Here's the post I wrote in 2013 before selecting my first One Little Word:
"I'm awash in words. How to CHOOSE just one? I've never done this
before, but I've loved reading your posts about choosing one little word
for the year. As I REFLECT on 2012, I can sum up my incredible journey
with the word plunge. March was the month that my students and I took
the plunge to write every day. I had never posted to Two Writing
Teachers before, but with an incredible group of students by my side, I
joined this group and I've never looked back.
It's been fun to DISCOVER that I'm a writer. I SAVOR Tuesdays when I
join my fellow bloggers to LISTEN. Your words ENCOURAGE, ENRICH, and
INSPIRE me. I feel your EMBRACE through the kind words you leave on my
blog.
I'm in search of a FOCUS that will help me CAPTURE the GROWTH that
beckons for 2013. I want to become less scattered and find more
BALANCE, to go SLOW, to CELEBRATE more often.
I love words, so this task of choosing just one is overwhelming! I'm
trying to DECIDE which word calls loudest to me. And I think it's the
word that has no voice to call, but instead beckons me to a quieter
path, one that asks me to LISTEN to my own voice more often, to trust
that I can make progress bit by bit in this new year, to LISTEN to the
voices around me, and to LISTEN for the gentle spiritual promptings that
can guide me on my daily journey.
I plan to spend a few days LISTENING before I commit to my one little word for 2013."
And here's the poem I've added to as I've selected a word each year:
Listen to the stillness,
Savor the present moment,
Stretch to grow, and always
Abide in His love to
Nourish my soul and reach out in love.
Delight in small moments and simple pleasures,
Try, a gentle word inviting growth and change.
Light becomes a beacon during difficult times,
Comfort wraps me in a year of coping with loss,
Clear, a call to deal with my stuff.
Gather is stuffed into a box for the NC move,
Gather pleads for more time and another year.
Be, an opportunity to focus on the moment
And my word for 2026?
Here's a list of the current contenders:
steady, care, reach, authentic
strength, hold, energy, commitment
rhythm, focus, ease, playful,
shine, serenity, hope, appreciation
Stop by on Thursday for my SJT (Spiritual Journey Thursday) post and the unveiling of 2026's OLW.
And now I'm off to read your posts for this new year!
This is such a beautiful slice. Mapping out your journey to choose a word in 2013 and the poem that holds the collection of your OL words. This is so special. I'm off to find my collection, the words mean and do so much. I'll seek out your choice for 2026, it will be another special one, the collection looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a journey you have shared. The process and the decision-making is always important.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your choice!
You have given your OLWs empowerment by grouping them in their own poem that describes your own life's changes, moves and regrouping. I will stop by to find out where your have "landed" on Spiritual Thursday.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Such a clever way to share your OWLs past. I read your list for 2026 and "rhythm" stood out to me. I'm always talking about rhythm in writing. I walk with music and find the rhythm keeps me going. And one of my favorite spots is the coast where the rhythm of the waves and of the tides always reset my inner being. So I cast my vote for "rhythm." Hmmm. Maybe I should make it my OWL.
ReplyDeleteI love how you did this! And what a tease you are! ;) I don't even know I I can list mine in order although I can probably name them. I think this calls for a notebook entry!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I'm glad to be back to writing again!
ReplyDeleteYour post is inspiring and insightful. It is interesting how one word flows from and to the next one.
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