Tuesday, January 3, 2012

One Little Word 2012

This is my fourth year choosing one little word to represent my focus for the year. Looking back, I can recognize the power that these words conjure up. They somehow turn into a little piece of something solid to hang on to - something more tangible than a resolution or a goal. It's a word to live by.

The first year I chose a word I lamented about it for weeks. When I finally announced to Carrie what my word was going to be {I don't even remember it now} her response was, "Dude. Your word should be CHILL." She was right, so I took that word and made it my own that year - used it as a reminder to let go and relax.

The second year I chose the word JOY as a means to remind me to find the joy in simple pleasures all around me. It worked, and I loved that word {and that year} so much.

This past year, and my third-word-year the choice was THINK - not as in "do a lot of it" but more as a means to remind me to watch how I think. The what-I-think-about-I-bring-about type of THINK.

Which brings me to the current year and my one-little-word choice. Last weekend Carrie was over and asked what my 2012 one-little-word was going to be. I told her that the word "GROW" kept coming up for me, but that didn't feel quite right. I told her I'd seen the word "EVOLVE" on a blog and liked that better, but I wanted something that represented a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. I looked at her and said, "BUTTERFLY" and she smiled that awesome smile and said, "Perfect."

So that's it. Butterfly. I have the blessings of my sweet sage {she didn't suggest "calm down"} and I am quite frankly, ready to go with it.

I once read a quote that went something like:
"The cocoon to butterfly theory only works for caterpillars"
but I beg to differ. Just wait till you see where this BUTTERFLY goes this year.

16 comments:

Marti said...

This is such a great idea, one that I would like to adopt. To boil down all the hopes and expectations to one word somehow seems to give it more power and clarity. Have a wonderful day.

Cheri said...

Oh Deb - I LOVE LOVE LOVE your word choice for this year! I could so see me using it as well! :) I have several pretty good butterfly photos if you'd like to borrow some until you can get your own... just say the word...

Beverly said...

Carrie is a good word muse, I love that you didn't just stick with grow but evolved to the word that actually calls to mind all you want the OLW to be for you in the coming year. I am excited to see what this butterfly does this year ;)

debs14 said...

That word just conjures up such beautiful images and themes. Not only something growing and changing, but something beautiful and delicate and fluttering around, stopping and pausing and generally making the world a prettier place. You could not have chosen a more perfect word.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

I love it! And I know that butterfly will go do amazing things and take us along on the journey. xo

scrappyjacky said...

I couldn't have put it better than Debs.....what a lovely word to choose.

Ruth said...

Seems everyone has already said what I was going to say. Great word, perfect for you!

Unknown said...

I'm glad that my advice is so valuable to you. :) Love your word choice this year - time to break out of your cocoon!

Rhona said...

What a wonderful word for you! I think Deb put it beautifully and I also look forward to seeing this butterfly's journey :) xx

Sian said...

What a lovely slightly quirky word to choose! I'll be thinking about you next time I see one

Maria Ontiveros said...

What an awesome word for you!
Rinda

Mom said...

Since starting your blog a few years ago, I've watched my first born "cocoon" emerge into the most amazing butterfly. Your talents and gifts have soared--as any true butterfly would do! Great word, great choice and great you! Love you! xo

Pure Ella said...

That is so sweet. A butterfly is very meaningful for me too ;)
Wishing you a lovely year ahead! xo

traci said...

great word. i can't wait to watch you grow this year.

Irene said...

What a great little word for 2012 .

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

What a lovely word to choose for the year. It made me think of this project http://hmh.org/ed_butterfly1.shtml
and I wondered if you knew about it.

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