Five . . . One Little Words

After participating in One Little Word for several years now, I find myself eagerly awaiting what the new year - and my new word - will bring me.  Because I have learned some important personal lessons with each of my words!

(I know.  It sounds kind of wacky.  But I've discovered that there really is power in having a year-long focus on One Little Word.)

The whole thing started in 2011, the first time I signed up for Ali Edwards' One Little Word project.  My word that year was MOVE .  I chose that word because I felt like I needed some inspiration to get myself moving - basically, to get off my butt!  (You see, I'm a daydreamer at heart.  I can sit, quietly, and think about things all day.  Which is fine.  But.  Sometimes you need to get those dreams in motion.)   That first year, I got totally overwhelmed by the "project" end of things:  scrapbooking, supplies, keeping up with the monthly prompts.  In fact, I was so focused on the "project" that I didn't get much out of the "process."

What I learned that first year . . . is that I wanted to try it again.  (And that was a way to MOVE, when you think about it.)

In 2012, my word was SHINE.   I started out strong with the prompts and my word in 2012 -- but quickly flamed out.  (It was the scrapbooking!  Totally not my thing.)  What I learned from my word that year:  Do it YOUR way!  Shine YOUR light -- and don't reflect someone else's.  I learned to be inspired by the process, without feeling the pressure to do the projects.

In 2013, my word was SURPRISE.  I was hoping to surprise myself that year . . . and I did!  I learned something completely simple -- and very obvious (although it wasn't at all when I began).  You can't plan to be surprised; you can't set off looking for surprise.  You need to be open to being surprised -- and, when you are, why . . . you discover that surprises happen all around you, all the time.  (Surprise!)

Last year, my word was POSSIBILITY.  It turned out to be my most transformational word yet -- which was what I was looking for when I chose it.  (Just in a whole 'nother way!)  I expected to disover "new somethings."  But what I discovered . . . is that I really needed to clear out and create space for possibility in my life.

This year . . . 

And by now, I know that I'll end up someplace I really can't quite imagine right now.

So that's . . . Five One Little Words.

Five lessons.

(But not five scrapbooks.)

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If you're joining along in Ali Edwards' class this year for the first time -- and you're finding the scrapbooking and supply lists and prescribed projects a bit overwhelming or daunting, let me know.  I am a completely rogue participant at this point.  I use Ali's monthly prompts as inspiration -- and then I do my own thing.  (It's my way to SHINE.)

Also -- it's never to late to join in.  Click here to register for Ali's class.

 

Comments

[Patty]

So much fun to see the transition and your current word is just wonderful. I've just started the process and have a section in the back of my new journal. We'll see where it all goes!

[Marilyn]

Your journey will probably be something totally unexpected from the usual meaning of the word. It seems to be how you roll. And that's a good thing! :)

[Carole]

Great look back at your words and how they have worked for you. I do some of the scrapbooking but mostly if it's the journaling part of it. I don't do all the stickers and painting and stuff but I do enjoy the prompts for writing inspiration.

[margene]

You've made a journey to get to the next step of your ongoing journey. Of anyone I know, you are always moving forward toward the new and exciting.

[Bonny]

I'm raising my hand to say I find all the "stuff" and projects a bit overwhelming (for me personally). I think I'll also be a rogue participant and do it my way, whatever that turns out to be. Thanks for sharing your experiences and words; I want to focus on the process, exploration, and learning, and you're helping me figure out how to do that!

[claudia]

I was really interested to read your experiences with the one word over a few years. For myself, I'd rather take a hot poker to the eye than scrapbook. But your point about keeping the chosen word in mind in other ways -- well taken.

[Mary]

a good lesson! it IS about the word and the journey...and not the path or the patterned paper! I went completely off the grid last year with not-so-great results. I'm not committing to anything at this point - except that I will somehow, someway, document the process.

[Vicki]

That's a pretty awesome journey so far! But I know there's so much more...

You almost make me wanna!! ;)