One Little Word for 2020

Happy New Year everyone!!

I've popped in to share my word for this year.

For those of you who have followed me for a while, you'll know that I gave up on resolutions a long time ago. I just find them all a bit negative and a bit 'should, could, would'. So often they aren't achieved, or are broken early and this creates a cycle of disappointment and further negativity.

I prefer a more positive outlook, and so each year I select a word.  A word to use as a guide, to help me focus on the good, to carry as a tool throughout the year. Some of my words have been instrumental in helping me move forward, in supporting my mental health and in sparking growth.
Many of these words are still a part of my daily life.

Words I have connected with in previous years include:
Peace
Balance
Forward
Connect
Create
Play
Brave 
Adventure
Light
Choose
Magic

Now this has not been my idea - the fabulously inspiring human called Ali Edwards is where it all began. You'll find more info HERE

This year I have selected a word that I've nearly used for the last couple of years, it's often in the back of my mind ruminating away. I have a number of ideas about how this word will work for me......

Welcome SEE....

I want to really notice my life, really see it all - the good, the bad, the everyday. I want to celebrate it.

I'll leave the rest to Ernest Hemingway.....he says it better than me....

 I want to live a simpler life, of gratitude and really connect....

I want to use see as a starting point, a jumping off into my creativity, both through my art and also in capturing our stories and lives through Project Life. I have ideas brewing.....

As I said, this word has been popping up in my thoughts over the past couple of years, it began as a whisper, but has become louder.
This time of year always inspires me to press the reset button. I always feel excited about what the coming year will hold, and as I thought about 2020 - it hit me......that little play on words....20/20 relates to seeing and BOOM I knew this was my word and my year to have it in focus (lol, see what I did there?)

So here's to 2020........I am keen to SEE where it takes me.

Welcome 2018 - sharing my One Little Word

Happy New Year everyone!!

I go into each new year filled with optimism and a feeling of wonder about what the year will hold.

So many possibilities, so many chances.

I relish the chance to press 'restart'.

In fact I love the time between Christmas and New Year for this very reason - it gives me a chance to reflect on the previous year, and recharge ready for the upcoming 12 months.  I always feel a little emotional and feel a real sense of shift and inner change.

This is usually the time that my word comes to me. My One Little Word. (This was created by the super inspiring Ali Edwards - you can read about it here)

Many years ago I gave up on the idea of New Year's Resolutions - Instead of making resolutions, which let's face it, we rarely achieve, which then causes guilt, which creates negativity, I prefer to select a word, to have as a guide throughout the year. I think it's a more positive way of thinking plus I adore words.

I've been selecting a word each year for a while now.
Some have been hugely powerful, and really caused a year of self reflection and personal growth.  Some are still a big part of my life, and I continue to focus on them regularly.

Sometimes these words present themselves loudly and boldly and other years they are more of a gentle whisper, and I find I really need to quiet myself and listen.

Previous words that I have connected with are:
Peace
Balance
Forward
Connect
Create
Play
Brave (my absolute favourite)
Adventure
Light

This year I've had a couple popping in to grab my attention, but I've decided to go with......

This word has settled in for a number of reasons.

Firstly this

This really speaks to me.

And this.

This has always been one of my favourite quotes. 

 

I have always struggled with my past, with what has happened to me, with things out of my control.

Sometimes it becomes too much for me.

It paralyses me.

Sometimes I need to regain control, to feel safe, to feel connected with the world.

 

Having that ability to choose gives me back my power, it empowers me.

 

 

 

 

I also want to choose wisely. 

To make a conscious effort to choose, and not to go on 'autopilot'. Because it's up to me.  I get to choose how I am going to react to the big things, the little things and all the medium things inbetween.

I want to choose to be kind. To others and to myself.

I want to choose to see the natural beauty in the world.

I want to continue to choose gratitude - to notice and be thankful for all the little things.

I want to choose mindfulness - to be conscious of my thoughts and inner monologue.

I want to choose joy and happiness and cause a shift in my thinking.  A deep appreciation for life.

I want to choose me. Make time for the things I love.

 

 

So here's to 2018 and choosing to make it a great year.

 

I invite you to find your word.

 

I'd love you to share it with me.

 

Much love

xxx

 

 

One Little Word 2017

Hello everyone.

I'm here to share my one little word for 2017.

I've been selecting a word each year for a while now.

I'm a big fan of Ali Edwards who created this concept.  You can read more about it HERE


Instead of making resolutions, which let's face it, we rarely achieve, which then causes guilt, which creates negativity, I prefer to select a word, to have as a guide throughout the year. I think it's a more positive way of thinking plus I love words!!

Previous words that I have connected with are:
Peace
Balance
Forward
Connect
Create
Play
Brave
Adventure

Some have been hugely powerful, and really caused a year of self reflection and personal growth.  Some are still a big part of my life, and I focus on them regularly.

So 2017.  This year my word chose me.  I started seeing it everywhere.  Hearing it everywhere.  I found it coming into my mind often.  So I've decided to listen.
This year I welcome LIGHT.

There are so many quotes which incorporate the word light that I love.
The above one "There is light even in the darkest places" is a great one.

Here's a few more favourites:

 

I love the positive spin of this one and look forward to where that will take me.

This one has been a favourite for a long time - it's on the back of our toilet door with a few more favourites!!

 

 

I love this!!

Some of my initial thoughts about the word Light and areas I aim to explore are:

Let your heart be light - At times I carry a lot around with me - in my head and in my heart. At times this weighs me down.  I've tried listening to advice from others, and have attempted to "let it go", but I can't seem to do this - I just end up singing! LOL! These things that weigh me down are a part of me. They've happened to me and they aren't going away.  I'm thinking that focusing on the light, and the concept of not letting it weigh me down, staying light, finding the positive spin is a better option, an option I can live with.

Look for the light - I've always been a massive fan of light.  When I see a photo I love, it is usually because of the light in it.  When I'm out walking, or sometimes when I walk into a room I will notice this amazing light that makes me stop in my tracks.  My kids can vouch that I often say "Stop look outside, look at that amazing light".  I want to notice more of these moments.  The simple beauty in the world.  The light that surrounds us each day. Sunrises, sunsets and all the light inbetween.

Be the light - I want to feel lighter (I touched on this before), and I also want to be a light to others, be an example to my children, be that light they can come to whenever they need.  I want to support others and connect with them.

Lighten up - I want to have FUN! Fun with my partner, my kids, my friends.  My kids are growing up fast and I'm very aware that they are becoming more independent.  Currently, they still LOVE hanging out with me, and I relish this.  I want to focus on this.  Play board games, talk to them, listen to them, tell silly jokes etc etc whilst they are still willing!!!

I can't wait.  I can already feel it's a good fit.

I'd love for you to share with me your word if you have one.

Welcome 2017 and welcome Light.