Saturday, January 15, 2011

One Little Word

If you know of Ali Edwards, then you have heard about her "One Little Word" challenge that she promotes each year. Basically, you choose a single word that sums up what you want for yourself for the year. Easy, right? Well, not really.
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2010 was a very emotionally challenging year in our household. By December 31 I felt like I had been through the ringer repeatedly and I couldn't wait to start a fresh new year. We finished 2010 surrounded by several of our most loved people on a gorgeous night full of chatter, laughter and love. I went to bed with a full yet light heart and renewed hope for a bright 2011. I awoke January 1 to a brilliant sunshiny morning and I knew, 2011 was the year I was going to "grab life by the horns".
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Suddenly, the quest for my One Little Word took on a whole new meaning. What word could possibly sum up hope, joy, fulfillment, family, love, completion, clarity, control? I tossed around several and none seemed to fit. Then the word "focus" started playing on my mind. It seemed to sum up what I wanted to say, but it just didn't roll off my tongue quite the way I wanted. I decided to look "focus" up in an online dictionary and there, at the bottom of the page, sat my One Little Word.
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Center.
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The heart, core, nucleus.
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It summed up everything I was feeling and everything I was hoping for. Every time I say it or see it, I stop, take stock of what I am doing and then move forward. This word has enabled me to feel more in control, to be more in tune with my family and friends, to remember my faith and to complete one thing before moving on to another.
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As 2011 progresses, I am hoping my word will continue to keep me focused, on track and moving forward.
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And that is the power of One Little Word.
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Sunday, January 2, 2011

December Daily

Is officially under construction! My plan is to have it all finished by week's end - keeping fingers crossed!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

Last night saw the farewell of 2010 - a very challenging year for so many, to say the least.
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Last night saw the welcome of 2011 - a very promising new year, hopefully to be filled with love, family, happiness and sunshine.
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As we gathered last night with our brothers and their families, I felt such joy and peace. This is what life is all about. Family. Love. Time together. This is how I want my children to grow up, surrounded by these amazing people we have the privilege to call "family". These are the times that memories are made of and that will stay with us forever. This is the way to ring in a New Year.

To all my friends and family, may this year be joyous, living, happy and filled with sunshine. May you take the time to see and be thankful for all your blessings - big and small. And, no matter what life hands you, may you always remember to look up.

Happy 2011!

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