This year my One Little Word is CHOOSE. I’m participating in the One Little Word workshop with Ali Edwards and sharing my journey with CHOOSE each month here at Mindful Memory Keeping.
This is the opening page to my One Little Word album. I’m really happy with how it turned out, though I had to do the silver glitter embossing twice. (Note to self, transparency is not forgiving.) In past years I stuck these straight into an album. This year I’m leaving these pages out, near the door to our office/craft area, so that I can see them every time I enter and exit.
The January writing prompts from Ali’s class were really inspiring and I wanted to share some of the intentions I’ve set for myself with Choose this year.
Emotional
Continue to CHOOSE the openhearted and authentic path, even when it is hard. Be aware of and gentle with my own feelings. CHOOSE activities that truly fill up my heart.
Physical
CHOOSE more outside physical activities, enjoy how close we are to the ocean. CHOOSE water and remember to take my supplements. Make health and wellness a real priority, especially once I’m done nursing. Be a good example of physical activity for my family.
Creative
CHOOSE progress, not perfection. Work on projects. Just start! Move past the comparisons and fear of failure. Lean into the discomfort of creating something new. Get our stories told! Use the creative classes I take as an opportunity and a gentle push to put pen to paper.
Relationships
Take your time, listen to and hear what others are saying. Don’t rush, less distraction. CHOOSE the kind and mindful response. Accept what people say at face value. Keep my own assumptions, expectations, and spin out of the conversation.
CHOOSE love is a small mantra that has been ringing in my head and I think it encompasses all of these more focused intentions. Love myself and love others. Period.
Each year I’ve purchased a small physical reminder of my One Little Word. In the past I’ve chosen custom necklaces from Lisa Leonard Designs and Liz Lamoreaux. This year I decided to go with a bracelet as little Lola just loves to pull on anything I’m wearing around my neck. (I’ve been relegated to wearing these Chewbeads most of the day). As I was looking for a bracelet I came across a pre-made design at Liz Lamoreaux’s shop and purchased it immediately.
Liz sends all of her pieces in these cute little bags that are definitely reusable, along with some inspiring postcards. Check out Be Present, Be Here to learn more about Liz and her Soul Mantra bracelets and necklaces.
As part of the January One Little Word prompts we selected a quote. I found this one from Karen Salmansohn on Pinterest. I couldn’t find the original source link but head over to notsalmon.com to see more inspiring quotes and images.
I’m feeling really energized to see how CHOOSE will work in my life this year and am so excited for February’s prompts which will be up on Saturday.
Did you choose a One Little Word this year? How has it worked in your life this month? Let us know in the comments.
Sarah says
This is a great idea. I always pick too many New Year’s resolutions and forget them all by the end of January. My word for 2014 is going to be “healthy.”
Marina says
Great word Sarah! Yes so much better than resolutions, I think. One word is such a gentle reminder always floating in the back of our minds, instead of a list of things to make us feel guilty if we don’t follow through. Sarah=Healthy. Good luck with your word this year!
HELEN says
thanks for the inspiration:)
Marina says
thank you for reading =)
Rachelle says
Really great cousin, thanks for the tips!
Marina says
thanks for reading! did you pick a word?