The Power of One

"The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."- Thomas Jefferson 

As you know, we kicked off the month by asking you to celebrate your word all month long for the One Word Project, and that you have.  Many of you have chosen your words and showed us how you celebrate those words with the photos you've added to our One Word Project Flickr pool and let me just say, they're pretty darned awesome.  Correction: you're pretty darned awesome.  

So inspired I was by your words and photos, that with the help of some friends, I put together a One Word video to share with all of you.  If you haven't found just the right word for you yet, then maybe this lovely little video will inspire you.  And even if you already have a word, may you be as moved as I am by all the collective love of the beautiful women that contributed to the making of this video.  Because, like you, they're pretty darned awesome, too.  

In honor of our One Word Project, the always lovely Stacy De La Rosa of Bella Wish Jewelry (and contributor to the video!) is giving away one custom made, hand stamped, sterling silver pendant with your word for 2012! For your chance to win, leave a comment telling us what your word is for 2012 no later than tomorrow, January 25th, midnight PST. 

my word

It's here again.  That time of year when I ponder my word for the year. The one word that will define everything that I want to accomplish in the next 12 months.  

Last year, I selected the word PURPOSE.  I sit here and review my list of things that I wanted to accomplish. I feel so inadequate.  All the healthy meals that I planned on making, all the practice time at my harp that did not happen, the books that I wanted to read... 

Then I shake myself off and remember... The joy of helping our oldest sons complete home-schooling and start their new lives.  The excitement of building new communities with amazing women.  The quiet times in our "almost empty" nest with just one son still at home.  It was in these moments that I found my PURPOSE and more fulfillment than I ever expected.  

As I embark on a new adventure of home-schooling our youngest son and with the knowledge of what made me the happiest, I am selecting my new word for 2012... NURTURE [nur-cher] 1. to feed and protect   2. to support and encourage   3. to bring up; train; educate.  

I am inspired by my selection and look forward to helping those around me.  Have you selected your word or did it find you?  Share with me your thoughts for the upcoming year.

A new year, a new word

 

Happy New Year! We made it…together.  Another year behind us, a brand new one ahead.

Oh, the bright and beautiful possibilities!

It’s that time again, for setting our intentions, making our own personal creative goals and exploring new ways of being in the world. For the last few years, we’ve joined collective energy with our dear friend Ali Edwards through her One Little Word tradition. Way back when, at the start of our One Word Project, it was Ali that inspired us and proved that indeed, One Little Word could make a really Big difference in our creative journeys.

Today, we kick off this month of beginnings with YOUR word. We did it last year, just like this; asking YOU to celebrate YOUR word all month long for the One Word Project, in honor of One Little Word. YOUR word. Share it with us here in the comments and in our OWP Flickr group and who knows, YOUR word might be featured here!

So, as we start, share with us…what word do YOU choose to begin 2012?

savoring motherhood

I did all the right things. I read all the books. I watched all the videos. I took all the classes. I went to prenatal yoga classes religiously, took walks with my husband, and daydreamed with him about how we were going to have the “happiest baby on the block.” I savored every minute of my pregnancy and was excited to do the same with our newborn.

We were ready. Or so we thought.

Then she arrived and everything we thought we knew flew out the window. Night was day and day was night. I felt as if the life I once knew was a distant memory and now I was navigating new and very foreign territory. I wouldn’t have traded my new life for the old one, but those early days were hard. Very hard.

Several weeks after Sadie was born, I realized that I had been in a deep fog. While I was wallowing in the exhaustion, she was growing and changing. And I had missed it.

Yes, this has been one of the most difficult times in my life, but I don’t want to lose sight of how wondrous and amazing it is. I want to savor it because it will be gone before I know it.

Never in my life have I been so aware of the passage of time. Becoming a mother has amplified my need to preserve memories. At seven weeks old, I am floored by how fast Sadie is growing. Sometimes, it feels like she changes from minute to minute. She’ll wake up from a nap and I swear she’s gained three pounds. Every morning, I wake up to find a new baby.  

And so I do what I always do when I want to savor a moment in time: I pick up my camera. And when I do, I see for the first time what has been there all along: chubby hands, tiny ruffles, soft skin, itty-bitty shoes, little toes, wise eyes, first smiles, and a whole lot of love.

Yes, in the topsy-turvy life with a newborn, my camera helps me savor the simple moments and remember what is most important.

Share with us the kinds of moments you are savoring this season.

* * * * * *

Darrah Parker is giving away one spot in the Slice of Life Project, a 6-week photography e-course that will help you savor the details of your everyday life. Leave a comment for a chance to win a spot in the winter session, starting February 6.

For more information about Darrah, visit her website. For more information about her e-course, visit the Slice of Life Project web page.

at the pub

Gathering at the pub is such a British tradition... and we find ourselves there even more so in the build up to the festive season... a cosy pub, with comfy sofas, your favourite tipple and snacks, make it all so welcoming. I like to savor this time as friends and family connect to celebrate the holidays, and share in togetherness as the year comes to an end.

I’d love to see how you’re gathering with loved ones at the moment and savoring these moments over food, drinks and treats. Please share them here today... Cheers!