year, I think I will be a much happier person.
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My word is {cultivate}. My plans for 2011 include: Cultivating a garden in my oh-so-small yard (with the dream of having a farm one day). Cultivating my relationships with my husband, family and friends. Cultivating my own sewing and knitting projects and having a more "hand-made" life.
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RESTORE-so much in my life needs to be re-energized. I am very blessed...just need a little jolt to get me through the net 45 years.
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hey ali, just curious. will you be making a One Little Word blinkie that we could possibly post on our blogs to show our participation?
i know you are busy busy... last thing on your list most likely.
just wondering.
and my word this, my first year, is BELIEVE. as in - i totally believe in this. i CAN'T BELIEVE this... need to believe in myself a bit more, so glad my hubby believes in me, etc. feel like that word can be woven into the big and the small things in life. excited to see where it takes me.
thanks!
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It's great to be joining in on this conversation! My OWL is serendipity - I love the idea of being more open to the the world around me and receptive to all it has to offer.
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CREATE...this word chose me several months ago. More time to create things with my hands is my starting point. I look forward to seeing how it manifests itself in my life.
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