my little word

If I’m honest, I never got the one word thing initially.... choosing a word to set for your year, it just didn’t make sense, could that really work?, I guess it’s just my British cynicalness raising it’s ugly head... That was a few years ago... before I completed my 365 gratitude project, which totally changed my view on life, opened my eyes to possibilities, and took my photography to a different level, (if you’ve embarked on this journey, I’m sure you will feel the same by the end).

Then last year I made a deal with myself to choose a word, but I didn’t put it out there, still not convinced it could actually make a difference... so I kept my word close to my chest, thinking that by sharing it, I would jinx it (yes, I really do think that way sometimes). It’s interesting now that my word was believe... I wanted to believe in myself more, believe things could be possible, believe change would happen and maybe I needed to believe that choosing one word it might actually have an impact.... and to my surprise it did. 2011 turned out to be a life changing year in so many ways. I even got to see my word across Macy’s store in New York on New Years Eve, and I would have never believed that was possible back when I chose it last January!

I wanted to share this here, for those who aren’t sure about setting a word or intentions for 2012, that I was like that too so don’t feel the pressure, you don't have to put it out there, you can keep it secret, and use it just for you. I know what it feels like to see everyone else embrace this project and not feel ready to jump in. Take your time.... but even I see the magic it can bring...

I wish you all a happy start to this year, (my new word is fly,) I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds for me and you....

Comments

[Marcie]

I think we've all been there - unsure of how choosing one little word might change our lives. But - it does. Somehow - by simply setting an intention..energy follows. My word is 'be brave'..and to that - a long list of wishes:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2012/1/3/a-string-of-wishes.html

[Dotti]

Ahhh, Xanthe! Your post expresses my very similar thoughts about this whole word thing. Thought it was a bunch of hocus-pocus. Fast forward a year, and I'm enrolled in Ali Edwards "One Little Word". Here's my story:

http://www.camperky.com/2012/01/2012-renew.html

[Dotti]

Ahhh, Xanthe! Your post expresses my very similar thoughts about this whole word thing. Thought it was a bunch of hocus-pocus. Fast forward a year, and I'm enrolled in Ali Edwards "One Little Word". Here's my story:

http://www.camperky.com/2012/01/2012-renew.html

[paige]

I think there is great power in simply acknowledging something. To give one word that is important to you at this time in your life power by saying it, seeing it, thinking it for a full year can create something new. I have a gratitude practice each morning on my way to work. Even if on a given day I can only think to be thankful for the color yellow and shoes that don't pinch - it makes all the difference in me seeing my world in a positive way. It's so easy to get stuck in a negative place. My word this year is "goodness." And I chose it for all the right reasons for this time in my life, but wouldn't have done so without reading your post here.

[Geneil]

Thank you for this post. I too have had trouble choosing a word in the past and felt a little left out of the loop. I'm still a little tentative, but I'm going with direction for my word. I've come to a point in my life where I feel I need some direction. Nothing as dramatic as a mid-life crisis but perhaps a course correction.

[Adriana]

I've never done a word before, not quite sure what it all meant. This year it feels different, I'm getting the reasons why, so this year I'm in. I've been contemplating my word over the week and we're a good fit.
My word for the year is CARE.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smallroots/6645316853/
(Thank you for your post Xanthe.)

[Margaret]

Xanthe you are such an inspiration... it is truly amazing how your year unfolded around your word.
My word is Become and I will :)

[Krista]

2011 was the first time I chose a word for the year. I jumped on the bandwagon. I chose "growth", and did my year ever conform to that. Funny how it happens. This year I picked the word "more"... not sure why, but I am waiting to see how it manifests itself.

[Spyros Heniadis]

The word idea is new to me, and I was skeptical too, but I chose one, and my word for this year is "Breakthrough"

I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt a little funny about this idea, but I'm always up to try something new!

[sef]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt a little funny about this idea, but I'm always up to try something new!
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[Holly {Soupatraveler}]

My word is FOCUS! I've got so many projects and ideas swirling around in my head, i feel like i need a little FOCUS to help get them out of my mind and into reality : )

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[Ruth West]

I think a single word is good, it focuses the mind quickly and brings it back to the truth, the present moment, it gives us an anchor to ground us back to now...my word for this year, joy. May you have a joy filled year too :)

[Angela Benavides]

Oh my goodness. I love this. Over the holidays I kept seeing the Weight Watchers commercial I Believe. And while yes, I probably could loose a bit of weight. I focused more on the words I Believe. Not wanting to use something that might be trademarked, I just went with Believe. Seeing this blog is so inspirational. I am also one that worries about getting jinxed (HA HA). So I tend to not say a lot of what I am thinking out loud. I am afraid of either being laughed at or failing. Maybe if I am the only one who knows what I am thinking no one will know if I failed or not. Of course they might not know if I succeeded either. Thank you for inspiring me to have the courage to voice my thoughts. I am a year behind you on my one word for the year. BUT...just wait!

[Paula]

This is my 3rd year with a word. I have found that they choose me rather than me choosing them. So this year's word is WALK. I am not sure why, but as the days have gone by and I've thought about it more, I can see some sense in it. I have also learned that the value and purpose of the word unfolds over the year instead of revealing itself all at once.