For the past several weeks, I’ve been thinking about my One Little Word for 2017. If you’re new to the One Little Word idea (the brainchild of blogger Ali Edwards), the essence of it is this: you choose one word and rally around it during the year. And there’s something magical about it. The power of suggestion. The power of the mind. Call it what you will, but for me, if I make a concentrated effort to center my thoughts around a word or an idea, that word plays an active role in my life. Sort of a “dream it and it will happen” thing.
One Little Word can lead to big things.
This will be my third year, third word, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
One Little Words of bygone years…
For 2015, my word was focus. I chose focus because I wanted to concentrate on writing. Two years ago, I was thigh deep in book rewrites and determined to finish. And I did. Today when I go back and read the blog post I wrote about focusing, I feel such a sense of accomplishment. Would I have finished my book if my word had been sleep? Who knows?
In 2016, my word was grow. I chose grow because I wanted to grow professionally as a writer. Push myself. Move outside my comfort zone. And boy did I. As an introvert, a homebody, I grew as an author, a speaker, a solo traveler. My garden grew, too, because I spent some time working the beds. And ugh, I gained five pounds, so there’s that. Be careful what you wish for…
Hello 2017! I mulled around several words and always came back to those having to do with regrouping, restoring, or simply being. Enjoying the here and now. Because honestly, all that growth has worn me to a frazzle.
One Little Word…
Drum roll.
Savor is my One Little Word for 2017. I want to slow down and spend more time writing in 2017, and I want to relish the present, the journey, the here and now. I’m in a good place and want to savor the small moments, the day to day grace. If 2016 brought anything, it was the reminder of how everything can change in an instant. Am I right?
Savoring 2017…
In keeping with my One Little Word for 2017, here are a few simple ways I plan to savor the year ahead.
- I want to cook a new dish each week. I enjoying cooking, so this sounds incredibly do-able.
- I want to go on more mini-adventures. (Borrowing this idea from my friend Sarah.) There are still so many places in Northwest Arkansas that I haven’t visited. Maybe one a month?
- Enjoy tea time, as in have a cup of hot tea in the afternoons. I swear I feel better when I do this, especially when I drink green tea.
- To not multitask. To do one thing at a time and give each task space to spread out.
- Write. Journal. Create.
- On Instagram (@gracegrits), I’ll be joining Gretchen Rubin and posting a daily picture of something making me happy in 2017, i.e. something I am savoring. You can participate by tagging your picture #Happier2017! (Leave your Instagram handle in the comments, and I’ll follow you.)
Here’s to 2017 being filled with all the best sights, sounds, flavors, feelings, and when the year comes to a close, I hope to still taste it on my tongue.
Have you chosen a word for 2017, and if so, what’s your One Little Word?
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Today on the blog, my #OneLittleWord for 2017! [/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Let’s Start the New Year Right
My word is grateful!!!!
Great word, grateful!
My one little word for 2017 is…Intentional.
I thought about intentional and mindful. So many words….:)
My word is Eucharisteo–borrowed from Ann VosKamp. It means being grateful for grace. I want to be more mindful of the overwhelming outpouring of grace in my life. I think that’s very akin to “savor”. I chose my word before reading your post.
By the way, I just finished reading my Christmas present, {Gracie Lee’s story}. I like the way you write and I’m glad you were focused. Happy New Year.
Thank you, Janna! I appreciate the Gracie Lee feedback as well as the information on your word. I think it is akin to savor. Happy New Year to you!
Love it! I’ll be happy to help you savor all manner of things. 🙂
Excellent.
I think mine is “vigilance.” Because of…things. That are happening in the nation’s capital. We all need to pay close attention not only to what is said, but what is implied, and what is done.
And that’s as political as I’m gonna get. 🙂
I know you are right, but I’m in the tune it all out phase. So can you be vigilant for me just for a bit?
“Now.”
A lot of things I’ve known will be immediate, for me, for a while. Many skills I’ve learned will come into play. It’s not so much a command, as a heads up. Scary to think I might have no excuses, very soon. 😉
My word is content. I am journaling daily about something I am grateful for to help me get into the mindset. So far, so good. I came into this year grumpy and fearful, but I am feeling better about things already.
Talya, I would like to choose forgiving. I need to learn to forgive those who have been hurtful, to those who have been mean, to those who I thought were my friends and were not.
That’s a great word Ken. I’m sorry you have been hurt by people who aren’t good friends.