Join the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Challenge.
I don’t remember where I first read about choosing a single word for the year rather than making a bunch of resolutions that never happen. Lots of my blogging connections do this. My 2014 One Little Word has been Open.
Open became a mantra for trying something new. I tried some new writing workshops. I tried some new art techniques. I even opened my heart to new friends. My openness helped me apply for and win the Donald Graves Award. Open felt like the just right word.
This word choosing is harder than you might think. I am looking for signs for my new 2015 word.
Is the sign in this little statue my husband gave me for Christmas? My Berry Queen name is Queen of Good Will. He said this goddess reminded him of that. She is Guanyin (or Kwan Yin), the Goddess of Mercy. She is made of soft wood and her cloak is wrapped tightly around her. She seems to be carrying a book.
I like that others see me as merciful and giving. However, this is an outside view of who I am. My One Little Word needs to be one that I will internalize, one that will inform my work in the world. My OLW has to be mine, not given or assigned to me. I’ll keep looking for signs. I believe it will be revealed to me soon.
We’re on the exact same page for our 2015 OLW. However your line ” this is an outside view of who I am. My One Little Word needs to be one that I will internalize, one that will inform my work in the world.” gives me pause to think. My OLW definitely impacted my entire life this year not just my work world. Happy New Year as you continue to ponder your OLW.
love this….will be choosing a word today….not as easy as it sounds….like praying for patience. Don’t ask for what will break you before you can receive it!
I agree…picking a word can be difficult, but a word is always revealed! I have faith you’ll find the perfect word. Last year and this year, the words picked me instead of the other way around. 2014 seemed to work out! 🙂 Can’t wait til your word finds you!
I’m still thinking about mine too…I do love the word ‘open’…similar to one I had last year ‘flow’. I love both of those words I think Don is smiling up there at both of us choosing carefully…the words. Happy New Year sweet Margaret. xo
The reflection time spent thinking about this is so amazing. Indeed, the words seem to be revealed at just the right time. Mine was revealed a couple of weeks ago. Still thinking about how to share that this year.
Searching or waiting – both approaches seem to work in meeting OLW. I always wait a bit with my OLW, this allows to get inspiration from others. Looking forward to reading about your new OLW soon.
I’m sure that once you decide on your OLW it will once again be very meaningful to you. Congratulations on the Donald Graves award. That is very exciting.
Ali Edwards did a podcast yesterday that you might enjoy talking about One Little Word #038 here: http://elisejoy.com/podcast
Having chosen OLW for a few years now, I know the challenge of finding the right word. It usually makes itself known when you’re not looking. This year it was Embrace and I did try to embrace new things and learn. For 2015 the word will be bloom – I need to grow and bloom. Best of luck in your search. It will appear.
The word open is beautiful in so many ways and reflects what I know of your year. I have loved reading your words and look forward to your word for 2015. What perfect choice you were for that Donald Graves award, crafting your life through words, little and otherwise. Happy New Year Margaret!
Julieanne
You are such an amazing person and I have so enjoyed reading your words about you and your life. I think open was perfect for you. Choosing a word is such a personal and difficult thing. When people truly open their hearts and embrace the guidance of the OLW, I think it can have such a positive impact. I know you will find your word – the word meant just for you. Happy new year, Margaret.
Margaret, I see that you are still searching for your OLW for 2015. Your 2014 OLW, open, suited you. I like the idea that the open journey led us to each other (my OLW was open/openness also.) I read in your comments on Leigh Anne’s site that her word, reach, might suit you. At any rate, I look forward to hearing what you choose.
I love the process of choosing a OLW! Open was a great one. I look forward to hearing what your decision will be. I have mine. I’ll be writing about it in next week’s Slice. 🙂
I love this process . Much luck in discovering your word for 2015. I also love the art for your 2014 word.
I have a feeling the right word will arrive for you, and that it will fit perfectly. Happy New Year, my friend.
Margaret, maybe your new queen will help you find your word. I wondered about “internalize” as you word. To me it shocks me when I always hear such positivity in your words and such love from your friends and family that you don’t see yourself as others see you. Of course, your word will come to you. I have a verb for my OLW, for the first time. I feel like my new year has already begun, as I am working hard to learn ways to prioritize. Happy New Year. I hope your goddess brings you your word–what a great gift from your husband.