From Ali's blog (back in 2007 when she started OLW):
"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."
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.
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.
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.
There were a few words that came to mind right away. I decided to look up the definitions to help narrow my possibilities.
In the end I chose simplicity. It encompasses so much of what my goals are this year... to simplify the crazy in my life and to get down to the nitty gritty and focus on what really matters. I think I'm going to have a piece of jewelry made with my One Little Word for each year. Keeping it near and dear may help reinforce its priority in my life.
WHAT A PERFECT word....and super cool idea! I love this... and simple would definitely be my word from last year... have to think about what it would be now... could be the same..... how exciting for you. Love your goals!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these last couple of posts!
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say, it's kind of funny, although I guess not too awfully surprising since we do tend to be lot alike in certain things, but the word REFINED is kind of my one little word this year.
I never do the whole big OLW idea full force, and it really usually doesn't stick with me specifically much past the beginning of the year, but each year when Ali kicks this off, I do take some time to reflect on a word that's most speaking to my heart and how I want it to impact my year.
And I was dwelling on the word Refined this year... or more accurately, the word keeps finding me. It reminds me that I'm in a period of "weeding out" and removing "impurities" and that it's a subtle, careful process, resulting in a simpler, clarified life.
For me it's all encompassing... I want to spend my energy refining myself and what my relationship with the Lord looks like, refine myself emotionally, as a mother, as a wife, as a friend and as caretaker of my home and family. And I envision that energy resulting in a simpler, happier life.
Much of what you said.
I'm excited for you! And I hope we can maybe get together soon this year.
Here's to being on our way to our new, simpler, refined selves!
Love ya!!
Great idea and a good reason for new jewelry! I've been thinking of following One Little Word too.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad to see you are participating & I LOVE your word! Here's so a simpler 2011! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this idea!! I may have to do this myself. I feel like I am needing some changes in my life as well, and a daily reminder - a word to live by - would be awesome. I will have to think about this some more!
ReplyDeleteI used to follow OLW. I like the idea a lot. I think you have a certain local friend who could make you a "OLW necklace" too :)
ReplyDelete