Apparently, a Word of the Year is the new New Years resolution.
Basically, you choose one word that has the potential to inspire you and create intention in your life, all year long.
My word for 2012 is up, and it was recently inspired by these two…
…who also bought a house that needed lots of TLC…
I saw the movie “Up” for the first time a couple of weeks ago (Thanks to several friendly Twitter peeps for recommending it!), and MAN did it have a powerful effect on me. I loved the story, and the adventure…and how fun and fearless little Ellie was.
(It actually inspired the Up-themed photo shoot we did with Kev’s parents I blogged about the other day, too!)
I also chose the word up because it symbolizes a positive direction and will serve as a powerful reminder to be excited about, and up for trying things I’ve never tried before. (Especially if they’re outside this slightly-agoraphobic gal’s comfort zone!) This year, I’m going to make a point to harness my inner-Ellie by doing some of the things I said no to, out of fear, in 2011.
The word up will also remind me to be more intentional about giving. Among other things, up means “a feeling or state of happiness, exuberance, or elation“. I can’t think of a more fitting group of words to describe the feelings that go along with giving, and I hope I can do lots more lifting up this year, too.
Last but not least, I’ll look to the word up to encourage me widen my horizons this year. There are no boundaries up in the sky, and as life loop-de-loops this year, I’m going to try to be better about keeping my hands loose on the wheel.
Or should I say garden hose?
I’ve found that there’s no better way to put a plan into action than by putting it down on paper (or ‘puter!) first- so I’m hoping that writing this post will help to kick-off to a up-inspired 2012!
I’d love to hear all about which Word you chose chose you this year, too- so I’m throwing a “This Little Word Of Mine (I’m gonna let it shine!)” link party on Monday, January 16th. I really hope you swing by and share your Word post- the more positivity loop-de-loopin’ around out there, the better! Which reminds me, if you do link up, you’re welcome to use the badge below to invite more play-along peeps to the party…
And if you don’t have a blog post to link up, (*cough* Mom, Katie, Aunt Chriss *cough*) I’d love to read about the words you chose in the comments sections that day!
Here’s to a transformative 2012!
Pssst! Having trouble choosing one word? Choose one that will serve as a guide as you make decisions throughout the year!
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I adore this post!! I think I will make this one a family affair. I think our family word of the year should be BELIEVE.
Grateful is the word I choose….
C h a l l e n g e
This is my year to challenge myself in my business & in my blog – challenge myself to grow & to learn. At the end of 2012, I can’t wait to look back to see how I did!
Great idea..you always come up with such clever ideas. My word is “light” My family is the “light of my life”, the “light” within, will strive to always “light my fire”..the “light” from above. So as we enter 2012, I will embrace all the “lights” of my life and hope to inspire with help from the “light above”
May you forever look “up” for inspiration and look “up” to your mentors and loved ones!
Oh, I love, love, love this idea! What a great way to set the tone for the year. And UP, perfect – and great movie!
A few blog friends (we all have small-ish, new-ish blogs) and I introduced a new challenge idea yesterday and it would be so fun if you want to join. If you have a second, check in at http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/imagine-the-impossibilities-challenge/ to learn more, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!
I think my word then has to be IMAGINE!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
Thank you for inspiring me to think of a 2012 word of the year!
Looking forward to linking up with you January 16th.
Also, just went to your about page and saw Maximus!!
Is he a min-pin? I recued a red min-pin named Daphne who is 10 years-old now and often makes it onto my blog! 🙂
(And is already in my avitar!)
All the best,
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Hi Mary!
Thank you for the sweet comment! 🙂
Max is actually a chihuahua, but he sure does look a lot like a min pin, doesn’t he?
Glad to hear you have a little Daphne to snuggle with!
My word for the year is Enjoy! In November, my mother passed away after a brief battle with lung cancer. One of the last things she did was give my sister and me directions on making her Thanksgiving dressing. After she finished, I asked if there was anything more. She thought for a moment and said, “Enjoy!” This year and every year after, I will take her advice and honor her memory by enjoying each and every moment of every day.
Happy New Year
I love the idea of a word of the year. I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want for 2012. 2010 stunk, 2011 was ok, so I’m determined that 2012 is going to be awesome! My 2012 word of the year is: INTENTIONAL!
I want to be more intentional with my life. In how I take care of myself, how I spend my time, how I love my husband and family, how I think, feel and act and how I take time to appreciate the wonderful life God has given me. I’m determined that 2012 is going to be amazing!
I love this idea .I am so inspired by your word. I strive to live my life with intention and to sum it up with one word will take careful thought. Thanks so much and I hope I can meet this meaningful challenge.
My word for the year~curative . I have stopped taking medications that do not cure but just mask the symptoms. I have discovered that my asthma, phobia”s ( I also have suffered from agoraphobia)and anxiety are from Adrenal Gland Exhaustion caused by a deficiancy of B5 and B6 and eating too much sugar and carbs. Curative means for me~ healthy diet, healthy thought life, healthy relationships. Praising God for His goodness and faithfulness in showing me these things. Blessings, Karon Jean
Love the movie
and here is your theme song!
It all makes me smile… 🙂
http://music.yahoo.com/shania-twain/videos/view/up–27160468
we are all in different places in our lives, it saddens me when working folks have struggled to find a job for yrs. espcially since my 60 yr old husband will retire next month. he has been making a good paycheck but just couldn’t deal with the frustration any longer. this maynot be the wisest financial decision we have ever made but it is the healthiest! so my word this year is “NO FEAR” [i know it looks like 2 words but its my story and i’m sticking to it ;)]
I adore the movie! It’s so sweet!
What a great idea Layla! I just picked my word and will be writing a post over the weekend. I am new to the world of blogging so my word has a lot to do with that (as well as many other changes going on in my life). Thank you for being an inspiration!
Hello world! My word is all about my new blog….it was my nickname thrown in with my sense of style…maybe I am cheating here by putting 2 words together….but hey…its a chance to be creative. So my blog is called BlossomStyled…I have been tossing around words for 2 years…but i finally overcame the fear of doing a blog and settled on BlossomStyled…its all about taking your passions and dreams and joys and letting them Blossom into your style…hence BlossomStyled. Get a chance, come visit my newly created and developing blog…at http://www.BlossomStyled.blogspot.com ! Hope you don’t mind me throwing it in…but sometime, somewhere you have to take a chance.
Love your word!
Mine is LEARN. I want to learn lots of things this year! 🙂
This movie always brings tears to my eyes. My word this year is No.
GRATITUDE is my word. Gratitude for all that I have without wishing for that which I don’t /can’t have or have lost. Being “thankful” everyday no strings attached.
My word of the year can be found here: http://craftknowitall.blogspot.com/2012/01/word-of-year.html
My word for 2012 —(can I get a drumroll please!?!) is SPARKLE!!!
I want to commit to make each day SPARKLE & I can think of thousands of ways to incorporate this! I also want my INNER self to SPARLKLE! So, c’mon…let’s roll…& don’t forget…”MAKE TODAY SPARKLE!”
My Word for 2012 is Acceptance. I want to celebrate life and accept the small to huge things in my life as well as live in the present and treat each new day as something special! Thanks for sharing!
HI! I posted in connection to another blog’s Word Of The Year here http://pinkcherubmoon.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-year-new-word.html.My word is BELIEVE.Karah at The Space Between suggested that I share here- enjoy!Leena
My word is GROW, as in, always green (my favorite color) and growing, always working my way toward the Sun and bring joy to myself and my family, and hopefully everyone with whom I come in contact.
I heard about your word of the year via Madigan Made and laughed- I am actually doing a “theme” for myself this year, which is close. I made a free printable for it, too, and hung one up in my front entryway to help keep tabs on myself for the year . Here’s a link: http://crafting-crazy.com/2012/01/19/keep-it-happy-in-2012/
I love this so much more than a list of resolutions- it feels so much better!
My daughter, who is in 8th grade, decided that her word of the year as she began the school year would be “Embrace.” She wanted to “embrace” all the opportunities that came her way in her last year of elementary school. Since September, she has participated in as many sports and clubs/activities as possible so she can fully enjoy her last year before she attends high school. Her positive attitude inspires me. Yes, sometimes the children do the teaching!
** PRAY** is my word for the year!!! 🙂
Love the choice of “up” for your word. I’ve chosen a word this year after wanting to try it for several now. It’s already been such a cool way to focus on the important people and things that bring us joy! WordJaney.blogspot.com
Great blog! I’ve decided to do this for the first time this year and my word is Believe. I need to believe in myself,God, my children, my blog, and my business. Hoping for a positive 2015 as a result.