One Little Word

This project has been on my mind a lot over the last few weeks.

I first heard about the concept a couple years back from Ali Edwards. The idea is to choose a word that describes what you want for yourself in the coming year. I love the idea of this project because it seems much more positive, encouraging, and doable than setting a bunch of resolutions. For myself I want a word that will encourage, remind, and gently push me toward my goal rather than something that feels like a rule or command, which in my case I would make for myself and then probably ignore. I love the idea of focusing on just one word because you can always keep it with you, let it sit in the back of your mind, reflect on it, and let it become a part of you.

Choosing your word can be a mind-opening experience in itself. Just going through the process of thinking about all the possibilities and then really focusing on who you are right now and what you want to become, and concentrating all of that into one word or idea can be really powerful. It might make you realize things about yourself or your life that you weren't fully conscious of, or maybe it will help you label or define more clearly thoughts and goals you've already had in mind.

The best part is that this project is something anyone can do; it can be as complex or simple as you want it to be - this word is just for you, and it can be whatever you need it to be.

This can be a family project as well. Chris is still thinking about his word, and we're also choosing a word for us as a family.

My word for 2009 is change.

This is a 2-part word for me, as it encompasses all of the external changes that will be coming with the arrival of our little one, but also reflects what I want for myself this year. I'm excited to incorporate this word into my daily life, to let it help me prepare for what lies ahead, and to encourage me to actively bring about effective change for myself.

As part of incorporating the word into my life, I'm planning on creating some type of "word" art to display in our home, but haven't yet decided exactly what form that will take.

One cool idea my co-worker Stacy had is to make a custom chipboard word book. There was a company selling individual letters to make your own word, but unfortunately I can't find a link to them right now.

Some other cool ideas:

Word necklace: This is just one option.

or ring: again, just one of the cool options that are out there.

How about a custom word doodle?

To read more about the "one little word" concept, or see a list of words people have chosen for this year, as well as some other ideas for visual reminders of your word, check out Ali's blog posts from this year and last.