2018 marks my fourth year to choose One Little Word. Only this year I’m choosing two words. Two words to get me back on track.
The Concept of One Little Word
One Little Word is the brainchild of blogger Ali Edwards. Rather than setting resolutions broken by Groundhog’s Day, I choose a single word to focus on throughout the year. Sort of a theme for the year. A word to rally around. Something to keep you grounded when life goes bonkers.
My prior words turned out to be pretty powerful. This year I’m choosing two words because I believe two words are needed to restore balance in my life. Yes, I feel out of sync in a lot of ways.
One Little Words from the Past
In 2015, my One Little Word was FOCUS. At that time, my first novel was a messy rough draft. My number one goal was to focus on writing, editing, and finding a publisher. So focus I did.
In 2016, I chose GROW. Having published my book (yay!), the next step was to push myself and grow as a writer, marketer, speaker, all things that were completely new for me. Whew. It was fabulous and exhausting. Growing is hard work all around no matter if you are seed or human.
In 2017, my word was SAVOR. Here’s what I wrote last year when I announced my One Little Word…
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?
Ha. I savored 2017 as best I could. I savored the heck out of the trip my husband and I took to Iceland. I savored lots of great books and visited dozens of book clubs and libraries to discuss Gracie Lee. And then I slipped and dove down our front porch steps, partially because of wet flip-flops, partially because I was so distracted and unbalanced trying to do too much at once. I’m filing my broken wrist and toe into the be careful what you wish for category. From fall to post-surgery, I was forced to savor the tiniest of things including way too much couch time.
Yes, everything can change in an instant.
Two Little Words 2018
For 2018, I couldn’t choose just One Little Word. Indecisive in the new year? Maybe.
I toyed around with several and most felt half-assed (pardon my Français).
I’ve decided my Two Little Words for 2018 will be BELIEVE and BALANCE. I need both in equal measures. A little of both can do wonders.
2017 pushed me off balance literally and figuratively. I lost faith, not spiritually, but with people. All the negativity on the news and in social media began to affect how I felt day-to-day. I withdrew back into myself, into the quiet, the calm, the slow, and positive. There’s nothing wrong with unplugging. In fact, it’s a very good thing, and I plan to do more of it in 2018. But when it affects determination, drive, confidence, that’s not so good.
And that’s where I found myself toward the end of 2017.
Believe and Balance
In 2018, I seek balance in how I spend my time, in my relationships, in my writing.
I need to believe people are good and honest and kind, and that we have common goals and desires.
I need to believe I can finish editing my next book, write a regular newsletter, exercise more, clean out my closet, drink less coffee.
I need to believe in my capabilities while balancing my expectations.
I need to believe there’s still magic in our world, and that I can add to it with my words on the page.
As Ellen DeGeneres says, “Life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.” I believe that, Ellen. Especially about the pina colada. ☺
Do you set New Year’s resolutions and/or plan to choose One Little Word for 2018? If so, I’d love to hear your word(s).
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Musical Pairing:
When You Wish Upon a Star, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Thank you for your words that resonate a hopefulness for 2018. I do not set resolutions but see each day as a new beginning to do better in this world.
Thank you Lydia. I agree with you! Cheers to a hopeful and productive 2018.
Great idea! Today I am going to think of a word to help anchor my new year. Thank you!
Yay! Let me know what you come up with.
Interesting concept. Better than a resolution that is left in the dust after the first week.
Exactly. I find it to be much more do-able.
I have always enjoyed reading, but when I read what you write…it is as though we are talking together. You are blessed! My one word would have to be (ability). I need to remember I am only me, not an army of many. My ability is limited, but with Jesus …He takes and makes little into much. The ability to do the best I can for myself, all around me and certainly reading more of you. Thank you for such a sweet idea.
That’s a great word. I need to remember that too, that I am only me. I appreciate your support of my writing!
I have never chosen the word … I write goals (that are measurable) rather than resolutions. Perhaps my word for 2018 would be “exercise”. I need to exercise my aging body, I need to exercise discipline to finish my novel, I need to exercise my brain cells, and I need to exercise patience with those who don’t agree with me. LOL
The word I chose is “action”. It keeps me moving. There are things I need to accomplish. I also like “balance”. I need more of it!!
Balance is on my short list. 🙂 In fact almost all my words on my list are synonyms for each other, so maybe I need to choose all of them?
I’m leaning toward Mine and Clarity. Maybe Clarity of what is Mine. 🙂
Also, I need to see you more in 2017! I BELIEVE it will help you stay BALANCED! See what I did there…
Great two words, Talya. All the best in 2018.
Reading your previous choices of a word for each, I’m impressed with the way you actually let them guide you to success. I’m still pondering the appropriate word that will express what I’m feeling. I like your idea of choosing two. I may chose a phrase that keeps running through my mind. I like your choices this year, too.