For the past five years, I’ve been in love with Ali Edwards’ project One Little Word. Each year, she chooses a word (or it chooses her) and she carries it with her throughout the year, seeing where the journey takes her. You can find out more about her process (and the workshop) here. Back when I first started, I chose a word, but it never really went much further than that. A year later, I decided to keep the same word (since I hadn’t done anything with it). I had a vinyl of my word made for my craft room wall. That was about it.
Two years ago, Ali started her workshop at Big Picture Classes. I signed up in 2011 and really didn’t do anything but choose my word because I’m so awful with completing classes. Last year, I decided that I would try harder. I chose my word… DARING. I didn’t really know why that was the word, but it felt like I needed a push in life, and that I might challenge myself if that was my word. I signed up for Ali’s workshop and tried to follow along. I started to see my word in a host of unlikely spaces. I joined in a blog hop hosted by Margie, and participated throughout the year when it was possible. For me, that was huge. I kept a focus on my word for the entire year, and I actually accomplished some things because of it. Yay! I am generally really terrible with follow-through, and I don’t really fit into the Ali Edwards’ style of things, but I make each project my own, and I love that about the process.
But my favorite thing about 2012′s word ? It is how I ended up here. :) I dared to send in an application to help with the blog back when it was just a blog. I didn’t hear anything back right away, but my word kept haunting me. I finally took a daring step totally outside of my comfort zone. I emailed bugged Lauren about my application, and she finally had to give in. :) Best thing ever.
Last year I also found some great quotes/inspiration surrounding my word via Pinterest. This is one of my favorites.
and this is one of the monthly projects I did for the workshop (with my own twist)…
I asked some of the girls at OSD if they are/were participating. I loved what Stacy had to say…
“My word for this year is going to be HAPPY.
I chose the word because I have realized that being happy, actually letting myself FEEL happy, is what drives me. I also want family, friends and the people around me to do what makes them happy as well. We shouldn’t live our lives based on what others think or wish for us. Ultimately, we choose.
My plan during the year is to do layouts/write stories about something new that is making me happy right then.”
