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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