One little word: Discipline

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
 ~ Lao-tzu

One little word: a look ahead to 2011

I've never really liked New Year's resolutions. But Ali Edwards' one little word concept appeals to me. Choose one word to invite into your life and see where it leads you.

Choosing my word this year hasn't been easy. There are two that jumped to the forefront and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Discipline.
Spontaneity.

To choose the first and live with it successfully for a year might lead to feeling satisfied and accomplished.
For years I've thought I lacked discipline. I start all kinds of things that never get finished. I sign up for online classes with a burst of enthusiasm which dwindles as the days pass. I start tracking my Weight Watchers points on Monday and let it slide by week's end. I know I need to add a couple of days of cardio to my exercise regime but it never happens. I haven't been able to sustain a daily spiritual practice. I can't even take my vitamins every morning for longer than a week or two!

To choose the second would probably be more fun! How many times have I said or thought, "Let's.........." or "Why don't I........." only to talk myself out of it? Why not just let go and be joyful and childlike?

I can't decide. I've got about 24 hours to make up my mind.

One little word: A look back at 2010

The one little word I chose for the year was "fearless". My intention was to be more open to new experiences, to not allow myself to be restricted by fear. There were no dramatic mountaintop moments, but I did try some new things (acupuncture, for one) and say "yes" more than once when asked to do something out of my comfort zone. While I didn't keep myself laser-focused on my word, I never completely lost sight of it either. In fact, the universe dropped it right at my feet this summer when we were visiting the New Museum in New York City. There was an installation by Rivane Neuenschwander called "I Wish, You Wish." Hundred of ribbons printed with the wishes of previous gallery visitors were hanging from the walls. We were invited to randomly select a ribbon and then replace it with a new wish written on a strip of paper. The blue ribbon I pulled from the wall read, " I wish my fears would not limit my actions."

One little word

"Let me pray not to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them." -- Rabindranath Tagore



A few years ago, Ali Edwards (the scrapbooking/memory keeper guru) started a tradition of choosing one word each January to focus on over the course of the year. One word to keep in mind as she went about her daily life.


This idea really appeals to me and the word that popped into my head today was "fearless". Just the thought of living for a year with that one little word as my guide scares me. Which makes me think it is the right choice.

Here's a video by the Buddhist author, Susan Piver, describes exactly what "fearless" means to me.


I plan to create two scrapbook layouts --one at the beginning of the year to express my intention and the second one at the end to reflect on the process and the influence that living with purposeful fearlessness has on my life.

As you consider making resolutions at the start of the new year, I challenge you to join me in this twist on tradition. Choose one word -- or as Ali says, let it choose you. Live by this word and at the end of 2010, reflect on what kind of impact it had on your life. I'd love to know which words speak to you. Please share your choice in the comments...................or keep it close to your heart.



I wish you all a very happy New Year!