2007: One Word...

This week, Ali sent out her creative newsletter and encouraged everyone to choose a word to focus on for the year. As she put it:

one little word
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 fall in issue two of this newsletter I wrote about the power of words and gave my top ten tips for getting those words down when you are scrapbooking. Today I want to introduce
you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.

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. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007? 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.

I've given the subject a lot of thought over the last few days. There are so many great words I'd like to focus on this year. There are so many areas in which I could improve. So many words that could be great and would all be beneficial. I'm torn between three of them though. They're all currently equal in motivation and in growth opportunity. Freedom, Respect, and Peace.

When it came down to choosing just one, it became really easy. By choosing Peace, I'm also choosing Respect and Freedom.

Peace from the trials that I allow to entangle me.
Peace from the things that keep me from showing respect.
Peace into my home.
Getting everything organized will bring me (and my family) peace.
Keeping to my goals, will keep me financially on target and will bring my husband peace.
By letting go of the things that cause me stress, resentment, and pain - I am allowing peace to once again reign.
By doing what I can to increase my health (and that of my families), I will help us all have additional peace.
My home is a refuge, and it should be a place of peace for everyone who comes here.
By doing the things that will bring peace into my life, I will also gain additional freedom and respect.

Peace is definitely the right word for me in 2007!

3 comments:

T. said...

Pretty sure my word this year is going to be "Hope"

Anonymous said...

Oh...what a great post, Heather. It really made me think....I am going to let it percolate for awhile....as there are many words that come to mind. But I do intend to focus on one word. What a great thing to do...and as you said...one little word can mean so much.

Anonymous said...

Heather - my sister Jill sent me an e-mail to check out your blog - having read most of your posts I am very pleased that she did - I love your thought processes and we certainly have the PLAY word in common - come and visit me and let's create a dialogue - thanks eb.