My Word

In the latest Ali Edwards Newsletter she talked about finding a word...a word for you.

"one little word

A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.

Last fall in issue two of this newsletter I wrote about the power of words and gave my top ten tips for getting those words down when you are scrapbooking. Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.

Last year I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January - a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. My word was play.

I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear - about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities. "

This is a great concept & I have chosen to find my word. I thought about it for over a day...mostly at night while I was trying to fall asleep. I found it. It was right there in front of my face.

The previous day I created a digital layout about happiness. I then put up my new calendar for 2007 & the page for January says "Happiness should belong to you always." Adele Basheer. I then opened up my e-mail & read Ali's newsletter .

Happiness

That is my word for 2007.

hap·pi·ness /ˈhæpinɪs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hap-ee-nis]

–noun

1.	the quality or state of being happy.

2.	good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

—Synonyms 1, 2. pleasure, joy, exhilaration, bliss, contentedness, delight, enjoyment, satisfaction.

It is something that I want to strive towards. Happiness with myself, my life and I think this is the year for it.

So what's your word?