One Little Word

I've been an Ali Edwards fan from the moment I discovered her (I think it was about 7ish years ago) genuine, story-focused approach to scrapbooking.  There are even people (T, hush your mouth) who would describe my fondness as stalkeresque, but never mind them, what is important here is that the lady has excellent ideas.

One of her best ideas is what she calls One Little Word.  Here is a snippet from her original post about the idea back in 2007:

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.

Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.  Last year I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January – a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. My word was play. 

I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear – about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother’s word or your spouse’s word or your child’s word – this is YOUR word. 

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here’s one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren’t ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities."

After years of being on the periphery of this conversation, this year I've decided to jump right in.  As I was reading Ali's post about OLW 2012, my word popped up out of nowhere.

My One Little Word for the year will be GO.  In fact I'm so serious about it that I made a Pinterest board for inspiration. ;)  I may even take Ali's year long class.  It looks like a pretty good way to spend $36 to me. 

If you are an Indigo Girls fan you are likely familiar with their song by the same name.  If you're not, you should check it out.  There are lots of live versions on YouTube including one with Brandi Carlisle.... two for the price of one!  Either way, the chorus is what stands out to me:

Raise your hands
Raise your hands high
Don't take a seat
Don't stand aside
This time don't assume anything
Just go go go

My aim is to make 2012 the year that I do more going.  Less thinking and wondering and speculating and analyzing and more go go go.  

What's your one little word?