A little over a year ago I was reading a post on Christine Kane’s blog where she talked about choosing a word – very thoughtfully – and making that your word for the New Year. The whole year.
The process of choosing a word forces you to evaluate your life, and meditate on your goals and dreams. Or, on how you can overcome an obstacle, or deal with some challenge.
The word I chose for 2011 was “Acceptance”. Little did I know when I chose it what was to lay ahead in the new year. I intended it to be a reminder to graciously accept the things in my life that I can’t necessarily control.
I also intended for it to remind me to accept new opportunities when they show up unexpectedly. To recognize the subtle hints that come along, and to let go of the “I can’t” excuses and push past the fear that comes with change.
So, what’s in a word anyway? It’s really just a thought. But, we all know that thoughts are very powerful. When we change the way we think, we change our lives. Positive thoughts – positive outcomes. Negative thoughts – well, you get it.
It might all sound a bit silly to choose a word and claim it as yours for a year. But, I’ll tell you something, each time throughout the year when I had the choice to react to a circumstance in my life, the word Acceptance would pop into my head. It reminded me to accept what is and focus on something good each day.
So, what’s my word for this year going to be? Haven’t quite decided yet. Going to sleep on it.
OK – I woke up this morning and before I even opened my eyes a word popped into my head!
BELIEVE
So, there you have it. I know that as challenges and opportunities arise (and I am going to believe there will be more of the latter), this word will be sitting there just waiting to remind me of all there is to hope for and dream of in this wonderful life.
Now that I have that settled, I believe I will start thinking about what new wine to try this weekend….
What word will you choose for 2012?
Oh my goodness, Laurie! You have given me a wonderful mission – to choose my word. I think I will have to sleep on it, too. I’ll check back in tomorrow, or whenever my word announces itself to me.
Thanks for this great idea.
Thanks Patti. I know it sounds a little goofy, but it’s surprising how many times “my word” popped into my head at the exact time I needed it.
In her blog post she said that when you have chosen your word, “hold that word in your mind throughout the year, and let your word guide you to take action.” Just thoughts, but I BELIEVE.
Good luck ~
Hi Laurie,
I read Resolution Revolution by Christine Kane and I say WOW! What a great read and incredible insight. Thank you for introducing it to me.
I must say Christine’s list did just what she said it would do – the word leaped right off the page and into my heart. I then did what I said I was going to do – I slept on it.
So, this morning when I woke up, I waited. And sure enough… the word was right there. Here’s my word:
DELIGHT
Throughout the day, I am feeling this word guide me. I’m remembering why I have made certain choices, from why I have a cute little turtle stuck to my laptop to why I’m working at home. Delight. I’m reminded why I need to get my house organized; not so it’s neat and tidy, but so I can Delight in the things I love that I have in boxes right now because I have nowhere to put them because I’m not organized.
Thanks Laurie for this great New Year’s reminder about the things that REALLY matter – the things that are in my heart. The DELIGHT I feel during my day for the people, things, places, and moments I enjoy will now guide me to do the things that I must do to make sure they are always part of my life. If that means getting organized, getting fit, or saving money, well then, that’s what I need to do. But, the motivation has changed. I want to DELIGHT in my life and my surroundings every day.
I’m off to Nicole’s this afternoon to make seashell necklaces just for fun… just because I have seashells. I know I will Delight in this fun.
That is Awesome Patti! What a great word – and reasons for choosing it. Thanks for the big smile on my face right now.
I love that idea! So cool. And I totally agree with the fact that what the mind says, the body follows. It is so very true in the weight loss business, for sure. I see it all the time. If a client has huge negative issues, very often food is the comforter.
You have inspired me to pick a word for the year. Like Patti, I will have to sleep on it. And because its my birthday today, I may have to ponder a bit longer.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and I have a feeling that if I pick the right word, my year will be amazing.
Happy Birthday, Gretchen! A New Year and a Birthday? This will be the perfect day to find your word!
Take time to read Resolution Revolution by Christine Kane. The list of words is incredible. And it really did do a bit of magic for me. One word DID jump right out at me, and although I continued to read the list, no other word took that one away. Give it a try. And let the word pick YOU, don’t pick the word. You will be amazed, I guarantee.
Good luck! And let us know.
Hi Patti and Laurie
I just finished reading C. Kane’s whole post and love the idea and energy behind it. After I had read Lauries post, it got me thinking about what my word would be. I know just looked at Christine’s full list of suggested words. The same word “talked to me” but I feel like a copy cat…because the word I chose is : “acceptance”. And I know that was Laurie’s word for 2011. But mine is for 2012! Any way, it’s the one that “talked to me” so I am going with it.
And I am sticking with ONE word, not three. That seems more comfortable to me for some reason. So I am going to go with it, not question it.