One Little Word 2020: Space

If you're new around here, welcome! If you've been here before, welcome back. In either case, I'm so very glad you're here.

Today is the start of a new year and a new decade . . . a fresh start, a new beginning . . .a new hope (Star Wars anyone??) Since 2008, I have selected a word to guide me in the upcoming year. One little word, that I choose to explore within my goals and dreams for the year. Ali Edwards is the mastermind behind this process, and a constant source of inspiration for me.

One Little Word 2019

It's that time of the year again. . .time to select a guiding word for the upcoming year. If you've been around the blog for a while, you may know that I have been a follower of this practice since way back in 2008.

Yes, ten years ago, I selected one little word, with inspiration from Ali Edwards. Every fall since then, a word has whispered at my subconscious. Last year's word was "believe." If asked, I will tell you that I am a terrible goal-setter. It isn't that I don't have goals - I do. It's that the act of writing them down and putting them into words terrifies me.

That seems silly, doesn't it? What's the big deal? Goal: I want to lose 10 pounds. Goal: I want to plan menus every week. See, I can actually do it. But those aren't my "real" goals. . .or maybe they are. Perhaps this is one of those things that I make WAY harder than it really needs to be. For that reason, I choose the One Little Word philosophy over the goal-setting, resolution-making philosophy.

One Little Word - 2017

Happy New Year everyone!

If you've been a blog reader for a while, you may know that since 2008, I've been participating in the One Little Word project. This project involves selecting one word for the year, and attempting to weave that one little word into your daily life. The project can take many forms, from scrapbooking to journaling to calendar keeping to simply being mindful of your word and its role in your life.

What's the Word? The One Little Word Project

Years ago, I used to be a scrapbooker. I used to print out all my pictures and adhere them to pretty paper with colorful ribbons and heartfelt journaling. That is in fact, how this very blog was born. All the "cool" scrapbooking gurus had blogs, and I thought I could that too, so I did.

Fastforward to today, where I do not scrapbook like I'd like to, even though Project Life makes it so much easier. I do however still follow those creative rockstars that got me started on my journey to where I am today. If you are not a crafter, names like Cathy Zielske, Ali Edwards and Stacy Julian may not mean anything to you. But these ladies have not only fabulous creativity, they are wicked smart too and run creative businesses that have grown and evolved with the times.

How To Make Simple Wire Word Art

This post contains affiliate links

We recently purchased some thin, copper-colored wire for a science fair project. Since we finished the project, it's been lying in my craft cart. Calling to me. But I'm no jewelry maker, so I was stumped about what to do with it. Then all of a sudden I had an idea - why not use some to make the word joy? (my one little word for 2015)

All you need is a pair of wire cutters and some wire (this wire came from the beading section at Michael's). The first thing I did was hand write my word on a piece of paper so I could get an idea for how to mold the wire.

Next, I started turning the wire to match the shape of my word. I didn't cut a piece of the wire off, as I wasn't sure of the length of wire I would need. I just kept turning the wire around this way and that, following my template, with the pincers of the wire cutters.

Once my word was close, I used the wire cutters to manipulate part of my letters a little more and made curlicues on each end.

Now I can use this on a card, or an altered canvas or just hand it up at my desk to remind me of my one little word.

Have you made anything crafty with wire?

catch you soon -

One Little Word - 2015

Since 2008, as each new year has rolled around, rather than making resolutions that I can't keep (or choose not to keep), I have selected a word to guide me. Each year, that one little word has provided me with a sort of framework to navigate the year, and then stays with me at year's end.

This year, my one little word is joy.

Three simple letters.

Why joy you may wonder? Well, first of all, this was one of those years where my word chose me. I started my journey with essential oils almost 5 months ago, and one of my favorites was Young Living's Joy. The thought of diffusing that into my home and having everyone feel a little happier was too much for me to ignore. That was the first time I thought, "joy may be a good word for 2015."

Next, while I was holiday shopping, I was constantly drawn to the word. . .Joy to the World after all. I had John search every Target in our area for the lighted marquee word JOY - no other holiday sentiment would do, it had to be JOY. Each evening as I gazed at those lighted letters up on my mantle, I began to feel open to letting more joy into my life.

With my over-developed sense of right and wrong, I sometimes have a hard time seeing the joy and enjoying the moment. The boys are not babies any longer and I am in the middle part of my life - if now isn't the time to experience all the joy in my life, when is?

So joy it is for 2015. Opening myself to joy - seeing it, experiencing it, feeling it, enjoying it and savoring it.

Do you have a word for 2015?

catch you soon -

Finding Yourself - My Journey to Mindfulness

Somewhere in the middle of being a mother, wife, consultant, friend, volunteer and everything else, I've lost myself. Or I should say, I've lost touch with myself. There's precious little time for dreaming and just being and both of those things are crucial to a full well-rounded life.

This feeling of "unrest" or "restlessness" has been brewing for a while. Feeling overwhelmed by the day to day demands of my life. Not taking time for myself. And that's a choice - let me make that clear, my husband and kids fully support me doing my own thing. I just got into a cycle of putting everyone's needs before my own, and lost touch with myself.

So part of my journey this year, is to get back in touch with myself. What are my dreams? Where are John and I headed as our kids grow up and become more independent? It will be wonderful to spend time together as a couple, without our focus being on the kids.

So how am I getting back in touch with myself?

• Sticking to "office hours" as much as possible.
• Saying "yes" more to playing with my kids.
• Stopping what I'm doing to really listen to how the kids and John's day was.
• Making time for "couple time".

You could say that I'm becoming more "mindful". . .attempting to be more in the moment rather than rushing off to the next thing. But as I get older, I realize that we won't always be around, and I don't want to miss anything. I am blessed with this wonderful family around me, even when it's difficult. But it's all part of the journey.

When you feel at odds, how to do you "regroup" and get back in touch with yourself?

catch you soon -

Working Smarter - My Journey to Better Work Habits

My One Little Word for this year is Journey. One of the journeys I am taking is making smarter work decisions. I'm a WAHM these days - splitting my time between blogging, writing and online content creation and independent marketing/social media consulting. Anyone that works from home knows that there are special challenges and obstacles to overcome. In hopes of getting a better foothold on that elusive work-life balance, I have vowed to find ways to work smarter.

To kick off the new year, I have implemented a few new strategies, and after three weeks, they are working well. Let me share my strategies with you:

Strategy 1: I'm using a MomAgenda as a combination Editorial Calendar/To-Do list. It has enough space to track my schedule, my kids' schedules and work I have due for clients. It also provides a canvas for me to plan my blog's editorial calendar, so both organic and sponsored content get scheduled. Bonus with this system? There's a Weekly Dinner Menu space for my meal plans! Here's what I have learned about myself and my work habits - I need to write things down with a pencil and paper. (EDITED - just saw you can save 40% on certain planners at momagenda.com)

Strategy 2: Blocked time. I am looking at my daily to-do list and blocking off time to complete tasks. On a typical day, I have 6 hours available for "office hours". Depending on my deadlines and commitments for a particular day, I may block an hour in the morning to write, then a 15 minute household chore break, then 2 hours for client work, I may put in an hour for more chores, lunch and a quick walk/WiiFit workout. Another 2 hours for client work and/or writing and I try to be wrapped up by 3pm. Blocking time allows me to concentrate fully on the task at hand, rather than getting distracted.

Strategy 3: Shutting down social media. This one hurts, but has improved my productivity, particularly on busy days. I allow myself time in the morning and late-afternoons to catch up with my favorite groups, friends and family. Social media can be a real time suck, but it also has far-reaching benefits, both personally and professionally, so it needs attention too.

Strategy 4: Meal planning. I know. . .that is SO unglamorous, but I must confess it has helped tremendously. By planning my weekly dinners, I cut down on trips to the store (which allows for time to complete other tasks), save money, and can arrange my menu to suit our schedule. For instance, it's concert night tonight - we need to be out of the house by 6:15, so that means Trader Joe's Chicken Nuggets and Mac-n-Cheese. You can find a meal plan posted every Monday.

Those are my 4 strategies that I'm using on my journey to work smarter in 2014. As with any plan, adjustments may need to be made, and that's ok - I'm taking each day as it comes, and trying to plan out for the week and month when possible. I like to think of it as a map to help me reach my destination.

Are you working smarter this year? What are some of your strategies?

catch you soon - 

New Year - New Resolutions (or not)

There's a lot of talk about New Year's Resolutions. Lots of marketing and ad campaigns centered around saving money, losing weight and getting organized. Have you decided to conquer any of these three things for 2014?

Several years ago, I got tired of making resolutions only to feel as if I "fell short" by the end of the year. So I picked up the One Little Word campaign. I chose a word. . .simplify.

Rather than an elaborate plan to simplify my entire life, I adopted that one little word as a guiding principle. I let it take hold of places in my life that needed simplifying. And you know what happened? Magic. I simplified several areas, felt successful and continue to search for ways I can simplify my everyday.

And ever since then, when January 1st rolls around, I let one simple word lead my navigation through the upcoming year. In the end, I have more successes that enhance my life, and that of my family.

For #vlogmom this week, here's a brief video on my thoughts about making (and keeping) resolutions.



I'd love to hear your thoughts - do you make resolutions? Why or why not?

catch you soon -

One Little Word - 2014

And just like that. . .the perfect word just jumps out and grabs a hold of you. . .that's how you know you've chosen wisely (or did it choose you?)

If you've been around the blog for a while, you may know that rather than make new year's resolutions, I choose a word. The inspiring Ali Edwards set me on this course, and I have chosen to follow it for 6 years (since 2008). Some years, the word flows through my life regularly. Sometimes - it hits in flashes of clarity.

Either way, for me this is the best way to set my course for the upcoming year, and for 2014, my One Little Word is Journey.

Journey - an act of traveling from one place to another

Where will 2014 take me? I am excited to see where my journey will lead this year. My journey of work in blogging and social media, my journey as half of a married couple, my journey as a mother to two wonderful boys, my journey as a woman . . . we set upon the path of many journeys in our lives, and this year, I plan to pay attention to mine - to chart a course if you will.

I hope you'll join me in my journey this year - I plan to check in here with you once a month.

Are you selecting a word to guide you this year? What's your One Little Word?

catch you soon -

One Little Word 2013 - Check In

Since this is the sixth week of 2013, I thought it was time to check in with my One Little Word and see how it's going.

If you recall, my chosen word for the year is FOCUS. My overall goal is to try to focus on the things that are most important to me. To let other things go, and not get mired and caught up in things that truly don't matter to the big picture.

In the first six weeks of the year, I have chosen to focus on a few things:

Fitness and Health - I am walking 1-3 times a week, incorporating yoga into my routine, attempting to remember to do a #plankaday, drinking more water and remembering to take my vitamins. While none of this is new or earth-shattering. . .I am "focused" on these few things for ling-term change and benefit.

Career - I have kept up with my Editorial Calendar for my blog, falling into a Meal Plan Monday and #vlogmom Thursday posting ritual, while preparing additional content for the other weekdays.  I am using a Daily Hit List to keep up with daily to-dos. I need to better focus on acquiring a few new social media clients, and writing gigs.

Family - I have kept up with meal planning, and incorporated a monthly calendar into my routine for long-range planning. Meal planning saves us time and money and is a definite win. We are working on more family time, relaxing and just hanging out and enjoying each other more often. Trying to focus on just being a family.

These are the three areas I've worked on my FOCUS for so far in 2013. I believe in making a few well-chosen long-range goals, then taking small focused steps to achieve them. Life is constantly throwing us curves, and we need to remain mindful of our goals, and think about the best way to navigate the curves and get back on track.

Did you set goals, make resolutions or chose One Little Word for 2013? If so, I'd love to hear how you are doing and how you keep yourself "focused" on achievement.

catch you soon -

#vlogmom | More on Resolutions

I'm back. . .I missed last week's #vlogmom prompt, but I am back and "focused" on keeping up with the weekly prompts.

This wee's #vlogmom prompt comes from Stacey over at Tree Root and Twig.  Stacey asked us, "Do you believe in making New Year's Resolutions? Why or Why not? And if you made them for 2013, what are they?"


So, what say you? Did you make resolutions?

catch you soon -

How-To : Being Mindful

Last week, before our monthly Home-School Partnership meeting, a couple teachers gave a presentation about Mindfulness and how they are using the principles in school to help with behavior and learning.

"Mindfulness" means paying attention to what is happening in the PRESENT moment.

The first thing I thought of was, what great timing this was since my One Little Word for this year is "FOCUS". 

The teachers were instructed in how to use these practices and then taught fellow teachers in hopes of inspiring more teachers to use the principles of mindfulness in their classrooms.

In the classrooms, the kids are provided with thirteen "lessons" on different aspects of mindfulness, such as the Mindful Body Position.  This means they should push back from their desks, with eyes closed and being still.  The teachers said they practice this every day. . .it starts small, maybe 30 seconds or less.  And each child is encouraged to do their best. . .some kids can do 2 minutes, some only 10 seconds. . .and both are ok.  The key is owning it and paying attention to it - right in the moment.

After a lesson, there are jouranling prompts for the children to think about how they felt during the lesson.  The lessons include, Mindful Breathing, Thoughts, Heartfulness, Mindful Seeing,  Mindful Generosity, Mindful Gratefulness, Mindful Movement, Emotions, Body Scan Sensations, Mindful Eating, Mindfulness on the Playground, Mindful Quizzes and Tests, and the last lesson is putting everything in your Mindfulness Toolbox.

Imagine a classroom of second graders, all taking a mindful minute before a test. . .

While these practices are amazing in the classroom, they apply to all of us, in our everyday lives as well.  We are so busy multi-tasking and jumping ahead to the next challenge, that we often times forget to slow down and enjoy what is happening right now.  Being mindful of our bodies and our thoughts.

So today, take just a minute, and think about right now.  Pay attention to your breathing, and check in with yourself.  A mini-meditation if you will.  A mindful meditation.

catch you soon -

#vlogmom | Resolutions

The first #vlogmom prompt for 2013 comes from Alissa over at Clever Compass.  Alissa asked us, "What are your resolutions for 2013?"

catch you soon -

One Little Word. . .2013

Rather than make (and break) New Year's resolutions, for the past several years I have participated in a project, created by Ali Edwards called One Little Word.

The idea of the project is to select a word that will exemplify how you wish to live during the year.  A single term, that you can channel goals from various parts of your life into.

As Ali says, "You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities."

This year, my chosen word is "FOCUS".

Last year my word was "create" . . . I created a new career for myself, several new processes around my home and a new method for preserving and telling my story.  This year, I'm planning to take those newly created processes, and "focus" on the things, people and events that are the most important to me.

I hope you will join me in my journey.  At this point, I am planning a once-a-month check in, here on the blog, to see how I'm doing with my word.

I've been participating in this adventure since 2008 . . .

2008 - simplify
2009 - harmony
2010 - gratitude
2011 - soar
2012 - create

Update:  Thanks to Angela over at Untrained Housewife, I contacted Melanie from Only a Breath, and she made this wonderful button for me.  I am SO thrilled to have this to put on my blog and include on my monthly updates and check-ins with my word.

If you participate in One Little Word, I hope you will leave me a comment with your word - and better yet, a link to why you chose it.

catch you soon -

one little word. . .2012

my word for 2012 is create. . .

last year I truly lived my word. . .I soared into a new career for myself. . .this year I want to enjoy taking that giant step closer to my dreams, and create more things in my life. . .

create a comfortable and calm living environment
create an achievable method of preserving our family story
create a more healthy lifestyle

create. . .the life of my dreams

what will your word be for 2012?

you can see past posts about One Little Word or check out Ali Edwards. 

catch you soon -

wordless wednesday. . .

GO PHILLIES!!

catch you soon -

One Little Word 2011 . . .

this was waiting for me when I got home yesterday. . .

i was so excited - i have a mad-talented friend that makes incredible jewelry and art. i have purchased several pieces for myself and as gifts in the last few years.  i love each piece.

when i embarked on my one little word journey. . .i approached her about a charm with my word on it.  i had noticed at her holiday open house - that she was doing monogrammed and tagged pieces.  she agreed to see what she could do -

and now - i can finally soar. . .because i have the amulet i needed to inspire me. . .

i feel lighter already. . .

you can check out Alexis here - she is truly a wonderful artist, mom, woman and friend.

catch you soon -

One Little Word 2011 . . .

i completed my album title page for my one little word project

as you can see from my "just like Ali" approach. . ."soaring" will not be an easy task for me. . .I am afraid. . .of what can go wrong. . .of failing. . .it is not my nature to "soar". . .but I want to. . .

so I'm trying to remember it - everyday - just a little. . .

soar

catch you soon -

One Little Word 2011 . . .

my word for 2011 is soar

in years past, I've challenged myself to select a word - pressure to pick just the right word - a word I could live everyday for an entire year. . .

this year - i knew my word the moment i saw this piece by the esteemed Donna Downey.

it's my year to soar and that is my intention.

are you joining along?  what is your word?

(to learn more about the One Little Word project, click here and here)

catch you soon -