Do you choose a Word of the Year? The tradition of choosing “One Little Word” (or OLW) instead of making resolutions at the beginning of a year first started with Ali Edwards. She inspired a lot of people who follow the ‘One Little Word’ tradition now. The idea is to choose one word to symbolize the intention you have for the new year. Just one little word that you can focus on, mediate on and reflect upon. A word to use as a touchstone…
Over the last years, I choose several words (and sometimes – most of the times – the word choose me… it ‘came to me’ by the end of each year so to speak) and I discovered how powerful these words can be. I picked some ‘wrong’ words in the past that slapped me right in the face, so now I’m always a bit afraid when the New Year approaches and I start thinking about a word. NOT having a word is not an option, as I like the ‘focus’ a word gives during the year. Last year I choose a sentence, but I found that not as powerful as one word, so for 2016 I choose again just one word:
I had it on my mind for a while now and it won’t go so MOVE will be my word for 2016.
I decided to use the English word and not the Dutch translation as in Dutch the word does not represent all the meanings that it covers in English.
- MOVE because I want my art to move people in some way – create art that comes from my emotion and touches others.
- MOVE because I have to move on from last year. It was a tough and difficult year and it took a toll on me. I want to move on and move forward.
- MOVE because I live in a bad neighborhood right now and I hope to be able to move to better place this year.
- MOVE my body… I need to loose some pounds… going for long walks more often will help
All in all: Move onto bigger and better things!
When I commented on Quinn McDonald’s OLW post back in December, letting her know which word I’d pick, she responded with this comment: “Words that have multiple meanings, like Move, give us so many choices. I’m loving yours because I know the growth that has preceded it.” Quinn felt where the word came from and the intention and possibilities in it. I feel blessed to ‘know’ – and be known by – someone that I’ve never met in person but still consider my friend. Thank you Quinn.
As you may know, I use the first page of every Chronicles art journal to reflect on my word at the beginning of the year. Here’s the first page in my Chronicles for 2016 (pictures of this new, handbound, journal can be found in this post.)
Did you pick a Word for 2016? I’m curious to hear yours; tell me about it in a comment.
Quinn says
I’d love to meet in person some time. It would be fun to spend a few hours doing creative work! I’ve felt close to you for a long time–your vulnerability, your honesty–it’s refreshing.
Marit says
You never know Quinn… I might win the lottery and if so, I’ll come visit you for sure! “Phoenix” had always attracted me for it’s name – it has such a melanchonic sound to it (I think that’s because of the song “by the time I get to Phoenix”…)
nel (florenel) says
I don’t have a word for this year, only for this first month of 2016.
My word is: grateful.
So many things in my life have changed in an incredible positive way.
Aimeslee says
I did The Word for years, then quit for a few. Last month, the word Mindfulness butted into my consciousness and refused to leave. So I suppose that’s my word. I am interfacing it with Scripture Journaling (art journaling inspired by my study, as opposed to actual journaling in a Bible). I’ve discovered that Watching and Waiting are 2 biblical forms of mindfulness. Never looked at it that way before, and it’s only been 11 days! I’m feeling a lot of energy in 2016, so, Marit, I’ve every reason to believe that you will be movin’ on up to that deeee-luxe apartment in the sky, this is your year to Move! Have a good week, xoxo.
iHanna says
Thanks for your comment on my word, I consider you a friend far away too! Move sounds like a lot of work to me, I find “moving the body” one of the hardest challenges but one I need to take too! 🙂 I hope you are moved in many and awesome ways this year, on purpose and by luck, we’re all moving somewhere…