Word Up: Choosing Your Word for 2011
Hello There! Do you make "resolutions" for the new year? Another idea is to choose a word (something that has meaning for you) to focus on in the upcoming year. The idea comes from Ali Edwards. Here's an excerpt from a blog post she wrote in 2007:
A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.
Last year I began a tradition of chosing one word for myself each January – a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. My word was play.
I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear – about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness.
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother’s word or your spouse’s word or your child’s word – this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
-Ali Edwards
How do you feel about the idea of choosing a word for yourself?
Does "your word" come to mind easily?
I am pondering a few possibilities myself.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Two words I’m considering are GIVE and BEAUTY.
I looked back at my resolutions for 2010 and I did 3/4 of them! :)
I chose a word for the year last year for the first time. This year, my word is a little more intentional. CLEAN! Clean house (declutter, creating and maintaining routines). Clean eating. Clean living. Clean emotions (less anger and worry). I just wrote a post about this yesterday. LOVE this idea!
I love this idea, Malia. I saw a couple of posts about this and didn’t think much about it, but now I think I’m going to choose a word. I have a couple in mind, but I’m not sure they are right for me. Thanks so much for the link to Ali Edwards.
thanks Malia! it was difficult to choose a word for this year, as last year was quite different and my first year following ali’s project. I think it’ll take me to great heights in 2011!
Mine is Strength… hopefully I can blog about it soon. Cheers to a fantastic 2011!
my word is BREATHE…just to slow down and be more present :)
i came accross this idea last year, my word was Happy. i really think it made a HUGE difference in my 2010 year. this year i choose the word Simplify, which is a common word for a new year but it really resinated in me. i am excited to see how it will play out in my year!
I love this idea so much. I’ve been thinking about what word I want for my year and I’ve been toying between WILL, SURPRISE, LOVE, and GRACE. I really want to surprise myself this year. I know that for sure. Have you decided on your word yet?
Dream is an awesome word! You can read about my word, SIMPLIFY, here:
https://create-with-joy.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-word-for-2011.html
Ramona
I love this article and I really enjoy your blog! My word for 2011 is * DO *
Not just try, or attempt but DO it! Get stuff done!