One Little Word – do you play along?
I originally came across the One Little Word tradition via Ali Edward’s blog ages ago where I discovered Ali had been choosing a single word each January to live by for that year. You can read more about Ali’s One Little Word tradition and also now an online workshop here.
It’s a bit hit and miss for me when it comes to choosing a word for the year.
Sometimes I even forget what word I’ve chosen by about February. However, choosing One Little Word feels more manageable then trying to come up and stick to a list of New Year resolutions.
The stand out word was my 2012 word “Embrace” which for me was all about embracing life, embracing family, embracing friends and embracing opportunities. It held me in good stead that year particularly so when I faced my flying fears and flew to America for a mammoth holiday with my family.
The whole time we were over there my One Little Word was constantly in the back of my mind, encouraging me to embrace every opportunity we were presented with. It was by far the best family holiday we have had and we really did embrace so many opportunities while we were over there.
This year, after having a truly emotionally challenging (pretty crappy) 2016, I chose HAPPY because we needed a little happy around here…however I was also very much drawn to the word TRUST as I felt it reinforced the belief to trust I am being looked after and trust that everything is happening and unfolding as it should be.. so in 2017 I was on track to choose Trust AND Be Happy!
Then this book fell into my hands.
It truly has changed my mindset. Probably the biggest shift I’ve ever had in my mindset over the years.. which I find quite remarkable.
I had not heard of Gabrielle or her book before and my mum gave it to me for my birthday in January. She said something made her pick that book up from the shelf, the last copy wedged between two big books that were obscuring it’s title.
It seems I was meant to receive a copy.
Somehow reading those words The Universe Has Your Back has really resonated with me. I can be prone to anxiety and can over think and allow my thoughts to take over, spiraling quickly and this book and that one phrase, is constantly guiding me these days.
So, really.. in 2017 I haven’t chosen ONE LITTLE WORD.. I chose several words that then turned into a phrase. And I’m all good with that! So in 2017 I have chosen ONE LITTLE PHRASE!
Some of the Jot Girls also participate in the One Little Word tradition and here are a few of their words and also thoughts behind their process for choosing their words.
Jamie Pate
I am all about that One Little Word and my word for 2017 is CONNECT.
CONNECT sort of forced it’s way on me. There are some key areas in my life I am feeling the need to connect with. This word is a focus and even a point of accountability for me. This is about my sixth year choosing a word.
My best word was last year’s word that I actually chose in the fall of 2014. It was so evident that was a word I needed and an action in my life that was needed. I posted a family graphic for all of our OLW’s as this was the first year they all chose one. Without my prompting, I might add.
Anna Allan
My word for 2017 is SIMPLE
Somehow, over time, my life and home seems to have become severely crammed with ‘stuff’. Clutter, disorganisation, overcrowded schedules, high level of commitments and responsibilities and just basically feeling overwhelmed and frustrated as a result. Plus chuck in some auto-immune health issues and let’s just say, I can become quite a mess. I NEED SIMPLE.
Remove all the unimportant and unnecessary things and only fill my life with what matters and makes me happy and able to truly shine. So I want to invite all the simple things into my life and enjoy them wholeheartedly!!
This is not my first time choosing a word to live with each year. I began this trend back in 2010 and find it works better for me than a list of resolutions, less pressure in a way I guess. The word is able to form a banner over your life and become a part of your everyday all year long.
The words I’ve had over the years are CHANGE, NEW, ROUTINE, EMBRACE, GROW, HAVEN, PROPEL and now SIMPLE. The year of CHANGE was quite a big one as it actually saw us moving interstate so that was quite a massive manifestation of the word in our lives! Each word has served me well and have all had their challenges and shining moments. And to be honest, they don’t ALL leave you when a year ends – I mean, some are clean cut, done and dusted – but some linger a little longer and journey on as you move forward.
And that’s a beautiful thing too.
