one little word 2009

I've been inspired to figure out a word that encompasses all I want for this year. A few blogs I read regularly do this at the beginning of each year, and it seems like there's nothing to lose by following suit...

It began I think by an article written by Ali of { A } fame written back in 2007, so I guess I've joined the band-wagon a tad late, still better late than never, right?! ;)

This is what she wrote recently on her blog;

The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year... "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."

She also writes;
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?

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.

As I said, very inspiring stuff. Read through it again. I love how she says to allow it to percolate, I love coffee lingo. Percolation takes time, this is not instant coffee we are talking about, but the delicious freshly ground stuff. I call it the Jacob* brew! It also means that we should ponder the word we want to claim for 2009. Give it time to come to you...

It's funny, because for me the word came to me quickly, but the pondering of it has been the time consuming factor. At first, I wondered if it was just too simple to be "my word". But, now I realise that it needs to be simple. Life doesn't have to be complicated. It's at this time of the year, when I'm pondering what stage I'm at and if I'm really living the life I want to live that I realise that simplicity is where I want to be. Big Sigh! Relief really, I don't need to complicate things. :)

And so, without further ado, I present my word for 2009...

picture "borrowed" from this myspace page

I chose this word for the year because I want it to be an year of actively "BE-ing". I want to live this year, not like last year, when I existed, but I want to actually be. Which I believe also means learning to be satisfied with who I am. To be means to me, that I am still, not washed about by thoughts and actions that bog me down. I want to be more than that.

The word that I've chosen gives me goosebumps thinking about it - it's definitely the right word. Hmmmm!

So, now that I've chosen, what word do you want to be your word for 2009? Remember, it's your word not mine (even if you choose the same word - lol!). :)

I'm looking forward to 2009 being a better year! What about you?

D.

Notes;
* Jacob is a good friend of mine that makes the best short espresso around! :)