I counted back and I've been doing this one little word thing for about 6 years
Past words have included: nurture (2011), joy (2010), organize (2008), play (2007), simplify (2006)
For 2012 I had a general feeling for what I wanted my word encompass. I began making a list in December.
begin
welcome
discover
bloom
open
They were each right on the cusp, but not quite there.
So I began reading the list of "words" that Ali Edwards posted on her blog last year.
And I found it. I know that I've found my word when the little hairs on the back of my neck get tingly, my heart jumps, and my eyes tear up.
Why such a reaction over a simple word? Well,
that one little word is something I will carry in my heart over the course of the year
that one little word will whisper to me "do better, try harder"
that one little word will remind me to live intentionally
that one little word is a stepping stone to get me closer to the person I want to be
My one little word for 2012 is . . . . Embrace
To make sure I stay accountable to this word throughout the year, I signed up for Ali Edwards' One Little Word Class. Each month there is a prompt or assignment to help you refocus on your word.
For January . . .
definition:
to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly
to take in with the eye or the mind
to take or clasp in the arms; hug
thesaurus:
welcome
accept
seize
grasp
adopt
embody
take in arms
I chose this word because:
With the move to las vegas this year there are so many changes in the horizon (ward, friends, school, bigger city, and not to mention the weather!). I feel like I need this word to help me embrace all the new experiences and be ready for new opportunities.
quotation:
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new . . . There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." -Alan Cohen
{what this quote means to me: I don't take this from the perspective that I'm releasing familiar & secure relationships (those I will always cling to and hold dear). I like this quote more from the thinking that it takes courage to embrace the new. Courage is admirable quality and it's one I want to have. Life is always changing/moving/evolving and I like how this quote reminds me that a full life (adventure, exciting posibilities) can be found in movement. I don't want to be moving all the time (I like being settled), but I need to remember that this can be an exciting, exhilirating adventure and to appreciate it for the memories, bonding, and growth that it will bring to our family. Finally, "in change there is power." This change allows me the power to decide who I want to be going forward and how I'm going to present myself in this new life. I also have the power to choose my attitude.}
with this word I invite:
new beginnings
adventure
growth
possibilities
openness
discovery
love & connection
I'm looking forward to spending 2012 with this one little word.
