ONE LITTLE WORD
It is interesting, I think, when minds think alike.
On Friday I wrote a post about the New Year and finding that one word to guide yourself through 2010. Then, things just started pouring in. As more and more energy came to me from this one post, I discovered more and more people out there looking for, celebrating, and living with their ONE LITTLE WORD. The notion of seeing your whole life through the intention and awareness of this one word is something pretty amazing.
I have always been a nut for the power of words, especially the spoken word. Maya Angelou says that words “hang on the walls” in our life. Even the characters in Harry Potter knew the power of words when they refuse to utter Voldemort’s name. I am careful (well, most of the time) not say anything that I don’t want to speak into exisitence.
So, I am gonna say this. Let’s do it. Let’s all find that one word to guide us.
Might I be so bold as to say this, too. Wait until the kids have been shuffled off to school or the baby is down for a nap. Grab a cup of coffee or that ice cold Diet Pepsi. Be sure you have pen and paper – or better yet, a journal. Then look through some of the links below. Then, try and get your husband or significant other to join you in picking out his own word. If you hubbie is anything like mine, there is no chance in getting him to delve into some blogs and websites, but a good ol’conversation may work. Last year Dave selected TRACTION. We are in a profoundly different spot than we were last New Year’s. I have to believe that the intention of this word, TRACTION, in our life was part of why we are where we are — no more spinning our wheels financially, professionally, familially.
Here is my process. I write down the words that jump out to me. Then I let is rest for a bit. And there is always one (or maybe two) word(s) that nags me to distraction; one word that rises to the top of the list. Then I spend some time looking at the definition of the word, saying the word, wondering what it means nto me. Then I just pick it. This year I am going to try out some of the ideas below to really cement this one little word into my life.
Click here for some ideas from a whole website (no longer being updated) that dedicated itself to the whole notion of ONE LITTLE WORD. I warn you, though. This website will blow you away! If you click on a word, it will take you to some quotes and even some art projects to inspire you! Mind blowing, like I said.
Here is another place to check out. Shutter Sisters guides photographer with one word each month. If you love photography — or know someone who does — you must check this site out.
A couple more. Check out this blog post from Ali Edwards. There are some embedded links inside this post that will take you deeper and deeper into this idea of one word. Christine Kane’s blog provides a great list to get you thinking and click here if you want to go directly to a video describing the switch in thought when you move from a resolution to a word – from “doing” to “being”. There is also a downloadable worksheet that can take you through the steps of implementing your word into your life.
This week I am going to dedicate myself to finding my word for 2010.
Words are powerful. Choose cafefully. Then open yourself up for what the power that your one little word brings you.
Will you share with me your word?
How timly this is as I was just thinking about this subject as I got ready for work this morning.
After having 2 weeks off from work there should have been many other things going on in my head but I was thinking of my word for 2010. The start of a new year, a new decade. What one word I can draw from at work, at home or wherever I am that will see me, us, through. There are various words that could work. One word more so for the kids. Another for work and yet another for family. I decided to still hold on to my one word I use all the time.
Every day I draw on this word.
The one word that is my blanket catch-all for all my ‘one words’ that I can use.
Faith.
Faith gives me the strength.
Faith gives me peace of mind.
Faith puts everything in perspective for me.
Yep, that my word, faith.
Joli, thank you for jumping right in with your word. For some reason this year I am having a tough time stopping on a word and letting it “be”. We’ll see where this week takes me!
My word for the year is LISTEN. It kind of came from nowhere but I knew that was it the moment I wrote it. I already called Kari and told her my word and she said it was an “advanced” word. I feel like my English Teacher just gave me an A! The rule follower in me is very pleased with myself. But I’m a little fightened about this word in an good, awed way. Here are a few words that came up when I plugged it into dictionary.com –
1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
2. to pay attention; heed; obey
3. to wait attentively for a sound
Sorry for the long comment. I just wanted to share!
Yes, Sug, you get an A! Thanks for sharing!
Kari – Thank you so much for the post today. So awesome – the convergence of thoughts from people who do not know each other personally and the synchronicity of them finding each other…Two days ago I wrote down three words and I currently have those three words on a stickie right in front of me – very similar but also profoundly different…waiting to be led to which one it will be. I’m thinking some of the links you provide here may help. I can’t wait to spend a little time “delving” tonight.
Hi Kari:
I am just feeling so grounded and ready for 2010 with my word in hand: BREATHE! Thank you for the gift of that word. It spoke volumes to me. I just came across a link to Christine Kane’s website on another site. Great minds and ideas do indeed converge. Can’t wait to hear what word is speaking to you for 2010.
I played with the One Word idea a couple years ago after I read Eat Pray Love. Gilbert writes about a friend in Rome that tells her every city and person has one word that is their word. I remember tagging that page with my nerdo post-it flags and thinking how cool that was. I mulled it over & couldn’t come up with anything right off the bat, but a few days later it just came to me like it was destined to be mine… EMPATHY.
This is my core word, I love it, and I think it fits me perfectly. I do like the idea of adopting a new word every year to use as a positive guide throughout the year. This weekend I will have to find a quite place to go through the process and select another word to empower me this year. I’m excited to see what I’ll come up with and how that will impact me. =)
Thanks for inspiring me, Kari! I will be leaning into gentleness this year. I’m thinking that needs to turn inward to begin with. I love this idea! I’ve always balked at NY’s resolutions, but this is such a lovely way to carry an intention front and center! I am going to do this with family and friends, since I have not significant other over the age of 7!
Gently,
Dana
I’ve been mulling it over since I first read it. After reading (and posting about) Dave’s take today, I’ve settled on: Release.
Life is such a rich mix of joy and pain, I’m reminded that it is all so very temporary. Nothing lasts forever. Everything changes. I tell my children this over and over. I remind my congregation of it repeatedly.
The world changes. Our environment changes. Our bodies change. Our moods change. In the mix of all of them, there aren’t many that I have much power to control.
So, my word is Release.
As the poet Mary Oliver writes:
To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
‘release’
I think I’ve finally decided on what my word will be for this year: Worship. I truly believe that as we worship God, we are changed. And that if our motivation for doing is worship, then God gets the glory. And if our response to our circumstances is worship, then we can begin to see our circumstances from God’s perspective. I want worship to radiate from the core of my being into everything I do. I want worship to be my catalyst and motivation. And I anticipate that if my focus is worship, then I am going to be a bit more “transformed” by the end of the year.