One Little Word® 2018 | Space

My One Little Word® for 2018 is space. 

Since 2006 I've been choosing a word to focus on over the course the 12 months from January through December. My past words have included: 

  • Play
  • Peace
  • Vitality
  • Nurture
  • Story
  • Light
  • Up
  • Open
  • Thrive
  • Give
  • Whole
  • Connect

For 2018 I'm looking to get curious about the idea of space. 

The word "space" has quite a few different meanings, from an interval of time to a continuous area or expanse which is free, available or unoccupied to the dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move (outer space) to the freedom and scope to live, think, and develop in a way that suits one. 

What I'm interested in inviting into my life this year is some breathing room. I find myself regularly filling things up: time, physical space, projects, etc. I want to see what it feels like to have "room" for thinking and dreaming and learning and moving at a slower pace. I want to pay attention and begin to recognize those times when I'm unconsciously filling up the space and learn to pause before continuing on auto-pilot. 

Simply put, what I want to do this year is create more "white space" in my life to pursue what really matters most to me. 

Companion words - words that are also speaking to me - this year include: wonder, less, ease, and slow. 

I'm really looking forward to experiencing life with this word in 2018.  

TAKE A LISTEN

I recently recorded a podcast with Elise on Elise Gets Crafty where we chat about our 2017 and 2018 words. Take a listen here

SHARE YOUR WORD IN THE COMMENTS

I’d love to read what word you’ve chosen or are considering for 2018. In the comments feel free to simply leave your word as your comment or write a bit about why you are choosing this word. Next week I’ll combine all the words into a single post – it's become tradition and super inspiring to see all the words in one place.

If you’re new to the concept of One Little Word®, you can read some of my previous posts here:  2007200820092010201120122013201420152016 and 2017

JOIN ME IN MAKING OUR WORDS VISIBLE

To help keep your One Little Word® more visible throughout the year I offer a year-long workshop featuring one creative prompt per month. Read all the details and sign up here. You can watch a video walkthrough of my past album projects hereRegistration is $5 off until December 31, 2017. I've also created a selection of products to help you document your journey with your word - check those out here.

My wonderful little heart talisman in the photo at the top of this post is from Liz Lamoreux and is available on her site as part of her Pocket Talisman Collection

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281 thoughts

  1. lulabelle says…
    12/28/2017

    Love your OLW Ali.
    PLANT is my OLW for 2018

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. sim1 says…
    12/28/2017

    Wow! Great word!!!! Many many years ago I invited that word into my life and experienced a number of significant shifts.....

    My word for 2018 is pleasure!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. MeliF says…
    12/28/2017

    Awesome word. I'm almost certain my 2018 word is 'choose'. Want to finish reading a book before making the final decision, but looking forward to the project no matter what word I select :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. SusanB says…
    12/28/2017

    Pause

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. jambajuice57 says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is PRACTICE. There are several parts of my life I want to apply new practices to and see what sticks. Your mantra of "progress, not perfection" is captured for me in the idea of practice.
    I went to Liz's site but it says the heart talismans are sold out.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. laceyweeks says…
      12/28/2017

      i just bought mine - click on the heart one and chose custom and entered simplify ...i didn't see where there was anything sold out however.maybe try again? good luck!

  6. LeslieNorgren says…
    12/28/2017

    Release

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Smartis86 says…
    12/28/2017

    Health

    I haven't been seriously ill or anything, but after I chose "change" for 2017 and got into some gym routine, I lost this in the months of November and December due to a lot of (Christmas) stress at work and so many other plans... now I hope to get into it again and also pay more attention to what I eat.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. CaroleJulius says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is kind. I'm looking forward to this journey with you again!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. krista_denno says…
    12/28/2017

    I'm always enamored with this project... I've started a few times since 2015, and each year I've fallen off because of unexpected life things that threw me. I really hope to commit this year.. my word is STRENGTHEN... there are many applications of this for me; physically, personally, relationship-wise, work-related... I am really thrilled that you open this space to us all to join the journey! Thank you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Sharonkc says…
    12/28/2017

    Great word - and intention, Ali! My word for 2018 is gather. My daughter leaves for college next year, and I just want to take every little bit in - in anticipation of our big change.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. supertoni says…
      12/28/2017

      I’m in the same boat Sharon, hard to believe our oldest is leaving the nest. Thinking I might go with Progress for my word. I have lots of goals (both with kid leaving and personal) and I really need to focus more on the whole “progress NOT perfection” bit.

  11. Becky_C says…
    12/28/2017

    Kindness is my word for 2018.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. dianeak says…
    12/28/2017

    Love your word Ali! My word for 2018 is now. Now is the time...for living in the moment, for taking care of myself, for giving in a much more meaningful way. I'm sure I will think of a few more. I'm looking forward to embracing "now" and taking this journey with everyone.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. lbvancura says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is RISE ... to respond warmly, to be heartened, to meet a challenge, to take place or happen. Focusing on relationships this upcoming year.

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. nlgeiger says…
      12/28/2017

      Rise was my word last year and I loved it!!

    2. Melanie22 says…
      01/12/2018

      Rise is my word, too! <3

  14. ahiggins83 says…
    12/28/2017

    Love the meaning and thought behind your word. My 2018 Word is content.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. PamBaldwin says…
    12/28/2017

    Love that word!!! When I read through your post, I envisioned it looking more like “(s)pace”. (Just a weird, random thought, lol). I need more LOVE in my life this year. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for the last month and a half already. And even though I don’t really “love” the word, I’m eager to listen and pay attention to see it brings. Lots of lessons to be learned there, I’m sure.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. lizness says…
      12/28/2017

      Oh man, that is such a cool idea (s)pace. LOVE that!

  16. joeynumber41 says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is LIGHT.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. JustMel says…
    12/28/2017

    Great work Ali!!! I opted for action this year, being a chronic procrastinator and taking too much on, I think action will help me focus on what matters and make goals for myself that are achievable and realistic.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. robyn_karsten says…
    12/28/2017

    EMBRACE

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. MelindaH says…
    12/28/2017

    My word is BOLD.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. jemi says…
    12/28/2017

    My 6th Word is Look, a Word that also has many layers and shades of meaning. In my Retirement Chapter,parts of my world get smaller while my hopes and fears seem to grow larger in these unsettling times. When I focus on Look, I remember what is right here, right now, bright and beautiful.

    (My browser says the Podcast isn't secure, so can't listen. Is there an alternative link?)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. hesse_birgit says…
      12/28/2017

      Same for here but would love to listen

  21. akrobinson says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is "jump". It was inspired by Mike Lewis - who has a podcast (and soon - his first book will be released) called "When to Jump". He has amazing guests that talk about embracing fear, but not letting fear inhibit you from making your 'jump' - - - making a change in your life that will bring you happiness and speak directly to your intuition. I hope to bring that to my life this year!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. kerrymaguire says…
    12/28/2017

    Space is such a great word and something I am pretty sure we could all use in our busy lives😊My word for 2018 is love. I hesitated because I don’t relate to the Love you see around Valentines Day or the kind of love spelled LUV as in Luv Ya. But love really is a word I want to go deep with - as in loving my people well and learning to love myself and choosing love - not fear. So I’m sticking with love. OLW was one of my favorite things I did in 2017. Can’t wait to start 2018!

    Reply 3 Replies
    1. lizness says…
      12/28/2017

      Yay! Mine is love, too. =)

    2. Ekaterine says…
      12/29/2017

      LOVE is my word as well!!

    3. Msaula says…
      12/31/2017

      LOVE for me too. The noun and the verb.

  23. Mel_12 says…
    12/28/2017

    Very interesting word Ali, can't wait to see your year with it.
    My word for 2018 will be 'Practice' I started Yoga last year and practice is all what it's about. I love that I can bend the word to fit everything in my life, little and big stuff. Hoping with a focus like that I can make things happen and grow.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. pierek14 says…
    12/28/2017

    I haven't made my final decision on my word but it will either be Simplify or Less. My husband and I have had some major changes in our life since November all for the better and it has totally started with doing without unnecessary items and de-cluttering our life. By implementing these strategies into our lives we can spend more time with our family and that brings me great joy. Bring on 2018. I am probably going with LESS, as I was writing this comment it just made sense.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Blupixy79 says…
    12/28/2017

    My word for 2018 is aware. I want to pay attention to loved ones, my needs, be a better listener and just keep better track of how I spend my time.

    Reply 0 Replies

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