The Word That Chose Me {1.02.18}

A new year. A new One Little Word.

I don't know about you, but I feel tremendous pressure when I go pick a new OLW. After all, I have to live with this word for an ENTIRE year, so I better get it right. Some years, I have hit my mark. Others, not so much.

This year was no exception. I thought and thought. I tried on a few words for size, but none seemed to fit just right.

However, one word kept coming back to me. I tried to ignore it. Push it away. I didn't like it and I wanted it to not like me.

I felt this word was selfish and self-serving and that is NOT what I want 2018 to be about.

I talked it over with friends and they reassured me that this word was a good pick for me. I tried to deny it again.

Finally, I gave up and accepted my word:

I spent yesterday reflecting on my new OLW and what it REALLY meant, not what I was telling myself it meant (money, money, money!).  I was pleasantly surprised to find these inspirational thoughts about abundance:

“Abundance is not something we acquire, it is something we tune into.” 

--Wayne Dyer

“Secret to having abundance: Stay focused on what you love and express it fearlessly.” 

--Anonymous

“You must find a place inside yourself where nothing is impossible.” 

--Deepak Chopra

“Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing for others.” 

--William Arthur Ward

"When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” 

--Tony Robbins

In the end, it looks like abundance is the perfect word for me. I'm glad it chose me.

Having Faith {SOL 1.03.17}

A new year means a new opportunity to choose a new One Little Word (OLW). I start thinking about my new OLW around October and reflecting on some questions:

What direction do I want to head next year?

In what area of my life do I need help?

What's important to me?

Where am I being called?

Choosing just one word is tough. There's a lot of pressure to get it right. Some years, I hit it dead on. Others, not so much. After coming off of a year with a word that didn't quite fit (CHOOSE), I wanted to make sure my OLW for 2017 was a good one.

I think I found it. Or rather, I think it found me.

My OLW for 2017 is...

2017 will be a year of BIG changes for me. Some of these changes I know about already. Others are still waiting to be revealed. Either way, I have faith that it will all work out the way it should. I am giving up control. All will be good in the end.

I know it will.

2015: Here I Come! {OLW & Nerdlution)

On the eve of this new year, I am looking forward to the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that are ahead.  2014 was a wonderful year -- my best yet! -- and I know 2015 will be even more amazing!

I used to be one for making lots of new year's resolutions...lose weight, watch less TV, be kinder, blah, blah, blah....You know how that goes.  Come January 15, I have completely forgotten (or chosen to ignore) my resolutions and I'm back to my old ways.

Then last year, I discovered the power of adopting just one word to guide my entire year, instead of making a million resolutions.  This one word is so powerful, so easy to follow, and it took me to amazing places last year.

For 2015, I have a new word:

If you'd like to use my button for your own OLW, here it is.  Feel free to copy it and use it.

Now, while I no longer make resolutions, I cannot resist being a part of #Nerdlution2015, thanks to Colby Sharp and the amazing people at the Nerdy Book Club.

I'll admit it, this past year one of my most exciting discoveries was that I, indeed, was a nerd.  Nerds have over-the-top passion and excitement for something.  For me, that turned out to be books and teaching my 4th graders. (I am not alone though...I am finding many "nerd friends" that have been hiding out at my school, just waiting to share their nerdiness with others.  :)

As part of #Nerdlution2015, I pledge to write every day for the next 50 days.  This may be working on a story, writing in my journal, or blogging, but I will produce some kind of writing every day.

There.

I've said it.

What will you be nerdy about in 2015?  Join the #Nerdlution!